We'll Take Manhattan...

..and Staten Island, too! 

Manhattan Island, seen from the Staten Island Ferry

About a month my blog buddy, Becky, who writes the wonderful blog "Hospitality Lane," asked if I would join her family for some sightseeing in New York City. Their friend Johnny was visiting from Denmark and he wanted to see New York. There was no way I could turn this down. I first met Becky at a blogger get-together four years ago and so enjoyed her warmth and great personality. I had no doubt that I would enjoy the rest of the group just as much. 

All smiles on the Staten Island Ferry.

We had a wonderful day. Becky describes it in detail on her blog, and I can only concur with everything she wrote. The day was just right and the humidity that descended on Tuesday wasn't there on Monday. The subway trains weren't crowded -- highly unusual -- and we got seats every time we rode, even at rush hour. 

We saw the World Trade Center site, stopped for a photo at the "Bull," symbol of Wall Street, and rode the ferry to Staten Island and back again. It was a perfect day to be on the water and see my favorite sights, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. 

"I lift my lamp beside the golden shore..."

We then took the subway uptown to see Central Park, Johnny's specific request and there the cutest couple on either side of the Atlantic posed for pictures. 

Picture Perfect!

We stopped for a treat at Grom, my favorite spot for gelato. I went with lemon sorbet, but was very tempted by my usual favorite, tiramisu. 

I learned a good lesson on Monday. Less is more, much more! We should have stopped after our gelato treat, but I had forgotten that it's not possible to see all of Manhattan in one day. We came pretty close to it, and I was one tired tour guide by the end of the day. I will remember this on my vacation -- tomorrow -- and not try to see all of any given place in one day.  

That said, it was a wonderful day. I love sharing New York with friends and love spending time with my blog buddies and our day together was the best. Becky, Warren, Johnny and Chelsea, thanks so much for coming to visit. I'm already thinking of our next day. We'll start with Rockefeller Center... 

I've spent the last few days doing pre-vacation errands and with the exception of some paperwork, I'm just about done. I've printed everything out, sorted out socks and toiletries and it's almost time. 

As always, thanks for visiting and take good care.