NYC, return to Manhattan

It's been a loooooong time since I was in NYC. Something on the order of 12 years. A lot has changed for the city but not my 'idea' of what the city is or was for that matter. Yes, Maddie and I went to Ground-Zero. Not a lot to see, a big construction fence around a deep hole.

The area itself doesn't look all that bad - except one of the surrounding buildings that was clearly part of the WTC complex itself. It took what looks like a bunch of shrapnel. Anyway, it wasn't all the eerie or somber but there were reminders of all those who lost their lives all around NYC. While waling in Central Park, a Fire Engine passed by with a plaque of those heroic firefighters that were lost on Sept. 11. Memorial signs and well wishes were also in evidence. My best to the families who still live in that tragic moment - may you one day find peace.

But the more cheerful version of why we were there - the 1986 NY Met's 20th Anniversary of their World Series Win! It was an early Christmas gift for Maddie. Her team was brought together for an exclusive deal through the unique By Invitation Only circle. We were two of 100 tickets allowed to be sold to mix and mingle with the team at the world famous 21 Club

So most of the team showed up - minus Doc who is *somewhat* unable to attend. But the best picture we got was when Maddie asked Davey Johnson to "take our picture" which at first he thought take a picture with him but then he got it, she wanted him to take our photo. So here it is a picture from the winning manager of the '86 World Series:

Just a tad on the 'to the left' side but good enough. Later on I will make more pictures of the event available but suffice it to say Maddie and I had a great time. Maddie got to meet and hang out with numerous players from her most favorite team, from their best year, and I got to see her have a great evening she never would have had without me!

There was a ton of buildings that caught my eye in Manhattan, of course there is that seriously tall one and then there is the super pointy one and there were several that just didn't belong but again, you will have to cruise on by my picassa picture spot later on after I upload them. for now let me leave you with this: Sure the W Hotel is generally a hip place to stay but their service was horrid (typical for NY?) and the room was a touch tiny - even compared to many of the European hotel rooms I have stayed. Stay across the street instead.

PS - a toasted corn muffin is one of life's simple pleasures and 'just a few more blocks' in New York can mean you are walking for 3 miles and never catch one of those damn cabs.