A magical day on Monday greeted us. Although the news from home was sad with the death of two hostages. The gunman also died in what was a scary incident from my birth town and something that will scar those involved for a lifetime.
Perhaps it was apt that we started our walk on the upper west side at 72nd street along Central Park west and walked past the John Lennon imagine memorial and strawberry fields.
Imagine a world without extremists.
Inspired by Lennon
We walked across Central Park and had a quick burger for lunch at the Boat House and continued walking the west side of the park up to 99th street. We took in the Jackie Onassis reservoir, the playing fields, some squirrels and the fine buildings on the west side.
After the walk we caught the subway back to the Rockefeller centre for hot chocolate. We sat in a cafe on 50th street and watched the crowd. It was a Monday, so not as manic as the weekend, but still pretty full on.Â
At around 3.45 we parted ways. Mardi went shopping and I made my way to the top of the rock. I’ve been waiting for five years for some perfect sunset shots and today was the day. I arrived on the viewing deck at about 4.10pm, sunset started at 4.38pm.Â
I spent an hour just drinking in the view. Sure I took some photos, but I also lived the moment, sat and watched people taking photos. Wow. What a view, what a moment. I just let the view and moment wash over me as the velvety blanket of dusk oozed over the skyline and the billion twinkling lights of the buildings below slowly took over in a starry canopy.Â
After the experience I wandered 6th avenue back to the hotel and we then ventured to 2nd avenue on 18th for dinner at the Lantern with Bob and Cathy. We enjoyed great company and a nice spicy Thai meal.Â
After dinner Bob and Cathy treated us to dessert at Veniero. A local dessert place that has been operating since 1894. Wow. The choice of dessert was overwhelming. Dozens upon dozens of delectable sweets offerings. Cheesecake of all varieties, mousse, cup cakes, flans. You name it, they had it. Yum. Yum. Thanks Bob and Cathy for a great night and great friendship. We can’t wait to visit again and catch up.
