Let The Memories Begin! – Day 20

December 29, 2013 SF

Our second day in New York City. The sky is grey and it’s raining and cold.

We walked in the rain to John’s Pizzeria, minutes away from Times Square for brunch. We arrived just before they opened at 11.30am and were their first customer for that day. However, people started streaming in soon after. Soon, we were seated and the place is beautiful. According to ZA, this used to be a church, which explains the antique light fixtures and beautiful massive stained glass window. (ZA: New York Gospel Tabernacle Church which was first built in 1888). While waiting for our server, we kept ourselves entertained watching pizza making by the coal fired brick oven. We ordered a Traditional Pizza with Pepperoni, a Baked Ziti and a pitcher of Shirley Temple. The pitcher topped with cherries arrived quickly and it was so refreshing. The Baked Ziti came next and it was good too. Finally, our pizza arrived on metal pedestal. It was huge with 8 slices. The crust was thin and crispy. It was simply fabulous and we finished them all. Ashley loved the Shirley Temple so much that we poured the remaining drink into a bottle so that she could have it later. All in all, it was an extremely satisfying brunch at a very reasonable price.

(ZA: As yesterday was crowded. I could hardly take out the camera for pictures. Decided just to bring the smaller Fuji X10 to take pictures in NYC. X100 is locked in the hotel safe along with our passports)

After our meal, we attempted Toys R Us again. It was much less crowded than yesterday. Known as the world’s greatest toy store, it is filled with everything from toys to trains to video games and offers unique product displays. There is a Ferris Wheel right in the middle of the store, a life-sized T-Rex and a Barbie Dollhouse. The size of the store is really massive and ended up only at the girls’ section. Ashley eventually did not ride the Ferris Wheel as it stops very frequently.

Our next stop was the iconic FAO Schwarz, one of the most famous toy store in the world. It has an old fashioned charm filled with huge selection of toys, games and even candies. It also housed the Big Piano featured in Tom Hanks’ movie ‘Big’. Although it carries all the popular and trending toys and gadgets, it also has lots of classic favourites. Upon stepping into the store, Ashley immediately spotted Jack in the box, which she had wanted all this while but couldn’t find. This is actually a Princess in the box and ended up buying it. Perhaps it was too crowded, we actually could not find the Big Piano. We decided to head back to the hotel to rest before our evening programme. We had pre-purchased tickets for the Radio City Christmas Spectacular with a discount code at 9.30pm.

We made our way to Rockefeller Center in the evening. We had to see the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, towered above the ice rink below. The 76 foot tree sparkled with multi-coloured LED lights and was topped with a huge Swarovski star. It is gorgeous and enormous. We took some photos and looked for dinner at a nearby diner. Jarod and ZA ordered the Rib Steak and I ordered the Cheeseburger. The bad news for Ashley, Macaroni and Cheese was sold out. We shared the burger and did not like it. the patty was blackened and bitter. She ended up having Sirloin sandwich with the bread from the burger and meat from Jarod. I did not enjoy the dinner. (ZA : Jarod and myself found the steak ok)

We walked across the street to Radio City Music Hall. We were impressed by the place, it was beautiful. We had orchestra seats for the annual run of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. The seats were good and we could see the entire stage with Ashley seated by the aisle. The show was amazing, filled with the Rockettes, ice skaters, dancing teddy bears and Santa Clauses. There was an integrated 3D segment which took us through the skies of New York with Santa, and be whisked up to the North Pole complete with snow falls. The Rockettes were so synchronised, precise and flawless, mesmerizing and beautiful. We particularly enjoyed ‘The Parade of the Wooden Soldiers’ where they fell like dominoes. It left us speechless as we watched in amazement. Ashley had a special moment when Santa who was making his way across the aisle to the stage took her by her hand and wished her ‘Merry Christmas Sweetheart!’. We did not manage to capture this moment as he took us by surprise. He had actually walked past her and then turned back. She was beaming with delight as the spotlight shone on her. It was definitely a show worth watching.

(ZA : Best precision marching in the Toy Soldier piece I have seen. Perfect)