Wow, where did the last 14 weeks just go? I'm sitting at JFK airport waiting for a BA red-eye flight to London and I'm quite amazed at what we've achieved so far. Steve and I, well we've had a blast! but, it's looking at the kids that I can see what a massive difference the trip has made. As it's mothers day here I feel entitled to write a paragraph about this.
Not only do they appear to have grown 2 or 3 inches in the time away (though this could be the one-heat washing and drying machines!) they have grown so much in education and personality. It's obvious to say (though I still haven't got round to the Costa Rican blog) that the 4 weeks in Costa Rica broadened their knowledge on geography and animal classification to a point where I think they could probably teach it. They have also certainly broadened their knowledge on international politics, 'Mum, I think Donald Trump is a jerk but people don't like Clinton so who is going to win?' (yep, Kye its the big question), history, geography, arts, calculating currency exchange rates and of course the all important; learning the names of every NBA basketballer with the help of an IPAD APP and a 3 hour bus journey with a guy who was passionate about baseball (someone other than Steve).
However the biggest difference for me is seeing their confidence grow. I'm their mum so I can say I think they are great and well mannered kids. On this trip they have really excelled at dealing with new people, places and situations. This recent sojourn to NY was a testament to this. I have spent the last two weeks throwing them into meeting my friends from my banking days. People they've never met and probably won't again for at least a few years. They smiled, stayed off the IPAD and kept good company and good conversation. They have made me very proud and that is the perfect mothers day present.....
So, for those of you wanting to know about NYC:
It is, as always, one of the best places in the world to visit! We've had diabolical weather (rain and cold) for which I have been utterly unprepared for, but in the best spirit have continuously shopped to rectify this problem. Best shopping places are as usual TJMAX, Century 21, GAP, ZARA, Hennes, and Designer Shoe Warehouse (DSW). I have a lot of receipts but I tell Steve I couldn't have bought that much as I didn't need to buy a new suitcase!
Erin and I hit Broadway to see Wicked. Tickets were nearly $400 for a good seat but we loved every minute of it. It would have helped if she’d seen Wizard of Oz before but the costumes and the outstanding singing were something quite spectacular.
Boys went to see the METS play baseball and froze but loved it.
Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island were great as detailed in the previous blog.
Kids and Steve got to see a bit of ‘Pitch Perfect’ when going to see the International collegiate A Capella finals at the Beacon theatre next door.
A trip to the top of the ONE World Trade Centre is an absolute must. It’s been open a year and the entire experience is quite incredible. Recommend getting the IPAD which gives detail and history on lots of the buildings, islands and bridges near and far. This cost an extra $15 for one IPAD which did the family. We didn’t bother with the Empire State building (too cold for standing outside) but as I’ve been before I don’t think we missed anything in not taking the kids when you see the view from the WTC observatory deck.
We also went to the 9/11 memorial Park. Certainly moved by the memorial but didn’t dwell on it too much with the kids. They see and hear enough of the ISIS inflicted violence on TV and the papers. So, we spoke briefly about 9/11 and moved on without visiting the museum.
Erin and I spent a fantastic day at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET). It’s free and there is way too much to see in one trip. We concentrated on mid 1600 century portaits where Erin complained that all the women looked the same and then moved onto the ‘biggies’. (Van Gough, Renoir, Picasso etc). Erin nearly fell over herself in excitement when she saw a picture by Monet that she had examined in class with a teacher from school. With the Louvre and Amsterdams galleries looming in the next 3 weeks they will have quite the art appreciation course done by the end of May!
We visited the museum of Natural History (Night of the museum movie). This place is HUGE. I lost the family a couple of times because the kids wanted to concentrate on the animals (REALLY!!!, after all we’ve seen!) while I concentrated on the anthropology areas. We all agreed that the Planitarium was incredible but totally lost us in with the explanation of the 'Big Bang'. We're very happy that there are genius’ out there that understand this sort of stuff.
There was a lot of basketball played on school courts and local playgrounds while I caught up with friends.
Erin found a new talent in shopping.
They have both picked up a bit of an American ‘twang’ with certain words, but we shall soon knock that out of them when we move to Estuary English when we visit my family this week.
On an adult level, Steve and I have hit too many bars and suffered a few too many hangovers. Of special note was the speak-easy ‘Bathtub Gin’ down near the meat packing district. Cocktails to die for.
So off home (to London) we go. Bye bye to a really wonderful city!
