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The Big Apple

New York, New York, what a wonderful town! (Hint:  You've already read the stuff in blue)

After landing at LaGuardia Airport and hailing a taxi, we're heading into Manhattan in stop and go traffic. Stop means our cabbie, who has graciously cracked the windows for some 'fresh air' is cutting over lane after lane to find the quickest way to cross the East River . . . and go means that he is speeding south along the Eastside Highway towards the United Nations building at 85 m.p.h.

What follows? An NBC Studio tour, visit with the Today Show, Strawberry Fields and more.

Pronto’s Pizza, The Empire State Building, NBC Studios and Other Historical Sites, Are the Best Found In NYC by Conyers Locals

The local Rockdale County school board has adopted a ‘balanced’ calendar, which shortens the summer break, but it extends the Thanksgiving break, and adds two 1-week breaks in October and February. 

Brian, Lynn, Erin and Nicole spent 24 hours in the ‘Big Apple’ before they were met by oldest sister Stacey for a trip to Rhinebeck to celebrate Bud’s 80^th birthday. 

City accommodations were secured by Brian’s sister-in-law, famed travel agent to the stars, Joan Howe of Star Travel.  She made sure they were cared for at the renowned ‘Intercontinental Barclay’ located in the heart of fabulous Manhattan, and within minutes of some of the best things New York City has to offer.

Brian said, “We really packed a lot into 24 hours.  We walked to Rockefeller Center, took the NBC Studio tour, breezed through part of the theatre district, then on to Central Park to visit Strawberry Fields and a glimpse of The Dakota, the former home of the late John Lennon.”

Later, they took the subway to Mulberry Street to enjoy Italian food, and rode it back to within walking distance of the Empire State Building for a breathtaking nighttime glimpse of the City from atop its observation deck. 

Even though it was cold and the wind was howling, they braved the elements to listen to their guide, “Tony” on the audio players they rented.  He pointed out landmarks and the sections of Manhattan within view.

Nicole, who has become a prolific photographer, took images from many vantage points.  She noted that, “It was very cold and windy, but the view was incomparable.”  She also observed that, "New Yorkers are much more friendly than I perceived them to be", and as editor of her high school newspaper, wrote an article discussing her recent 'Big Apple' experiences.

Erin said, “It was an outstanding adventure to crowd into the elevators, and then check out at the lights of New York City from the top.”

The following morning, Brian & Lynn took off to find hot coffee and bagels, and then made a side trip to the ‘Today Show’. 

After catching a quick glimpse of weatherman Al Roker outside, and Katie Couric inside, they made a stop and walk through at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral.

Returning to the hotel, and readying for the next leg of the trip by hooking up with Stacey at La Guardia Airport, they headed to Rhinebeck, and Bud’s landmark birthday party.