Is there a better city in the world to take two teenagers who have never been there? Uncle Ben was in charge of food, choosing the most authentic and varied restaurants to provide a tasting feast during our four days in New York City. Katz’s Deli may have been the most unique. At Becco’s Italian Restaurant with all you can eat pasta, we four toasted the achievements of Kris and Rae who successfully completed high school. Our private tour of the NYSE including being on the floor for the opening bell, was hugely impressive. The 9/11 Memorial pools were a poignant reminder of the tragedy that changed the way we see the world. Seeing Kinky Boots in a Broadway theater was another thrill.
During our “tourist time” on Times Square after the theater Ben and I watched the kids head for the Naked Cowboy who stood on the crowded sidewalk with his guitar wearing only his Jockey shorts. Then, even more eagerly, they rushed to have their pictures taken with a really naked young lady whose body was painted elaborately while her huge hot pink feather headdress bobbed invitingly. We both agreed that even Paris wouldn’t be as great a place for two teens.
Kris who claims he doesn’t care for museums did agree to visit two. While Rae eagerly swept into the special Goth Fashion exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Ben and I guided Kris to see the Egyptian temple and he also admired the fully armored medieval knights and their weaponry. The Tenement Museum was new to all of us. Rae was emotionally immersed in the beautiful decay of that Lower East Side tenement building and the stories of the 19th century immigrants who lived there.
So they both had a landmark experience that they will always remember. Ben was the perfect travel partner for me. He could take them out at night when I was done for the day! What a wonderful Uncle, not to mention being a generous son as well. I was pleased with myself that I managed to keep up with them amazingly well despite lots of sweating in the 80+ degree heat and some sore feet. Staying at the Grand Hyatt next door to Grand Central Station was a perfect location.