The Arrival and Day 2

This morning we arrived in New York.

My brother, Brody and his girlfriend Lauren picked us up from the airport and we went to Columbia University, where he is earning his Bachelor’s degree in computer science.

On the way we stopped in a Hungarian café for some pastries and coffee. I had a hot chocolate. Apparently, it’s quite the hang out and there is a list of books that have been written by people while in the coffee shop; which makes it more of what B’s uncle Philo would call “an institution.”

Near Columbia University we happened to walk right by the “Restaurant” sign that they show on Seinfeld! B is a huge Seinfeld fan, so that was really cool.

Brody showed us around the Columbia University campus.

Brody had to head off to class, so B and I took a cab to our hotel with the intention of resting up a bit and meeting Brody and Lauren later. The cabbie drove by Radio City Music Hall and through Times Square. We could see the MTV windows. Times Square was exactly like it is on TV, but I expected it to be bigger.

There were a LOT of people out. In Times Square, people were standing in the street taking pictures and let me tell you; the taxi’s DON’T STOP for pedestrians and if they KILL YOU, there is no penalty whatsoever. So, while I make a sport of J-walking in Seattle, I only cross streets here when the locals do.

So, we arrived at our hotel dropped our luggage, changed into clean clothing and immediately zonked out. Several hours later I called Brody as planned and we decided to call it a night. B and I spent a not-so-small fortune on room service and went back to sleep.

Our hotel is tiny and gorgeous. We are quite comfortable.

This concludes Day 1 in New York… and did I mention that there are a LOT of people here?

Day Two
My feet are tired and here's some of the stuff we've already seen/ done:

We enjoyed NY bagels
Tour of Columbia University

We walked across the Brooklyn Bridge, Brrr! (Thus the Shroud)

Walked through Little Italy/ Chinatown

Thanksgiving Pies in Little Italy

Grafitti in Chinatown

Brody bought a funny, furry hat & Magnolia Bakery (mmm cupcakes)

"Per Se" French Restaurant (we met the chef and toured the kitchen!)

With thousands of other people, we watched the Thanksgiving Day balloons ready.

We went up in the Empire State Building!

and we've only been here 24 hours!