New York City Day One (Part One)

Hello everyone. Finally the much anticipated updates about our exciting trip to New York City. Sorry for the delay as it took us a little longer than we thought to go through the 600+ pictures Ashley snapped off. As you will see throughout these posts it will be worth the wait. Ashley takes some greats pics and there was definitely plenty of things to take pictures of in New York. We have split everything up day by day so you all can feel like you were on the trip with us. So read on and enjoy Day One (Part One) in the Big Apple with us then take time to view the slideshow.

Early Monday morning (March 9th) we left Trevor and Hilary's house in Pennsylvania to continue our journey east. It took us right around 5 1/2 hours to make it into the city. I would be lying if I said I was not nervous the closer we got. Everyone tells you how crazy New York City driving is but you have no idea until you get there. As we entered the Lincoln Tunnel we all knew that nothing but craziness awaited us on the other side. Luckily we had Ashley's gps (thanks Bill & Cheryl!) to help us navigate our way to the hotel. Right away I learned that I better not leave a foot between me and the car in front of me or a cab would slide right in that space. We quickly found our hotel (Wellington Hotel), but then had to decide where to park. Luckily we found a spot on the street so we could go inside and find out if we could check in early (got there around noon, check in was at 3pm). Unfortunately our room was not ready but we were able to have them hold our bags. After that was accomplished then Ashley and I decided to find a parking garage. It only took us one trip around the block to convince ourselves it would be easier for the hotel valet to take care of it.

Now instead of settling into our room we were thrown into NYC life right off the bat, and for the next three hours at that. Since we were all hungry the easy choice was to find some food. Right across the street happened to be the famous Stage Deli. Little did we know we would have to trade in an arm and a leg for a sandwich. The food did happen to be very good and we were able to experience something authentic so soon. After dropping $85 between the four of us we decided we would be eating a lot of NYC hot dogs from the street vendors from there on out. The next logical choice was to walk off lunch and it just so happened there is plenty of walking to be done in NYC.

First we walked the ten blocks or so to Times Square (which runs along Broadway). Needless to say it was as bright and flashy as you see on tv. There are ads everywhere with the latest movie, tv show, car, beverage, you name it up in lights. Along the way we found where our Broadway show would be later that evening. Everything was done very rapidly as we were caught up in the pace of the city. I think most of us felt like we made a mistake going there within the first couple of hours. We all knew it would be different, but being thrown right into the mix threw us off guard.

That wraps up the first part of day one in NYC. Soon enough you will find out how much walking and sight seeing we fit in during such a short visit. Check back soon and often and if you thought we did a lot in half of day one, just wait for day two!