Return to The Big Apple: Part 5 – Under the Boardwalk

("Return to The Big Apple" continues from Part 4.)

Day 5: NY Aquarium, Coney Island & Little Island

The morning began with my 12-Steps meeting on Zoom, followed by breakfast at Tick Tock Diner (full details of the dining experience is found in Addendum – Complimentary Dining), and then assembled at 8:30am at the hotel lobby. With Tour Guide Joe was Assistant Langston. While we were rolling into 34th Street–Herald Square station, three members experienced difficulties using their OMNY cards. Despite multiple attempts to scan the cards, a red screen appeared and entry was denied. Joe remedied the issue by scanning his OMNY card to give them access. This issue would extend to more members before the day was through.

Return to The Big Apple: Addendum – Complimentary Dining

One of the benefits of a guided tour is meals being inclusive. I don't have to figure out where and what to eat in an unfamiliar place three times a day. This program was no exception. Aside from Day 3 lunch, Day 4 dinner and Day 5 lunch – which we were to find our own – all the other meals were pre-arranged for us. 

In this entry, I focus only on the four restaurants (full-service providers including waiters, silverware, etc.) that were included in the program: Tick Tock Diner, Paesano's on Mulberry Street, Hill Country BBQ Market and SIMÒ Pizza. They were evaluated and curved on food, service and ambience ("1" for best, "4" for worst).

Return to The Big Apple: Part 4 - A Walk In The Park

("Return to The Big Apple" continues from Part 3.)

Day 4: Central Park & Museum of Natural History

I woke up at the same time as the last two mornings. The day's program agenda was Central Park and free time afterwards to do as we wished. In addition to those, we had two other things to do. First, the room attendants would be coming in to - among other things - take out our trash. We locked our luggage, and I took my laptop with me in my backpack. Second, today was laundry day. We consolidated our dirty clothes into plastic bags to be later packed into a luggage. Then it was off to Tick Tock Diner (full details of the dining experience is found in Addendum - Complimentary Dining) and afterwards meet at the lobby at 9:30am.

Return to The Big Apple: Part 3 – Top Of The Rock

("Return to The Big Apple" continues from Part 2.)

Day 3: UN, 30 Rock & Times Square

I had only seen the United Nations (UN) on TV and at the movies, but never in person. In every show that takes places in the UN, everyone dresses business formal. There is a dress code (of sorts) according to the UN website FAQ: 

Return to The Big Apple: Part 2 – There & Back Again

("Return to The Big Apple" continues from Part 1.)

Day 2: Ellis Island, Statue of Liberty, 9/11 Memorial, Little Italy

It was time to wake up. I didn't sleep well, wanted to sleep longer but couldn’t. The bathroom mirror revealed dark brown colorations under my eyes, noticeable with my glasses off. That was what I got every time I didn't get enough sleep. We had to get dressed and head to Tick Tock Diner for breakfast. (Full details of the dining experience is found in Addendum – Complimentary Dining.)

Return to The Big Apple: Part 1 – What Can Possibly Go Wrong?

I don't travel. When I do, it's only for business. I prefer road travels because the variables can be managed. Not with air travel. Too many variables beyond my control, financially costlier, and unrestrained negative feedback by family should anything – however small – displeases them.