From covered bridges . . .
to the very tippy top of the Empire State Building . . .
we had quite the variety of adventures last week.
which I so dearly love.
In addition to the covered bridge, I drove past this clothesline sailing into the clouds. Someone must have an ingenious pulley system to make this idea work.
Items for sale I’ve never even heard of. Helleborous?
I loved my happy meandering through the countryside on Tuesday morning. I didn’t get quite as many photos as I would have liked because there was never a place to pull over but my eyes were sure happy.
On Tuesday afternoon, Steve and I saw the amazing production of Noah. Incredible!
It was Wednesday, which was New York City Day and First Train Ride Day.
Everything was so interesting to me, including the lovely, old bathrooms at the Lancaster train station with the brass rods going across the top. How often do you see brass rods in a bathroom these days?
Steve took care of some last-minute details and then . . .
we were on our way.
The first stop off the train was getting Nathan’s (brand) hot dogs. Steve was determined to have a New York style hot dog while we were in the City.
We didn’t want to get on the subway or take a taxi, so everything we did was within walking distance of the train station. We knew we would probably not be back in NYC for a long time, so we splurged and went to the very top of the Empire State Building.
Steve is pointing at the general vicinity where Sullenberger put his plane down.
I’m just basically amazed at every single thing. It’s not every day you see a massive city from above it all.
We stopped for a photo in front of Madison Square Garden, where Steve played in a pep band when the UNCC basketball team went to a big tournament. (He also played for the Nixon Inaugural Parade in High School.)
was people-watching, which included playing the game, “Is that person a New Yorker or a tourist?” Pretty easy to make a speedy decision about most people. The New Yorkers had sort of a nonchalant confidence, whereas tourists like Steve and me . . . well, not so much,
I have been to NYC a few times before, but I never cease to be amazed by it. To go from the serene surroundings of Lancaster, PA, to stepping onto big city streets was quite the transition, and I loved every minute.
It was even fascinating to see something as basic as a Post Office because this was no ordinary Post Office. It was constructed in 1914 and boasted amazing architecture. People came in and bought their stamps and mailed their letters, like it was no biggie, doing business amid such artistry.
This is the exterior. Note the famous slogan written across the front.
photo by lavarcham yelp
There was one celebrity sighting on a sidewalk near the Post Office where Steve caught sight of a famous blogger. Pretty astonishing to run into someone like that in such a large city!
When I saw this fire escape, I told Steve I would perish in any fire because I would never make it down all those steps. Can you imagine?
I was utterly fascinated by the Amazon delivery drivers. They just plopped themselves in the middle of a horrendously busy street and pedaled along like it was no big deal.
The very thought of riding a bike in the craziness that is NYC traffic boggles my mind.
There is truly no place like it. And if you live there? I am in awe of you. It is such a cool place, but I’m not sure if I would ever get over being overwhelmed.
reminded me of a story Steve tells about when the family took his Grandpa Kiebler (who lived in a small town) to NYC for the first time. Grandpa would have been in his 70s. As the story goes, he got out of the car, looked around at the buildings for about ninety seconds, and said, “I’ve seen it. Let’s go.”
I was thankful for the hours we were able to spend, but I was ready to sink back into the seats of our train in the late afternoon and head back to the quiet farms and fields of Lancaster.
photo by blue sky lens
I had gotten my wish to walk in New York City for a little while, to widen my horizons and see a world-renowned city up close. Also, the traffic there makes me feel like the traffic in Charlotte is absolutely nothing. It’s all about perspective.
we found out that Steve’s cousin Kenny and his wife Ginny were also in Lancaster. (They were raised in PA but travel in an RV full time.) The three of them met for breakfast and enjoyed getting to spend a little time before their paths parted again.
On our last night, we walked around a small town and enjoyed one last meal at a nice Italian place.
I was fascinated to see that they served potato chips, red peppers, and black olives as an appetizer. I never would have considered that combo before.
we arrived home to two ecstatic Yorkies. Thankfully, they have not seemed at all traumatized by the separation; we were a bit worried since they haven’t been living with us all that long. It’s obvious Sarah and Gage took excellent care of them.
I’m sure you understand when I say it was good to get away and even better to come home. Thanks for following along; it’s been fun sharing the journey.
What about you?
Do you remember the first time you visited a city that was much larger than the one you lived in? Are there any specific memories that stand out to you?
Do you live in NYC or another really large city? I’d love if you’d share with us some of your thoughts and experiences living there.
What’s the favorite vacation you’ve ever taken?
What a cool trip! I have a friend near Lancaster, PA, that I sometimes visit. Sight and Sound show is on the “to visit” list now!!
I grew up in rural Ohio and my dad worked at a factory. When I was around 8 years old, my dad was sent to NYC to work in a factory there for 2 months. My mom took the 4 kids, ages 4-10, on a plane to visit him. Looking back, I realize how brave and adventurous that was! Mom was a small town girl herself. We didn’t just sit around the hotel. Nope! We were in the Manhattan area and she took us all over, walking and traveling on city buses, as buses were safer than subways then. I remember walking around Central Park and she let us pick up a souvenir rock to take home. I tried to find the biggest I could carry in my tiny hand!
One thing I noticed on trips to NYC as an adult is how closed in everything feels. I’m also familiar with the hollers and mountains of the Appalachians. I love open areas where you can see forever! The shade created by such tall buildings and big hills and mountains shuts out the views of the distance. There’s just the sun overhead from about 10am-2pm in some cases! NYC is very cool, but I have no desire to visit again in my life.
Ann,
Kudos to your mom for taking four kids on a plane! That’s just slightly younger than our grands and I can only imagine what an undertaking that would be.
And then for her to be a small town girl and still get out there and see the big city with four small children in tow. She sounds like an amazing person. And how smart of her to let the four kids pick their favorite rock–a nice cheap souvenir!
My mom used to say she didn’t really love being in the mountains because, as beautiful as they were, she felt kind of shut in by them. Sounds exactly like what you are saying. I agree; it really is wonderful to be able to see a long distance. Cities and mountains have their own appeal but a wide open vista is one of life’s joys.
have never been to NY and I think I’m fine with that. We did go see Noah’s Ark in Branson about 3 years ago. Fantastic. Hot dogs – Nathan’s or otherwise – love them. Great pictures as usual.
Sharyn,
I’ll bet Noah’s Ark was a cool place to visit.
We’ll be having some more hot dogs with the family tomorrow a birthday celebration so Steve will be happy!
I remember going on a driving vacation to Ohio as a child and we went through Chicago. Oh man was it huge!! We went to a really cool science type museum there. It was fascinating!! Then later, as we were leaving, my dad took a wrong turn and we got into a really bad neighborhood. That was super frightening because I’ve never seen my dad that scared before. 😬
My favorite family vacation was spending a week at the lake, boating and being carefree and teaching our kids to water ski. We pretty much had the lake to ourselves. The best memories ever!
Lee Anne,
A week beside a mostly empty lake would definitely make for some wonderful memories. And how cool to be get to the ones to teach your kids to waterski. Steve tells me it’s great fun and to share it with family makes it all the better.
I can only imagine how unsettling it was for your family to land in a place you didn’t expect.
I’ll be honest and say that the first time I went to NYC (I was a teenager), I was shocked. I grew up in Pennsylvania, and I had seen only seen NYC portrayed in movies and on TV (It was the 90s, so my exposure to it beforehand was limited!). It seemed so glamorous and ritzy. When I actually got there it seemed very dirty, run down and old compared to what I was expecting. Over the years I came to appreciate it as I visited it several more times and got to know it!!
Ellen,
I’m glad you’ve had the chance to visit NYC several times and not just the one “low opinion” time.
There are so many parts of it–some glamorous and/or beautiful and some, not so much. But it’s interesting to see it on TV and have the feeling of, “I have been there!” No city like it–I appreciate it right along with you!
Lovely photos! How was the train ride
The biggest city I’ve visited is NYC but I only got to explore a little for a few of evenings as it was part of business trips. Fortunately I did not have to do any of the driving!
Glad you enjoyed your getaway!
Sue Ellen,
Train ride was very cool. Seats are much more comfortable and spacious than an airplane and it’s just so fun to see all the sights out the windows without worrying about driving. Definitely want to take another train trip!
Well, a few evenings of exploration at least gave you a little glimpse of it. Glad you weren’t driving!
So glad you enjoyed your time in NYC. Next time you must take the subway and go to Grand Central Station. If you like the post office, you will love Grand Central. My husband also had to have a hot dog in NYC. I didn’t see any bike deliveries in NYC, but we saw some mounted policemen riding their horses amid the taxi cabs. I agree with that fire escape-WOW.
We were driving in upper PA this weekend and my husband saw a high clothesline similar to what you saw. He was wondering how they managed it. I think it was at an Amish home. Near us we can find the Amish homes by looking for clothes hanging on a line, as most people here rarely do that.
Growing up in near LA had me seeing a lot of a big city even though we lived in a small surburbian town. I was more exciting visiting small towns.
My favorite vacation was our retirement trip to Europe.
Patti,
Grand Central Station was on my wish list until I realized it was too far to walk. Will have to do it next time around.
I didn’t see any mounted policemen. I can’t imagine how well trained those horses must be to keep their cool with all that cacophony of chaos around them.
A trip to Europe would be so great. I’m glad you got to do that.
Wow! You did a lot in a short amount of time! You capture the best pictures! Love that you went to the top of the Empire State Building. I think you’re very brave for even going to NYC. Not something I even think of. Lol. Growing up on the farm, I do remember our family getting on a train and riding to Milwaukee. That was my first big city experience. I was riding bike in my cousins neighborhood, and a “big” airplane went over our heads, and I pointed and said Look at that big plane. They didn’t hear me, cause it was loud! Then I thought, oh they see them all the time. They were right near the airport.
I’m so glad you made that trip to Lancaster. I used to read all the Amish books, but it’s been awhile. And seeing Noah just looks fascinating!
Glad it was such a good trip!!
Carol,
I can’t imagine how exciting it must have been your family to take the train into Milwaukee! Lots of new sights, sounds, and adventures.
I would love to go back to NYC when we have more time. Such a fascinating place.
You would love Noah; I believe Sight and Sound also shows some of their presentations in movie theaters and on TV.
Good to hear from you!
New York City always overwhelms me! I have been several times and while I love being there, I can’t stop taking it in. I’m sorry that you didn’t get to see the 911 memorial. It was definitely life-changing for me.
I love traveling and growing up as the daughter of an airline pilot, I’ve done quite a bit. But there is something about traveling as an adult without your parents taking care of the details that makes it a totally different experience. My husband and I went to Vienna, Austria a few years ago. He had to work, so I ventured out by myself and while the city was incredible, the language barrier was challenging. Most people do speak some English, but I spoke no German and it was difficult. It made me miss home even more as well as regret not learning a foreign language when I had the chance and the brain power.
it looks like you and Steve had a wonderful vacation. But it’s always so good to be home
Lisa,
I would have loved to have seen the 911 memorial. When we were at the top of the ESB, we saw where the Twin Towers had been and discussed what it must have been like for the people up on the Empire State Building that day. Beyond sobering.
That was brave of you to venture out on your own. There are so many apps for phones now that translate languages back and forth; that would have made your venture so much easier.
And how fun to have a dad who was an airline pilot. I’m sure you’ve seen a lot of places.
Have you visited the Sullenberger Museum in Charlotte? It’s very near the airport, not to far from the Billy Graham Library.
Kristy,
That is definitely on our to-do list. I think it was just recently finished so we haven’t had the chance earlier. That’s Steve’s kind of place!
Loved reading about your adventures and seeing the pics. It looks like your vacation gave you quite the array of scenery changes and experiences plus hopefully some rest and refreshing!
Glad you’re back home safe with your doggies! And kudos to the great house/dog sitting team of Long & Long!
Love, Deb
Deb,
Yes, it was so wonderful to walk back into our house and be greeted by our hyper-excited doggies. Happy homecoming!
It really was a fun vacation with lots of good variety and many memories made!
NYC is fun for a day. It was my first big field trip in 6th grade (back when girls still had to wear dresses and hose). When I arrived home, I plopped down on the porch grateful to breathe fresh air and listen to nothing except the birds! Definitely an seaside not a city girl. I’ve been back a few times for day trips. One was with a dear friend and we met a friend of hers who had asked us to meet her at Times Square Church to pray for her. Another was to take my cousin, her husband and his brother down as none had been. It was on the train down that I told them we were buying a map when we arrived and would wing it! 😂
I believe Helleborous (sp?) is also called Lenten Rose and mine blooms for Easter every year!
Guerrina,
Dresses and hose for 6th grade girls? Oh my. That was a long, long time ago! I don’t know when the last time I wore hose was!
I bet you had lots of fun “winging it” in NYC. Steve had his map on his phone and I had Steve so that’s all I needed. I am very bad at reading maps. 🙂
I grew up in Chicago. And spent my first 31 years there. We moved to Northcentral Wisconsin after my grandparents died. We thought it would be a great place to raise our kids. 38 years later, we are glad we did. Although with family still in Chicago, we visit often.
I am glad I learned to drive in Chicago, because nothing fazes me. New York is on my bucket list.
Ellen,
Yeah, that’s the thing about growing up in a large city; you learn to drive in hectic circumstances and are pretty much good to go from there!
Northcentral Wisconsin is a wonderful place to raise a family. Love that state!
New York City is certainly something else. I’m from a midsized city in the Midwest, and went to NYC for the first time last year in my 30s. It was a great trip, but definitely not a place I’d want to live-too much of a concrete jungle! I’m actually going back in a few weeks because my dad is singing in a choir festival at Carnegie Hall! He also grew up in a small town, and I can imagine he would generally have the same perspective as Steve’s Grandpa 😀 (“Big city, lots of people, time to go home!”)
Linnae,
How fun for your dad and how wonderful that you get to go see his choir perform!
I’m trying to imagine what it would be like to be the person organizing all the choirs that day. My hat is off to him/her!
Enjoy what I know will be a terrific experience!