NoNames Xmas Vacation (A Little Bit Of Everywhere)

[NoName]

Day 15





Up pretty early and straight into it.



Short walk to the subway again and all the way down to battery park. We wanted to get some views of the Statue of Liberty without wanting to do it on an official tour any anything like that. So why not tick off another box and take the Staten Island Ferry.



Waited about 5 minutes for the next ferry and then climbed aboard. Its fair to say the views across the bay were stunning.

Ellis Island




There she is!



25 Minutes later and we were pulling in to the terminal at Staten Island. Hopped off and went for a short walk around the shore line.

Staten Island 9-11 Memorial





Manhattan views from Staten Island




We had plenty more walking planned for the day so chose not to look much further around Staten Island. Back to the ferry, straight on and 25 minutes later we were back we we started at battery park.

 

[NoName]

Day 15 – Continued…………………





Next we began our walk through lower Manhattan. We were headed in the general direction of the world trade center site with plenty of photo stops.




The charging bull



The first of many spectacular xmas trees we saw around the city – NYSE Xmas Tree




From here we continued up Broadway and before long were at the world trade center site.
1 World Trade Center



We had talked to NoName Jnr about what happened in 2001 but not sure he entirely understood. Probably not surprising for a 9 year old. He kept asking why someone would do something like that. Good question. Sometimes children just nail it!



The lunch plan was to find a restaurant in Chinatown so we popped into the Oculus just across the road and took the train up to Canal St.

 

[NoName]

Day 15 – Continued………………….




A few stops and we were emerging at Canal St. We wandered around for a bit and have to say the area was bustling.




We found a restaurant that appealed and ducked in. Ming Wong in Mott St was the choice today. Ordered a bunch of dishes that ended up being way too much for us but price was very reasonable so no complaints. Oh and food was excellent too. Unfortunately it appears we are without photos.

Next stop was a walk across the bridge Brooklyn Bridge so we took a walk in that direction. First through Columbus Park with a number of groups of older Chinese playing some form of poker.








Ten minutes later and we were walking up to the bridge, along with everyone else in the city it seemed. Despite what a couple of the photos will suggest, the crowd of walkers was quite large. Made it slow going, particularly when everyone had the same idea as us and were taking what seemed like hundreds of photos.

 

[NoName]

Day 15 – Continued…………………





We got to the middle of the bridge and continued walking. We were heading to Brooklyn after all.





Eventually we got to the other side of the bridge and hooked a sharp left. A few blocks later we were in DUMBO which for those who don’t know is a neighbourhood on the shoreline inbetween the Brooklyn & Manhattan bridges. It’s a former industrial area which has been gentrified with buildings converted into apartments and the like.

We walked around a few of the streets taking photos of the sites etc. There was some kind of street market going on with a reasonable sized crowd. A few food truck type vendors and of course we had to grab an ice cream. Soft serve with sprinkles for an outrageous US$7 each. Oh well!




Manhattan views from Main St Park




Under the Manhattan Bridge and up towards the train station.

 

[NoName]

Day 15 – Continued……………….







From here we found the nearest station and hopped on. It was time to give NoName Jnr his first look at Times Square. 9 stops later and emerged in the thick of it! Very crowded. Made worse with several sections blocked with temporary new years eve infrastructure – stages, broadcast area etc.

Popped into the M&M store to satisfy NoName Jnr and of course had to purchase some of the goods. Once done there we ducked a block over to continue the walk back to the hotel in slightly (and I do mean slightly) thinned out crowds. Up 6th Ave for the last 10 blocks for a rest in our room.

 

[NoName]

Day 15 – Continued…………………..





A couple of hours later we emerged ready to go ice skating. Well that was the plan but didn’t come to fruition. Straight across the road and made the short walk through the park to Wollman Rink. We had made the mistake of not booking tickets in advance and when we saw a line for walkups that appeared to be a few hundred metres long we knew it wasn’t going to happen. All good, it wasn’t a must do. We walked around to get a view of the rink and it did look amazing. Full of people skating around (much better than we would have been it has to be said) having fun.

Now it was time to grab something to eat. Walked back towards the hotel and then continued on. Found a giro van several blocks down the street where we were walking. Reasonable value and tasted great. Was called The Halal Guys for anyone interested. Located around 55th street (approx from memory) and 6th Ave. Next up was another one on everyone’s xmas time list – the Rockefeller Christmas Tree. The tree is located at 30 Rockefeller Plaza and Wikipedia informs me that it’s viewed by more than half a million people each day it’s on display. I can believe that, the crowd around the area was unbelievable!

Very very slowly we were able to move through the crowd. Back up 5th Avenue (did I mention slowly?) to the hotel and into bed.

Saks 5th Avenue Light Display

St Patrick’s Cathedral

 

[drron]

A bit sad that NYC has basically had the same Christmas decorations up for ~ 20 years.

The Halal Guys are a NYC institution. They have had that spot for years and later in the night usually a long line of customers. I used to duck out of the Hilton if I was still feeling peckish late at night.

 

[NoName]

Day 16




Day 3 in NYC and we were out the door early. Onto the train then off at 14th St for the short walk to Chelsea Market. We visited here previously so won’t go into too much detail. We basically just walked through looking at the (mostly closed) shops while enjoying a couple of hot chocolates and breakfast burritos. The drinks were from some random café that was opening right as we walked past – no complaints – while the burritos were from a Mexican cantina type venue. The restaurant area was closed but they had set up a small food stall type station to sell breakfast options. These were great and although I can’t remember the name, I would recommend.





Next on the itinerary was Little Island which was a short walk nearby. This is a public park build on a man-made island. Not man-made in the reclaimed land sense but built on top of pot-shaped structures which stand on concrete pilings built into the river bed. It looks very cool and it was. It was only opened in 2021 so was a new addition since our last visit. We took a walk around the paths and it was a lot of fun with some great views out across the Hudson river.

 

[NoName]

Day 16 – Continued………………





A few blocks away was the Highline and since it would take us to other sites we were wanting to see we figured it was worth walking. Again, I reviewed this the last time Mrs NoName & I were here together so won’t get into huge detail about it. I will say that I find it to be a great use of the area. Its lined with beautiful gardens and art and I found it an enjoyable walk.










We got to the end of the Highline and came to The Vessel at Hudson Yards. This was another attraction that was new since our last visit. I thought it was an interesting structure but didn’t really appeal to me beyond a photo op. Could walk inside on the ground level but wasn’t able to go up to the higher levels as its been closed for 18 months. I had read previously that the closure was due to multiple suicides which puts a bit of a dampener on the whole thing.

 

[NoName]

Day 16 – Continued………………….





Nearby was Hudson Yards subway station which we entered to take the 7 train. We were going to Queens to it was going to be quite a ride – around 45 minutes – all the way to the end of the line. It was lunch time and given that Flushing has an even bigger Chinatown than Manhattan, we thought we may as well eat there. We emerged at Main St and went to find a suitable restaurant.




Unfortunately no photos and can’t seem to find the name of the restaurant but the story was the same as yesterday – ordered too much but food was great.

Back to the train station and on again back one stop to Mets-Willets Point. I had visited the Queens Museum on my 2018 trip and had been blown away by the Panorama of the City of New York. I wanted the others to see it too. We took the walk through Corona Park past the tennis centre and into the museum.





The Queens Museum:



Just like I had been, Mrs NoName was blown away. The panorama is really something to behold. The level of detail in creating tens of thousands of tiny scale model buildings, bridges, parks and other structures is extremely impressive. We spent maybe half an hour making our way around the walkway on the perimeter of the room looking at different parts of the city. NoName Jnr was fascinated as I pointed out the various places we had visited over the last couple of days. Pretty sure I said this in my last review but I would highly recommend a visit to the museum. Its brilliant!

 

[NoName]

Day 16 – Continued……………….




It was now mid-afternoon and with something planned for the early evening we were back on the train and soon enough back at the hotel for a quick rest. We freshened up, got changed then walked down to the Radio City Music Hall. We were going to see the Radio City Rockettes! Mrs NoName had organised this one and it was a great choice.




It came time to enter the theatre and the lines of people began marching in. Up to our level, grabbed some refreshments and took our seat. The theatre was great, large with all seats from what I could see having excellent views of the stage.





The show began and I have to say, this was very enjoyable. Really entertaining and the singing and dancing was really impressive. Essentially it was Santa and other characters telling a Christmas story, joining the stars of the show – the Rockettes. The group of maybe 40 women tap-dancers performed various different choreographed scenes. Throughout the show there were multiple outfit changes where they wore anything from royal guard costumes to reindeer outfits. It was brilliant!






The show came to an end and we decided that our night was at an end too. It was only early but with a late one planned for the next night we chose to get a good rest. Grabbed another giro for dinner on the way back to the hotel and when we got there it was bed.

 

[VPS]

Day 16 – Continued……………….




It was now mid-afternoon and with something planned for the early evening we were back on the train and soon enough back at the hotel for a quick rest. We freshened up, got changed then walked down to the Radio City Music Hall. We were going to see the Radio City Rockettes! Mrs NoName had organised this one and it was a great choice.

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It came time to enter the theatre and the lines of people began marching in. Up to our level, grabbed some refreshments and took our seat. The theatre was great, large with all seats from what I could see having excellent views of the stage.

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The show began and I have to say, this was very enjoyable. Really entertaining and the singing and dancing was really impressive. Essentially it was Santa and other characters telling a Christmas story, joining the stars of the show – the Rockettes. The group of maybe 40 women tap-dancers performed various different choreographed scenes. Throughout the show there were multiple outfit changes where they wore anything from royal guard costumes to reindeer outfits. It was brilliant!

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The show came to an end and we decided that our night was at an end too. It was only early but with a late one planned for the next night we chose to get a good rest. Grabbed another giro for dinner on the way back to the hotel and when we got there it was bed.

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I was in NYC at the beginning of December and someone talked me out of the Rockettes. Wish I’d gone now

great photos bringing back memories

 

[NoName]

Day 17





Today was new years eve and it was going to be a long one! We were just hoping NoName Jnr could cope. We were out the door by 8 and walking towards Times Square as we were curious to see what sort of security measures existed some 16hrs before the new year. Well, we got 5 or 6 blocks down 7th avenue before we were met with police barricades. Only people working or staying at hotels in the area allowed in.

Along the way we passed the hotel we stayed at the first time we came to NYC. Ah memories!



The first police barricade.



With our path blocked we had to go one block over to 6th Avenue to continue our walk. Passed a few keen revellers who had already been waiting in line for a few hours to be allowed into the ball drop area. They were keen, especially given the wet weather. Not for us.

Continued on to Bryant Park where they had a winter market set up. We got a couple of pastries for breakfast.



Continued walking down 42nd St for a few blocks.

One Vanderbilt



Grand Central Station




United Nations General Assembly

 

[NoName]

Day 17 – Continued………………..




We ducked back a block and continued walking down 2nd Avenue.



Sports always captures his attention.








The street numbers became steadily smaller which meant we were getting close.



Seinfeld fans will know this as the Nexus of the Universe!

 

[NoName]

Day 17 – Continued…………………







Our lunch venue today was somewhere I’d been longing to go back to but Mrs NoName had been dreading. On our honeymoon in 2012 we ate at Katz’s Deli and I made the mistake of ordering a salami sandwich instead of pastrami. Mrs NoName complained no end that it was dry and she didn’t like it so resisted going back ever since. But today I had got my way and we were eating here once more.



I lined up and ordered while the other two grabbed a table. Didn’t make the same mistake as last time – pastrami sandwich on rye.





Got back to the table and we all dug in. Well the reaction this time was a 180 from 10 years ago. Everyone loved it.





Once done we continued walking.

 

[NoName]

Day 17 – Continued…………………..




Next up was one for NoName Jnr – the Museum Of Ice Cream. We arrived to find a line to get in which we hadn’t expected. I thought we could just get tickets at the door but apparently it was quite popular today and basically sold out. They limit the number of people inside at any time and your ticket gives you an entry time. We had a look online and yep, virtually all times were taken until later in the afternoon. That was when I searched for 3 tickets though, when I put in 2 I was able to jag entry in 15 minutes time. Mrs NoName was thrilled to be able to go shopping instead of having to come inside so it was a win for everyone! Cost wasUS$36 per person plus the usual tax and booking fee which I don’t even want to think about. All up it was expensive for what it was.



Our time came and we were allowed in. First stop was the reception which offered complimentary strawberry hot chocolates. They were good. I had 3.


Next a host took us in and gave a quick talk about ice cream. Honestly, I don’t think anyone was listening. We all just wanted to get to the free samples.




The came soon enough. We were all sent through the next door and then were able to explore the museum at our leisure. First up was some soft serve with cookie dough bits on top.



We continued through the museum looking at several displays. They were mainly just about the history of ice cream, different types of ice cream, random fact about ice cream interspersed with 4 or 5 different stations with the samples. You could have as much as you wanted to, no restriction.

Got to what was probably the most fun part of the museum – a slide down a couple of levels

There was one more sample station and then were entered the sprinkle pool. This was just a pool filled with sprinkle-shaped bits of foam. Just like one of those ball rooms at play rooms for young kids.

And that was it, we were done here. How to rate the Museum of Ice Cream? It was enjoyable, especially for the kids. But would I come back or go out of my way to visit it? Probably not. If you’re in the area and have a child in toe then I’d say it is worth a look.

We gave Mrs NoName a call to come back and meet us, then it was back on the train for a late-afternoon sleep before the end of year festivities.

 

[NoName]

Day 17 – Continued…………………….





When we had originally been planning what to do on new years eve we had wanted to go to one of the parties at a restaurant night next to the ball drop in Time Square. Bubba Gump Shrimp did not particularly appeal for the quality of its cuisine but it is right next to the ball and reviews of past years suggested that it would be possible to go outside and view the big moment from a spot that the general public would have to arrive 12-15 hoursbeforehand to view. The price was going to be into the 4 figures per person plus several hundred dollars for a babysitter for NoName Jnr but this was a once in a lifetime thing. That was the plan anyway.

September rolled around and I received the email notifying me that tickets were on sale. I read through it carefully because as it noted, there were no refunds for any reason. One piece of information caught my eye: the building was undergoing renovations and there would be no view of the ball from inside the restaurant this year. Well, that was basically the entire reason for going there. While a little disappointed, we bit the bullet and tossed this idea into the bin. On the plus side though we just saved around $4,000 by doing something else.

What we settled on was a nice dinner as a family followed by watching the midnight fireworks in central park. We looked around for something we would all like and that was close by and in the end we came back to somewhere I had been previously – Quality Meats. I reviewed this last time but it was a more extensive dinner this time around. I had eaten by myself at the bar in 2018 so didn’t get to see all that was on offer. We all got dressed and walked around the corner to the restaurant. Its located on 58th St directly behind the Ritz Carlton so very convenient for us.

We walked in and grabbed a drink at the bar while we waited for our 8pm table to be ready.






We were halfway through our drinks when the waiter came to get us. Sat down, had a look at the menu before ordering.

Menu Here

Oysters to start



Steak tartare as well - excellent



Kids chicken strips and waffle fries for NoName Jnr



NY Strip for my main. This was amazing. Made even better with the truffle butter




Hanger steak with brandied cherries for Mrs NoName. She wasn’t a huge fan of this as the cherries made it too sweet for her. I had it last time and loved it so was happy to swap half way through.



We also had a bottle of red but can’t recall exactly what other than it being quite nice.

We were certainly full by the end of this and very satisfied. Total cost was US$298 including tip. The service here is excellent, waiter was very personable and provided great service. I’ve now been here twice and enjoyed it both times so would be happy to return. Definitely recommend for anyone looking for a nice steak meal.

 

[NoName]

Day 17 – Continued…………………







Dinner was done about 10pm so with 2hrs still to go before midnight we ducked back to the hotel for a short rest and to let the food settle. At 11 I was ready to go. Got the other two up and going, grabbed a couple of umbrellas from the doorman and went across the road into the Central Park. The fireworks take place at Cherry Hill & The Bow Bridge which is midway in the park at approx 72nd St. Entering the park from 6th Avenue we just followed the crowd really, they were all going in the same direction.



We got as close as we could, essentially until the crowd was dense enough that we couldn’t really go any further. Stood around in the light drizzle and awaited the show to begin. Half an hour later it did. The clock struck midnight and away it went. 30 minutes of spectacular fireworks. Our views were slightly obscured by the surrounding trees but that is probably picking for the sake of it. Great show and we were glad to have come out for it.






Once it was done the crowd dispersed and we headed back the way we had come. Got back to the hotel just before 1 and we were certainly ready to retire. Gave the umbrellas back, went upstairs and called it a night.

 

[NoName]

Day 18






Day 18 was day 1 of 2023 and we were going to the football – New York Giants v Indianapolis Colts! The weather while here in NYC had been perfect and it certainly continued today. Clear skies, sun out, around 12 degrees celsius! Beautiful! Out the door and a quick stop at a supermarket a few blocks away for some breakfast. Then on the train a couple of stops to the Port Authority Bus Terminal where we would get our bus to Met Life Stadium across the river in New Jersey. The NY Giants website had recommended getting an early bus so we were on the 10:30am departure however as it turned out this probably wasn’t necessary.

We arrived at the stadium about 25 minutes later and wow! The car parks were already full of people despite the game not starting until 1pm. The tailgates were in full swing!



We made our way to the entrance and then around the other side and up to our seats.



We were in the upper deck maybe 10 rows from the top near but not quite at the corner (if that makes sense). I had bought the tickets on the ticketmaster ticket exchange a few days before the game and price ended up being A$641 for the three of us. There were cheaper tickets and of course much more expensive tickets. Price is set by the person selling and it really is a case of the sky’s the limit in terms of what you might pay. Bottom tiers seats on the half way line could easily go for well over four figures.



Game time got closer and the teams came out onto the ground. Fair to say the crowd loved it!

And then we were underway. They certainly love their football in this country. Packed stadium and pretty much all of them going for the Giants. The game was pretty entertaining with the home team getting the result quite comfortably in the end. NoName Jnr loved it, as he does with just about every sport he comes across. We’ll definitely go again next time we visit.



Touchdown!

Giants Win!

With the game over the difficult task of getting back to Manhattan began. We followed the crowds out of the stadium and made our way over to where we had been dropped off ready for the return bus ride. Well wasn’t this going to be fun! The line was hundreds of metres long as obviously everyone who had taken the bus out here was now looking to go back and all of them at the same time. And there weren’t a plethora of busses waiting for people to hop on, at most 2 at a time which would fill up and leave while we waited for another to turn up. Not a lot to report here other than it took ages. Over an hour of waiting before we finally got to the front and into a bus followed by another hour in peak traffic back to the bus terminal. While the game finished around 4, we didn’t get back until well after 6.
We had intended to go out an look around some more but after the return experience we were pretty cooked. Instead we decided to just go back to the hotel and have an early night. On the train again for the few stops back to Columbus Circle followed by a short walk to the hotel. Grabbed another giro on the way and dinner was sorted. Relaxed in the room, bath, tv etc before the lights went off.

 

[NoName]

Day 19





Our final day in NYC which was a bit of a bummer but with a few more great destinations to come we didn’t let it get us down for too long. First activity of the morning was something that Mrs NoName & I have come to make a bit of a final day tradition and that was to visit the Top Of The Rock. I have reviewed it previously in 2016 and 2018 so won’t get into all the details other than to say the price has increased again since my last visit (although not excessively). Price was US$40 for adults & US$34 for kids up to 12yrs plus tax.

Up the elevator to the observation decks where we took in the views. And they really are amazing views! Some of my favourite!




Central Park




The iconic view of the Empire State Building