New York City
When I was a kid, I used to hate New York City. Despised it really. No good explanation of why I felt that way. I had been there a few times and didn't have any bad experiences. In fact, I only have good memories of those trips. I even liked the Rangers because of Mike Richter the all American net minder. So I'm pretty sure my hatred stemmed from the tiny living spaces, perceived high crime rate, and the Yankees. As I got in my twenties and took more trips up to see friends, my hatred began to give way to love. It's to a point now where I could actually see myself living there if the right offer came around (not that I'm looking). Which brings me to Charlotte's first trip to the Big Apple. We escorted Jen on her work trip to the city, and it couldn't have worked out any better. The weather was absolutely perfect for the three days we were in town, we saw lots of friends and family, and we went all over Manhattan. Day 1 - we arrived shortly before noon on Sunday and headed to the Marriott Marquis in Time Square to drop off our bags. When we got there, we were delighted to find we could check in early, which meant a much less hectic day. Aunt Jilian met us at the hotel, and we headed to Chelsea for a delicious brunch. From there, we walked the High Line and continued down the Hudson past the Freedom Tower to meet Uncle Hoss for the first time. After hanging out on his rooftop, we strolled the Financial district a bit more before heading to dinner in Little Italy. What a day! Day 2 - the day started off with traditional NYC bagels on 36th Street. After dropping Jen off back at the hotel for the conference, Charlotte and I made our way to the Delacorte Theatre in Central Park. It was about a 2 mile walk from the hotel. Not bad except I forgot how out 80 actually is and was exhausted by the time we arrived. But arrived we did and Charli got to see her Auntie Rin while taking in her first theatre experience. Hopefully, in just a few short years, she'll get to see an actual show. What came next was Charli's test for me. A full out meltdown in the middle of Central Park. I'd give myself a B minus. In the end, all that was needed was for her to pass some gas...but it took me about 45 minutes to figure that out. Highlights: couple pubescent boys trash talking my Caps shirt (suck it, 2-1!), diaper change in the grass, first purchase from a street vendor, failed bottle attempt on park bench. After Gas Gate, we walked 5th Avenue to Rockefeller Center, stopped at a bar for food and a Cold Ass Beer (literally the name of it), and headed back to base to meet mommy's clients. The best was yet to come as we had dinner with all of Jen's SDT girls as well as Auntie Rin and Jess. Day 3 - another staple NYC breakfast to start the day but this time at Juniors followed by roaming around Time Square until Jen had to go to work. Charlotte and I decided it would be a nice idea to search for some toys at FAO Schwartz. We left emptied handed but got some fun pictures in. We window shopped 5th Avenue all the way down to the Empire State Building where we took the trip up to the 86th floor. It really is a sight to see and being able to take selfies with my daughter up there was something I'll never forget. I can't wait to do it again when she is older and with my wife next time. Time was coming to and end so we headed back to the hotel but first stopped off at the lovely Bryant Park for a much needed break. It was my first time there and it's really quite nice. Definitely going back. Special thanks to Beans for the suggestion. The day ended with a beer back at the hotel as we waited for Jen while taking in a soccer game. Back on the train we went. Home to Columbia. What an amazing three days!