You Have to Travel Here

The Big Apple takes a bite outta my Mom

Things to Know

www.travel.gc.ca It’s the go-to for all Canadian travelers.
www.aircanada.com You can get to NYC many ways, but I have aeroplan points.
www.rbcinsurance.com You have to have some kind of insurance when out of country; don’t leave home without it.

www.newyorksightseeing.com
www.millfordplaza.roomstays.com It’s close to the action and everything else. Room size gets you used to being on a cruise ship.

www.pigallenyc.com The food and the staff were great.

www.tdf.org

www.siferry.com

www.911memorial.org Very moving for everyone.

www.nyctrip.com

www.guysamerican.com Right across from Sardis.

www.manhattantheatreclub.com Take in a show in a theatre that’s run by actors.

www.esbnyc.com The Empire State Building is a must! It’s so iconic.

www.carnegiedeli.com Line-ups seem to stretch forever… maybe next time I’ll get a pickle platter.

www.rockefellercenter.com I suck at skating, but you can rent your skates there and check out the Christmas tree.

www.wickedthemusical.com Plan on getting tickets WAY ahead of time—I had to see it in Toronto.

www.macys.com Retail therapy at its finest, or, should I say, most traditional. The oldest wooden escalator in the city. You have to ask: just how many Santas are there?

www.starbucks.com Everywhere!
www.theweathernetwork.com Winters can be brutal cold, summers can be brutally hot, and given the crazy hurricanes lately it’s always best to check.
www.downtownny.com
www.nycgo.com
www.tripomatic.com
www.centralparknyc.org Go for a walk or take a carriage ride. You’d never know you were in one of the largest cities in the world.
www.nyc-architecture.com The Chrysler Building is a true piece of art.
www.tripadvisor.ca/Attraction_Review-g60763-d104360-Reviews-Chrysler_Building-New_York_City_New_York.html
http://www.serendipity3.com Frozen hot chocolate: need I say more?
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/25/nyregion/25sardis.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0
http://www.opentable.com/sardis?refid=ppcggl&ref=15649&sp=ppc_g_US_Restaurants&reengagement=1&publisher_id=169194&my_campaign=Kenshoo1&ref_id=5c13abcd-03ce-49a5-90d2-9bceecbd50cc

My Mom had always wanted to go to New York City and it was her “BIG” birthday: 65^th to be exact. So I, being an amazing only child, booked us on a cruise out of New York City with stops in Florida and the Bahamas. We also had three days/two nights before in New York City. She was so excited.

I know my shit so we had an incredible deal: air, hotel, transfers, cruise and a hop-on hop-off sightseeing pass. I mean we were totally set, and the hop-on hop-off was right across the street from the hotel. Just needed a little cash for meals and maybe a show and we’re golden.

Our plane is on time land get to hotel and check in. We head off across the street to start a tour (they offer 4 – Manhattan, Brooklyn, Harlem and a Night tour. Of course it’s my Mom’s first time, so we hop on the Downtown Manhattan to see what she’s been waiting for. Amazing architecture, the hustle and bustle of people, everything New York City is supposed to be.

It’s cute how excited she is. I want to take pictures so the top level of the bus is best, since its open. Didn’t mention it was November and cold as fuck, did I? Cold weather? No problem! We are Canadian, we know how to layer. Up we go!

Now, my Mom is a much better human being than me. She of course offers me the outside seat so I can take better pictures. The first thing I think is, “I can see my camera falling over the side of the bus.” Of course I didn’t say anything to my Mom. Yes, I’m probably going to hell.

Fast forward 10 minutes into our sightseeing journey. “I dropped my camera,” she shouts. I yell, “Stop the bus!” I jump off the bus, run as fast as I can, and lo and behold I find a couple pieces of camera and her SD card. Back on the bus. I tell her not to worry, I take lots of pictures, it will be OK.

Back in the hotel later that night the camera is reassembled and it does work if it’s plugged in. Yes, I hear it’s warm in hell, but I did giggle. My Mom adapts and forgives easier than I do. The rest of the trip is stellar; I couldn’t complain and can’t wait to get back.

I still laugh, almost to the point of tears, every time I think of this.

All pictures are mine I don't throw my camera off moving vehicles.