Save my Feet!

Today we began our day by walking over to Peter Pan doughnuts. This neighborhood doughnut establishment is rumored to have excellent doughnuts. Unfortunately for us, when we got there they didn't have very many choices left. We arrived around 9:00am so I am thinking we need to get there around 7:00 next time. Must be some good doughnuts! After my run tomorrow morning, I'm probably gonna pop in and grab some to bring home with me.

We walked a few more blocks and took the East River Ferry to the Financial District. It was 4$ and they had convenient debit/credit card machines. I don't think they took cash. The ferry didn't have any seating outside which I thought was something that could really add to the experience. Furthermore, the boat rocked a lot so I started to feel a little nauseous and I think outdoor seating would help some people in that aspect. 

After a few more stops we were in the Financial District. We had budgeted more time but since the ferry ride was very quick and we didn't end up eating at Peter Pans we got to the World Trade Center Memorial early. We went and sat in Zuccotti Park for a while and people watched. Eventually it was time to the go the memorial.

WTC Memorial

Memorial Pool

We showed up and showed our passes (we didn't need our I.D's). We then stood in line for about 10 minutes. There was a lot of walking around in lines and weaving in and out of buildings but we didn't mind. The plaza was much bigger than I have pictured. It was beautiful. The pools were very touching because it just so clearly reflected the loss that happened that day. It was difficult looking into the empty space and then looking up at the new buildings. Unfortunately a lot of the visitors at the plaza seemed very out of touch with why the whole thing was there. They were smiling for pictures and I overheard one person asking if they should throw a coin in (NO!). 

Whenever people ask my for top tips for visiting the City I always say wear comfy shoes. Well, I didn't take my own advice. I wore sandals that I have had for years. I thought they were very comfortable but after about 3 hours they were hurting the soles of my feet. We decided to find some Toms because I had been needing a new pair anyways. Whole foods was the closest place. On our way there, we found a Shake Shack so we stopped and had some food. Two shackburgers, one cheese fry, and one chocolate shake had us refueled. We set back off to find my new shoes. We found the shoes and I was very happy! I have to admit it was strange to find shoes in a grocery store!

Next we went down and bought subway passes. Mine was $104 for a 30-day and my moms 7-day was $27. We got on the subway and went up to the New York Public Library. To do this we had to walk through Times Square. My first visit to Times Square was jaw dropping. I loved it. My second visit to Times Square was alright and somewhat nostalgic because I had so much fun there on my first visit. This visit to Times Square was annoying and I don't think I even looked around. I just ducked my head and plowed on through. One step closer to becoming a New Yorker. ;)

Empire State Building from Bryant Park 

We pit stopped in Bryant Park and sat a bit. BEAUTIFUL park. We walked by it a lot last trip but never went in. The bathrooms were very nice for a public park! They are showing Wizard of Oz tonight so we are pondering going. 

We continued on into NYPL and saw the two lions by the steps. We went to the Rose Reading room which had the most gorgeous ceiling. We then went to see the original Winnie the Pooh. We also took in the new lunch exhibit they have. It was really crowded so it was hard to enjoy it.  I am going to do a more in-depth tour later in my trip when I am on my own and can take more time to do things that interest me. So if your interested in that, stay tuned theres more to come!

Rose Reading Room

Next we headed over to MoMA. My boyfriend had gotten me a student membership($60) for Valentines Day. I get free entry and my guests get $5 entry. It is usually $25 for adults so I think it will pay off in the long run. I plan on going more when I am by myself. I liked the MoMA but my mom did not. It was very crowded and it was hard to read the descriptions on the art. I think I will go back during member hours so I can have more space for myself. We did enjoy seeing Starry Night by Van Gogh. Beautiful! 

Paley Park

We were wearing thin on energy at this point and contemplating stopping to get a drink somewhere. We decided that would just make us more tired so we settled on a cupcake from Crumbs. I love Crumbs. I ate them for the first time on my last trip to the City and then again in DC. Delicious. We grabbed our cupcakes and walked over to Paley Park on 53rd to enjoy them. This park was really cool because it was small and because there is a piece of the Berlin Wall in the park. 

Mom at MoMA

5 Pointz

Revitalized, we decided to go ahead and head to PS 1 as we had planned to do originally. After MoMA my mom was a little hesitant to try out MoMAs other exhibits but since it was included in the ticket from earlier and it was on the train route home we decided to give it a go. I'm very glad we did! There was hardly anyone there and the art was very neat! The art was more laid back and fun than some stuffy museums (although I love those too!) It was housed in an old school building which was very cool in itself.  Also I saw 5 Pointz across the street. I cannot wait to check it out! I didn't know if it was opened to the public today. I will have to look and see when it is opened to the public! 

The most beautiful boiler room I have ever seen!

We decided to head on back to the apartment since we were just two stops away. We are now relaxing and wondering where to go for dinner. I am thinking Bianca but my moms thinking Don Giovanni. I'll let you guys know who wins out. I think we also may check out Gantry Park before dinner!