Earlier today is just HERE

We set off at 1100 with the plan being to go up 5th Avenue and come back down Broadway , seeing what we could along the way

Andy was manfully coping with his hangover but distinctly not his usual chirpy self

5th Avenue – well it was busy and we were not overwhelmed with it

I did like it here though and we remembered it from The Day after Tomorrow ( even though the Reading Room from that film is closed)













I have such a fondness for libraries – this was such a grand one too.

But it was only a fleeting visit – one to return to another day for a longer visit

This photo has a backstory



I had asked the teens to take a pic of me – they spend their days, nay lives, attached to digital gadets and gizmos and yet it seemed utterly beyond their capabilities to push a button on a digital camera.

This must have been at least the dozenth shot – hence the grimace

It had become a photo of principle

Andy had gone for a wander and on returning was advised “ Mum’s not happy”

I only wanted a photo

Never mind

It is a stunning building





We saw the Chrysler building – the sky still looked a little overcast


We could just see Grand Central station in front but didn’t stop there today – that was on tomorrows list



Carrying on up 5th Avenue and the teens nipped into Best Buy – if only to make use of the free wifi…



Because Pokemon Go had been released and it was to be noses to screen from here on in

We dropped into the Christmas store and bought an Xmas Tree dec



I cant rotate this at the moment, but will do at some point



Loved the Elf !



Yes its totally tacky – but I loved it



Saks looked splendid – despite the facelift


Past Van Gogh’s ear – although I thought it was an empty bathtub till I read my city guide



These skyscrapers were just so breathtaking everywhere you looked



I know , it's not any old skyscraper, it's the Rockerfeller . We are back here tomorrow

And then the contrasting architecture





I just love the mix in this pic, old, new, upmarket store, yellow NY cabs – it really is a living movie set



There were definite niggles by now – with a view being expressed that we had been walking “forever” to get to our lunch destination

To be clear “forever” was 50 minutes

Hangry Man was definitely surfacing

So it was a relief to turn past here



As it meant we were not far away

Arriving here at the Stardust Diner just after midday



The teens were initially totally flummoxed by singing waiters




That was our server singing an Abba Medley



Due to the odd Neon lighting the food pics look all orange. Do not worry, the food is not orange !

The food was ok, not bad, not fab, and the burgers could have been warmer.

It was loud, weird and an experience and one we enjoyed as it's so different.

I had loaded chili tater tots.



Andy had wings



The boys had various burger combos with waffle fries








Certainly not cheap. Fine as a one off. Wouldn't be on a return list for us as a couple but fun for the kids.



It had been fun – the singing had been good, especially the Les Mis songs.

We suitably embarrassed the teens by joining in, loudly.

But we did refrain from standing on the tables …. Lol

It was most definitely a talking point

And the most expensive meal of the whole holiday as it was $148 after the tip, plus the $10 we put in Phil – me Up- the donation bucket.

We left around 1.30 and popped across into Times Square again



We made a stop in Hershey World first

After just eating, the smell of the chocolate made us feel a bit queasy !



Ever wanted to just roll around in Hershey Kisses ?



No?

Mmmm,

I see

Just me then ?





Popping across the way for more chocs





These tubes went from floor to ceiling


Back out onto Times Square



It was buzzing



It had more atmosphere and I think we “ got it” more than we had yesterday morning







We enjoyed taking it in and made our way to the subway, taking the R train back to 28th Street and the 5 minute walk back to the hotel
For a few hours rest before we set off for the Baseball ... and that is coming up in part 3

which is just HERE

Wow that was one expensive lunch!

xxx

Ha, totally get the photo comment, is it sooo difficult to have a holiday photo with Mom on, and then its a full issue when they can't take a photo and I've taken a gazillion, and they think I'm getting cross easily

Diner sounded good, but eek the price! I would have sung too and my teens suitably mortfied ... its my job

Another great day. i didn't know about the Christmas Shop - it is now on my list of places to visit.

I can see why you need to spread your report as it would be impossible to choose from all of those amazing photos (not taken by the boys obviously). The buildings are fabulous. I spotted the supersized Nutella too. That's a weekend supply for my youngest who would treat it like ketchup if he could get away with it. Ready for round 3 x

I think its necessary to embarrass your kids as much as possible its the best part of parenting. You seem to fit so much into your day.

Great read.

Pricey lunch! We popped in there for cocktails and found it a bit of a let down, would have loved some Les Mis!

Great few hours! Ellen's has been on and off my list like a fiddlers elbow just not sure about it!