Piggie’s in the City to Never Never Land in Fire Island!

To start where we left off, yesterday we finally got some rest and did not venture out for another packed full day until 11am. Started off at a neighborhood diner called, The Mansion. Yummy veggie scrambles, fresh coffee and we were off. Another rainy day to start, we took the subway…. Danielle’s 1st(now she’s a pro). FYI- she bought an NYC umbrella a first souvenir. We are armed for the weather and an handle it all. With my “I Love NYC white plastic poncho we are total tourists.  🙂 We go all the way downtown to The 9/11 Memorial and Musuem. This was a heavy morning. Even though you know the story, watched the shows, news, seen tv footage I was overcome with a sense of heaviness, sadness, surreal moments knowing that this piece of history where 3000 lives were taken happened during our lifetime. The memorial I had been to before but had never experienced this incredible museum. What an unreal job the city of NY did to capture this day. The actual voicemail messages left for loved ones echoed in our ears as we walked past the displays. The movie clips of voices and live news footage takes your breath away still, and caused shivers and chills to go through my body. An intense 1.5 hours of our day that provoked deep conversation among us.

We exited the museum and walked towards Battery Park, the plan was to jump on a Brooklyn bound bus tour. Bus was full and last one for the day- good thing we are on the same page and fly by the seat of our pants easily. Changed course and choose to ride the Staten Island Ferry.

This to me is a hidden NYC secret, a free way to up close and personal to the Statue of Liberty. We board the Ferry(bright orange) in a major rain storm. I’m once again in full gear in this plastic white garbage bag and Danielle is a bit alarmed we are heading out to sea with lightening and thunder. 🙂 We make our way to the top deck and stand outside under cover in the fog. After about 10 min it clears up and the views behind us of the Manhattan skyline are breath taking. We snap a ton of photos of Lady Liberty and enjoy yet another adventure.

The plan was to disembark and re enter as we were just interested in a boat ride to see the SOL. We see signs saying Yankee Stadium with arrows. Danielle gets excited and is like, we are here if it’s close we must go, little did we know it was the Staten Island Yankees a minor league team, LOL. We sure had some hysterical laughter after taking pictures of this smaller stadium in disbelief. Thanks to my CUJ(crazy uncle Jeff) we got a thorough education of our big mistake. Made for many laughs…..

We board to Ferry to return, realize we have not eaten since breakfast and are hungry. We have the longest list of many different cuisines to conquer we must begin eating, oink oink!!!

Easy transfer, directly out of the Ferry Terminal is the subway station and we are on our way to a recommended authentic Korean BBQ in Korea Town. Okay, so I have only experienced this one time but, Danielle really enjoys it, I’m game. Holy Moly- thank u Steven for the restaurant suggestion- DELICIOUS!!! We were blown away by the food and experience while sitting window side over looking the hustle and bustle of street walkers outside. We arrived at 5:30, early for dinner in this city. Two different beef dishes, too many side dishes to mention and we were stuffed! Ready to walk!!!

We made our way across town to walk The High Line. One of my favorite activities to do in the city! The weather was beautiful, the timing was perfect(got to watch the sunset over the Hudson River). We made our way from the top to the bottom.

Remember the title of this post- get ready…. after stuffing our faces we ended the high line at one of my favorite Pizza slice places. We hadn’t had a slice yet and it’s on the list needing to be crossed off, ha ha. We shared a yummy regular cheese slice with a coke. We then walked to Chelsea Market and walked through just to see, no worries we did not eat here.

Back to the street to head uptown. We are all about walking, boy do my feet hurt, ugh! Power through!!! We walk to meet Julie(my cousin). I scream upon seeing her, she is a total city girl. Like out of Sex in the City! Long hair blowing in the wind, tall girl, long legs in heels, and a skirt. She has just come from a work event after a few martinis. She is SO much fun and our new tour guide for the next few hours. Mind you it’s dark and about 8 pm. We all walk, my reporter questions her about every neighborhood, what it’s like to live here, restaurants to try, things to do, you name it- and Jules is answering away. We decide we need dessert. Yes, thank god by the end of the night Danielle’s app reports that we walked 12 miles. We take a taxi back downtown to Big Gay Ice Cream. We shared a Nilla wafer dulce leche soft serve cone. We walked all around the East Village with Julie’s commentary. We jump back in a cab head to mid town to Julie’s. She is craving Pizza, LOL. We decide to share a slice of White Pizza now. I know….. oink oink oink!!!!

We go up to see Julie’s newish Apt. Super cute and fun to see a real local lives. Hang for a few minutes and we walked 50+ blocks home. After all this food it was necessary. An hour walk- got home once again late by 11 pm. Omg!!! Once again feeling grateful for this home, comfy hard bed, and a great shower!!!

Today-

Breakfast at home, a simple bowl of cereal and some fruit. Trying to have a healthier day. We walk to subway, take the Q train, super nice to Penn Station. Grab a Starbucks in the Super Macy’s store, just so we could say Danielle walked through it. Tour made it out to be a big deal historical store. Largest Macy’s in USA.

We navigate through Penn Station, but our beach pass getaway package tickets to Fire Island and have a much needed SLOW paced day. The train ride to Bayshore was super relaxing and we enjoyed lots of good convos. Made our way to the Ferry dock and boarded the 1:30 ferry.

Have arrived in Ocean Beach, had a scrumptious Lump Crab Arugula Salad we shared, me a cocktail, she a beer. Walked the Main Street, found a yummy scoop of Ice Cream and got lucky to score free chairs, towels, and an umbrella. I’m sitting at the beach with my feet in the sand as I type. Sounds of waves crashing and kids laughing in the distance. We are in La La land.

Until next time…..

missing u xo xo

love,

laurie sue 🙂