And the whirlwind tour is done!
Entry posted by docoflove1974
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Ok, I'm back. Here's the gist of things:
Wednesday: we all get in around 9am, take the shuttle to our hotel in Queens. Since we can't check in yet, we decide to change and take the subway out to Yankee Stadium. The bad news: since we have bleacher seats that day, we can't tour around the rest of the stadium, but that's ok. The game went well--Yankees won convincingly--and the bleachers were just as I love them: great crowd of people, lots of kids, and a good time all around. (And no alcohol sales in the bleachers at Yankee Stadium? Seriously?) Actually, one element which was a bit dour: a young 20ish woman came in and sat behind us, plastered (or, as I term it, chemically altered), with her friend in tow. She was completely incoherent--prolly high more than drunk--and going on and on and on and on. Communism, freedom of speech...there were a few topics touched upon. There were several day camps in our section, and this 'lovely lady' was cussing a blue streak for no reason. She was ultimately 'asked to leave' (aka kicked out), and her friend could not have been more embarrassed. Otherwise, loved the bleachers! But my mom, my brother and I were so tired from the red-eye and running around that we didn't go to dinner at the swanky Manhattan joint we planned...instead we opted for the hotel, a shower, and going down the street to a steakhouse. Great dinner, but we were beat! Early bed time.
Thursday: ok, this part is well explained by Neph. Neph is by far one of the coolest chicas I've ever met, and I can't wait to get back to NYC for a proper tour. My mom got the biggest kick out of her and John, and we both agree that they were awesome tourguides. After we left her, Mom and I met up with my brother at Yankee Stadium. We got there as the gates opened and went to Monument Park. For those who don't know, they have shrines for Yankee greats, both retired numbers of players and plaques noting their accomplishments. It's a beautiful tribute to baseball players (and some front-office people) of yore. Another good game--Yankees lost by a lot--and we got back to the hotel late. Shower, and sleep...a long drive the next day!
Friday: 4 hour drive to Cooperstown, NY, to the Baseball Hall of Fame. And what a place! If you even like baseball, let alone love it like we do, it's a must-see. Cooperstown is truly a small town, common to upstate New York. The HOF is not that big a building and complex, but it's amazing what they have. They have relics and pieces from the earliest days of the game (late 1800s), plus pieces from the most famous moments and players of the game. The hall with the plaques of those enshrined was by far the most touching...I found myself tearing up at those recently-inducted who have supplied me with an entire childhood of memories. But still, to read the plaques of Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, Joe DiMaggio, Ted Williams, Willie Mays, and so many, many more, well, honestly there isn't a word for it. If you love a sport, to go to it's 'hall of fame' is truly breathtaking. This was no different. So, after spending a few hours there, we had dinner in town and went back to our hotel room the next town over.
Saturday: woke up to...DOWNPOURING RAIN!!! That was fun (not). But got out ok, and had a 3 1/2 hour drive to Boston. We thought we out-ran the rain, and we did, but when we had to go to the game at Fenway Park, it caught up with us. Eh, it's all good...a $10 plastic poncho worked well. Anyway, we stayed on Beacon Street, not far from the park, and enjoyed a beautiful evening once the rain cleared. Bleacher seats again in Fenway, and it was WAY better. No offense, Yankee Fans, but "Sawx" Fans have you beat. Very lively crowd (in a good way), tons of fun...felt like I was back at AT&T Park watching my Giants. (With beer sales! Wooooooooo!) Red Sox won (and beat the snot outta my brother's A's...HA HA!), and we went back to the hotel.
Sunday (today): woke up, got out of bed, ran a comb across my head...oops, sorry, Paul. Anyway, went to the airport to leave. We all had noon-time flights--Mom flew back on a different airline than my brother and I. We ended up volunteering to be bumped, and got a $300 voucher and first-class all the way back home for the trouble...but we got in at the same time as we would have. So now I have $300 to spend on American Airlines...hmmmmmmmmmmm....
So, when I have time, I'll post more pictures. Gotta combine them with the ones my mom and I took with her camera, and those of my brother. It was an outstanding trip, but I'm weary. Tomorrow I gotta buy food (ack! the cupboard's bare!) and pick up my cat from the boarder. But I am without words to describe the entire trip...it was spectacular!
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