NYC Tour - Day 5 and sour grapes

[chalet05]

NYC - Day 5, September 12, 2013 (rough draft) - and sour grapes
Yesterday (Day 4) was a free day, and I stayed home. Temperature was 96 degrees!
Today started with a new bus driver who doesn't have a clue. First thing she did was 'get lost' on the way to the Holland Tunnel. The traffic was much heavier today plus she is a timid driver, so all we did was ride the bus before lunch.
For whatever reason, we didn't go to the scheduled cafe for lunch and were suddenly dropped off and told there was food across the street. There were several choices.
We had a scheduled appointment to visit the 9/11 Memorial. On our way there the sky opened up and we had a brief downpour. The Memorial is a lovely 'park'.
On our way to Wall Street, we walked by Trinity Church and cemetery. I was disappointed we didn't go into either.
I have been to Wall Street before, but I had missed the plaque regarding a wall the Dutch had built to protect themselves from enemies. There is evidence of this wall in the pavement. Again, my ancestors were part of that Dutch community so I need to do some more reading in a book that is in storage.
Next we rode the bus to kill time and drove right by Trinity Church!!
Dinner was at Mustang Harry's. I had salmon which was very good!
Next we were dropped off at the Gershwin Theater - early - to see Wicked. I had heard so many raves about this show, but, while the performances were very good, I just didn't care for the show. I probably had an attitude when I couldn't understand the words of the songs the chorus sang or hear some of the actors' lines.
We got back the park after eleven. By the time I got settled down and ready for sleep, it was 2 a.m. Up at 7 this morning for 9 o'clock departure.

[dayspring39]

Whirlwind tour for sure... guess the first driver was not so bad after all... hope she is back today... enjoy your tour Anita...
Kathleen

[BirdbyBird]

Anita, your experiences have given me some food for thought, for sure! There are so many places to see and things to do. I have often wondered about hiring a local college student (or local retired person) to guide me through a large city on a day by day basis....... Definitely would be able to personalized it more......if I could afford it.

[havingfunnow]

I hope tomorrow (well, today, now) is better! Ellis Island is really good.

[Redwahine]

I love your blogs. They sure pack a lot into each day. I'd be exhausted. I like Tina's idea I haven't been to NYC since 1964 when I rode cross country with the community band to play at the World's Fair.

[BirdbyBird]

Red, I bet it would look different! Between your added maturity and the changes in the city....

[JoanE]

I love your blogs. They sure pack a lot into each day. I'd be exhausted. I like Tina's idea I haven't been to NYC since 1964 when I rode cross country with the community band to play at the World's Fair.

Red, I was there with our high school too! I just don't remember if it was orchestra or band. I played cello in the orchestra and was in the color guard with the marching band.

[chalet05]

Anita, your experiences have given me some food for thought, for sure! There are so many places to see and things to do. I have often wondered about hiring a local college student (or local retired person) to guide me through a large city on a day by day basis....... Definitely would be able to personalized it more......if I could afford it.

Tina, that would be an ideal situation. I wouldn't want the guide we have, but I could ask her what she charges. She actually work for a company.

I believe now that I could do NYC if I had someone to do it with. The city does become more comfortable as you watch people getting on with their daily lives. I was thinking tonight as I watched a single girl walking along a fairly dark street that she was looking at her phone and not paying any attention to what was going on around her.

[SoCalGalcas]

For what Fantasy is charging you, I'm sure you could do much better on your own. NYC is easy to get around in. The subways are great and the busses run everywhere. One just needs a good map. Advertising on this forum would be a good idea for a traveling companion to go with you. lyn

[snowball]

that is too bad that you had a not so with it driver today...hope tomorrows is better
have enjoyed what you have shared with us ...have fun
sheila

[chalet05]

For what Fantasy is charging you, I'm sure you could do much better on your own. NYC is easy to get around in. The subways are great and the busses run everywhere. One just needs a good map. Advertising on this forum would be a good idea for a traveling companion to go with you. lyn

Yes, I am very well aware of the difference in cost, but I prefer to be in my comfort zone. I tend to get turned around easy and would have spent too much time fretting plus I would not have been out after dark.