New York City - Day 3, September 10, 2013

We left the park and immediately had a 'road block' - we think the poor semi driver took a wrong turn.  With the help of a policeman, he at least got pulled over to the side so we could pass, but I have no idea how they were going to get him out of the narrow street.

Today I had my first, and possibly last, subway ride to Grand Central Station (Terminal). As we were waiting for the train, we watched other trains really zip by. It was easy to see how someone could fall onto the tracks so I wouldn't want to be waiting on the platform at the front of a crowd.

 I'm not sure what this tree was about except the little table to the right had a place to donate for art.

We were on our own for lunch at the food court on the lower level of Grand Central.  I ordered a lunch special of small Caesar salad and half a pastrami sandwich, and the meat was piled high on a small bun.  The station is beautiful and its 100th anniversary was celebrated in February.  As I found at the Port Authority a few years ago, there is no seating on the main concourse if you have to wait.

Next we were off to Radio City Music Hall for a backstage tour.  Rehearsal was taking place for tonight's live airing of America's Got Talent so we were not allowed to take photographs of the stage.  All I could have told you was that we watched some guys jumping rope, but my daughter later told me they are the Chicago Boys.  The judges weren't there, but the emcee was.  We saw some of the wonderful Rockette costumes and met a Rockette.  Like many of these places, they take your photo - talk about feeling short and dumpy next to a Rockette!!

 Surrounded by tall buildings.

This is a display model of the stage and the workings beneath.

 

Looking down on the lobby.

 We also toured the Gentlemen's and Ladies' Lounges. The lounge was so comfortable, and we all seemed to be wearing out. The guide had to come back and get us going again.  The wallcovering in the Gent's lounge is leather.

The little foot pedal between the sinks in the Ladies' is to operate the hand dryer.

Next we are off to Rockefeller Center.  St. Patrick's Cathedral is nearby.  I walked the two blocks or so on my own and didn't get turned around or lost!!  We had driven past the Cathedral the other day so I knew it was covered with scaffolding.  What I didn't expect was the scaffolding inside as well.  They are doing a 4 year renovation.  Still the altar area was open and beautiful.

I left the church and found the Atlas statue just across the street.

Back at Rockefeller Center I saw the plaque where the annual Christmas tree is placed.  The ice skating rink is filled with eateries and umbrella covered tables in the summer.

 

 

 

 The Rockefeller Building where we went to the Top of the Rock

 NBC news just up the street.

 

Dinner was a B. Smith's restaurant.  An African-American model from the South who brought Southern cooking to NYC.  It wasn't Southern food I think of, but it was very good.  I ordered Swamp Thang (that is not a misspelling) - Shrimp, scallops, and crawfish in a Dijon sauce over Southern greens.  The seafood was quite good - greens weren't my 'thang'.  Dessert was Mocha Mousse - yum.

 

 

And now we are off to see Cinderella at the Broadway Theater.  I wasn't sure about this particular choice, but it was fantastic!  Some of the costume changes onstage had us scratching our heads asking, 'How did they do that'.  Great show.

This was a smooth day.