The Big Apple and a Violin Thing

I know travelling isn't a huge deal for a lot of people. But, raise your hand if you've been on a plane since 9/11. Well, now I can finally say, "WE HAVE!" We flew to Indiana about three years after we got married - the spring before 9/11. At the rate we're going, our next flight will be in 2021. 

Richard applied to attend a violin symposium at Juilliard in NYC. I purchased plane tickets from Delta. (Couldn't stop singing the Delta jingle from years ago all that day. "Deltaaaaaa, we love to fly and it shows." Anyone else remember that?) And this is going to sound silly, but I was really looking forward to the plane ride itself. It was only my third plane trip ever.

Our dear friends, the Grossman's, were kind enough to house and take care of us while there. I don't think we could have made this trip work without them. We are so grateful for their graciousness. 

Eric picked us up at the JFK Airport and took us immediately to a home in New Jersey where he and his family lived for a while. They were having a Memorial Day barbecue so we met some of their friends and even played a Haydn quartet with Eric and his cellist friend for fun. That is, if you can call sight reading a piece you have never played (with two professionals) for an audience of people you just met "fun".?.? And the home? The home was amazing! One of those beautiful old Victorian homes that has been in the family for ages. Just lovely.  

And, no kidding, this was the view you got when you looked out that music room window. I'm telling you, it was a dream home.

The following day was Memorial Day, and we spent it with the Grossman's in Manhattan. We ate at a great little Chinese food place called Ollies, and spent a couple hours at the Museum of Natural History. I felt bad that our kids weren't with us, so I tried my best to at least take a few pictures for them. We were only able to see a small part of this giant museum. 

We took a little stroll through Central Park after the museum.

On Wednesday, Richard and I went into the big city by ourselves. I wanted to spend the day with him at the symposium to attend some masterclasses. We took the bus from New Jersey to NYC, and then hopped on a Taxi to Juilliard. This was big for us. The taxi, I mean. The first masterclass started with an interview of some really cool people including famous violinist, Sara Chang. (On the right in the picture below.)

Then Itzhak Perlman gave a masterclass for us with five of his own students. This also included an interview with him. A once-in-a-lifetime experience this was! Totally awesome!!! And, you know from a previous post what a big deal this was for both of us. My favorite performer ever! My inspiration since high school. The highlight of our New York trip! (And, it wasn't even a Broadway musical.) Although I probably wasn't supposed to, I snagged some video of this as well. Hehe. :)

On Thursday, Lida and I went to Manhatten and took a stroll in Central Park. Below is Turtle Pond. 

I think these turtles were posing for us.

It's easy to forget you are in a big city while in this park. It's unbelievably huge and such an amazing part of the city.

A little raccoon we spied in the park.

Gobbling up someone's bread.

I loved this bridge!

This is the Belvedere Castle in Central Park. It also serves as a weather station, and gives you great views of the park.

On Thursday evening, Richard and I spent the evening in NYC. 
We stopped at the Lego Store.

We went to the top of the Rockefeller and got some fun shots.

Did I mention that Central Park is big?

Although we didn't stop and do anything in Times Square, we walked through it. At least we were there long enough to get a picture. 

Once back in New Jersey, we got a nice view of the city at night.

 Although I didn't get a chance to actually go and see the Statue of Liberty, I was able to see it from a distance when I went with Lida and her children to Governor's Island. I was glad my camera has a good zoom.

These are some more shots from Governor's Island.

We attended a performance of the Juilliard String Quartet with Eric on Friday evening. They were fantastic!

We had to drive through the Lincoln Tunnel back and forth from New Jersey to NYC. (Usually in a bus.) On Sunday we drove through in the Grossman's minivan to attend Catholic Mass with them, so I shot this 'cause I figured the kids would think it was cool. Driving in a tunnel not just under the ground, but under the Hudson Bay too.?. I mean, that's just plain cool. And, the chapel where mass was held was absolutely gorgeous! Beautiful arched ceilings (HIGH) and stained glass windows. It was pretty awesome. I didn't take pictures though. I figured it probably wouldn't be appropriate. :)

With Eric and Lida the night before we left.

Well, it seems like I have written and posted quite a bit, but honestly, I haven't even scratched the surface. There's so much more I would love to tell about, but I think I would just put everyone to sleep. I hope I get around to writing it all in my personal journal. It really was a wonderful opportunity - one that may never come again. I am so grateful for everyone who made it possible. We missed our kids, but we knew they were in good hands. Thanks to all of our family who took such good care of them while we were gone. It's a trip we will never forget!