NYC ... what a weekend!

We had a great time in New York. We visited several favorite places, Pat took some great shots of architecture, and we went to a few new neighborhoods and museums. We ate at our Korean restaurant again, and in the process introduced my parents to excellent Korean BBQ. The restaurant is called WonJo and it's on 32nd St. if you ever have the opportunity. Seriously amazing - both times we've been there.

We did the Guggenheim, the Met, saw the Lion King (Mom & Dad saw Billy Elliot - all Elton John music, and they said it was great), visited the NY Public Library, Bryant Park (behind the library), Grand Central station, Greenwich Village (our first time), the parks along the Hudson, the financial district, Macys (again we happened to be in town for their huge Easter-time floral display), and went to Redeemer Presbyterian to hear Pastor Tim Keller speak. We met up with Andy and his girlfriend Lauren, and saw some old family friends, Mike & Terry Prendergast. We did a lot of walking, and got to see a lot of people and sites.

Even though it rained more days than we saw sun, we made a lot of memories, and had an amazing time. Pat and I really enjoyed our date night (thanks Mom & Dad!) and Graham did really well considering the time change. He just did well overall - even not considering the time change - he was a trooper! When I was wearing him in museums and subway stations, he would grin at people as they walked by and reach out his hands to touch them. Very interested in what was happening, and in getting as much attention as possible!

Kay Lynn, we ate at your restaurant, Grano (10th & Greenwich?), and it was as great as you said ... we were greeted in Italian and immediately seated with our party of 8 ... in the middle of the afternoon ... the front of the restaurant was full with a big Italian family. Pat and I enjoyed watching a solitary elderly Italian gentleman eating his pasta with a glass of wine while reading the paper.

On our first day, we went to Grand Central station to get Metro passes and to take the train to the Guggenheim - we opted for the train because we all were SOAKED - with the exception of Graham who was well-protected in his little stroller-fort. While we were standing there strategizing our next move, we were surrounded by about 10 middle school girls. They asked us if they could give us something, and after my initial apprehension about someone trying to sell us something (and remembering I wasn't in Korea where they might be asking to take a picture with us), I started to listen.

They were a group of students from Iowa (?) who were distribution bags with a children's book from Todd Parr called The Peace Book (he also wrote The Grandma Book and The Grandpa Book). We could have gone to Borders on Union Square to have him autograph it, but we got busy. Anyway, we took the bag and got our pictures taken with the girls (they did ask after all!), and it's been really cool having that as a memory. They were so excited to share peace with us and to ask us to pass it on. Very special.


- Another memory I have is leaving Pat and my parents in the Guggenheim and going up to the cafeteria on the 3rd floor where I fed Graham looking out into a thunderstorm with huge spurts of rain falling on Central Park.

- I enjoyed seeing Mary Cassatt artwork that was influenced by Chinese and Japanese artists, and a fascinating exhibit of graphic art influenced by Asian calligraphy. I know her more for her impressionist work ... these pieces were neat because they were still of women, mothers and babies, but coming from a more Asian influence.

- Another memory is eating at the Korean restaurant in the middle of the afternoon and putting our blanket down so that Graham could play ... and the amazing staff who played with him, especially one man who interacted so closely and intimately with Graham. I remember Graham was silenced and in entranced as the man made funny mouth noises and faces at him - almost as if Graham was feeling slightly apprehensive, but so curious he couldn't help but draw closer ...

- I remember the taste of the bean-paste and garlic mixed with the bugolgi & kalbi ... I remember the voices of the Korean men and women on the streets and standing in Pinkberry; their laughter, the lilting rhythm of their language - and I remember my first visit to Korea, how nervous I was, and how suprised I was at how much I enjoyed everything.

- I enjoyed seeing our old friends the Prendergasts, and walking the city with them, hearing from Terry what it was like to grow up in Manhattan, sitting on the fire escape at night, imagining a little girl learning about life - and herself in these neighborhoods.

- I'll remember the sunset during our dinner at a restaurant overlooking the bridges on the Hudson ... it was a fluke that we ended up at the location, but it was a phenomenal view as the sun went to sleep.

- I remember the Bryant Park outdoor Reading Room (what a great concept), and I'll plan to go back on a sunny day when the only plans I have made are to sit quietly, reading, enjoying the buildings and the bright daffodils.

- I'm thankful for the opportunity to take a trip like this as a little family, hopefully imbuing my son with an excitement for new places and the art of simple appreciation.

Pictures online at http://www.warankphotos.shutterfly.com/