The day began with the usual trip to Starbucks, but this morning we would also be saying goodbye to the Belnord Hotel. We left our luggage at the hotel for the day and off we went.
We really didn't have much of a plan for the day. We just kind of wandered around the city. We started off for Grand Central Station, but ended up near the United Nations......so we figured we'd check it out.
After going through security, we got inside only to find out that all tours were guided and that there was at least a 2 hour wait. We really didn't want to waste our last day there waiting for that -- so we viewed some of the pictures in the lobby they had on exhibit and it was off to......who knows where.
Our original plan had been to go to Brooklyn since we were close by (we thought we should visit at least one other borough while we were there).....but Paul really wanted to see the original Cotton Club owned by his Uncle Ownie. Remember all the Ownie Madden stories I blogged about when we went to Hot Springs, Arkansas? So it was off to Harlem instead (which was totally opposite of Brooklyn).
After some heavy duty navigating to find the right subways and transfers to get there (and a little help from a very nice lady), we were on our way to Harlem. Lucky for us the Cotton Club was 2 blocks from the subway....so we found it easily and had Paul pose for a picture outside of it.
We walked back to the subway and down the main street in Harlem to get a feel of what this city was like. The view from the subway platform gives a birds eye view.
After our Harlem visit, we continued on the subway to the Bronx. It was time for lunch (3pm) so we found a kosher Jewish deli to feast upon some pastrami, dill pickles, Knishes, and Hot Red Peppers. Yummy!
The view of the rails from the platform at the Bronx subway station.
Since the day was winding down and we needed to figure out what transportation we were going to take to get back to the Newark airport for our flight home, we jumped back on the subway and stopped off at our hotel and picked up our luggage.
Our next destination was to head back down to Times Square and hit the souvenir shops. We had to bring back the necessary display plate and shot glasses that we always pick up when we're traveling.
Instead of taking the train back to Newark, we opted for a direct bus to the airport. We found the New York Port Authority station closeby Times Square and hopped a relaxing bus back to the airport.
Since we arrived at the airport 2 1/2 hours before our flight, it gave us plenty of time to get through security and find a relaxing place to sip on some margaritas while we waited for our flight. I would like to note that in security at both the Houston airport and the Newark airport, they found it necessary to give me additional screenings by giving me a patdown. Guess old ladies are now terroristic targets.
It's always fun to have some time to kill and explore all the different airports we go to. There is usually some fun shops or good treats to eat while you're waiting for your plane. The Newark airport proved no differently.
We had a great time, had a great adventure, and saw and did many amazing things on this trip. Of course, 4 days didn't begin to cover all the things there was to do.....but that can be saved for another trip!
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