New York, Dan 1

New York, Fall, 2009

Sept 30

“New York! New York! It’s a wonderful town! The Bronx is up. and the Battery’s down.” We’re so far uptown I think we’re in Maine!

Actually the Courtyard by Marriett is perfect—not a huge room but very comfortable, clean, quiet with all the amenities—it’s just a schlep into the heart of the action. As many of you know, the price is right—we got it for free so I can’t complain.

Yesterday, we took the subway (standing room only, and I think I had an intimate encounter with a stranger!) to Grand Central Station, which is a hub of activity, stores, restaurants, and people.

We ate breakfast at a small place across the street while waiting for the train. For under $6, I had lox, eggs, toast, and tea! Our adventure took us to Tarrytown, maybe 35-40 minutes away along the Hudson. Our very good friends, the Goulds from San Jose, were visiting their kids and grandkids. After meeting us at the station, we walked around the charming downtown and had lunch and then headed to Kykuit, which housed 4 generations of Rockerfellers. We picked up our tickets in Sleepy Hollow (of the Headless Horseman fame). The ticket/gift shop was on a small, beautiful lake across the bridge from an early seventeenth century house. A van took about 20 of us up to the top of the hill (Kykuit means something like “top of the hill” on a scenic, wooded drive.

The house is classic revival style, furnished with a lot of Chinese art. The extensive grounds contain many interesting modern statues. Our tour guide was excellent giving us just the right amount of information. The first Rockerfeller to occupy the house was a self-made man and an ardent Baptist. His idea of fun included organ concerts (he had an organ in his house) and enjoying the outdoors. His son was a disappointment to him because he was an intellectual art lover not interested in the business. He and succeeding generation amassed an incredible art collection. The lower floor is literally an art gallery with many Picassos. Included were about 5-6 Picasso tapestries, which I never knew existed. The grounds and views are stunning—all of it manmade overlooking the Hudson River. Dan would have liked to have played the golf course on the property!

We drove around the area, which is charming and went on a majestic walk beneath tall trees along a lake. We even met 3 Bambies, who were not at all spooked by humans.

Today we spent our entire time in the Met with 2 good friends, one from North Carolina and one from George—but I’ll have to write about that tomorrow as we’re meeting Dan’s cousins for dinner.