Soiree in New York City: A Retrospective: Come share the adventures!

[kiwilady]

   

September 8-12, 2010
We Came, We Saw, We Conquered! We're BAACK!  

Author's Tea at Sarabeth's on Central Park South:

Front row, seated: Authors Bruce Frankel and Maryann McFadden
Left to right (scroll sideways  to see everybody):
Mary, Tom (Maryann's friend), Eloise, Judy's friend Liz, Joan R, Zulema, Pedln (hiding), Ann, Judy (Pedln's daughter) Andrea, Meghan (Joan R's daughter) Gay, Lucy's friend, Vivian,, Deb (Maryann's friend), Lucy, Ginny. Not shown: Patrick, Maryann's husband.

Morning at the Met: at the Metropolitan Museum of Art's American Wing

Left to right: Lucy Ginny, Mary (in back) Zulema, Andrea (ALF), Ann, Vivian, Meghan (JoanR's daughter), Eloise, Joan R, Gay (Bow Belle), Pedln.

      
Oh I am green with envy! What a time you had. Bill Clinton was and is mobbed here also. He has been here quite  few times to speak and did us a great honour when as President he spent a few days here in NZ ( first President to do so you have no idea what goodwill towards the US this resulted in) My daughter has a friend with a handmade chocolate shop and cafe. She has a photo of Bill and her on the wall. Bill strolled in the shopping village with Chelsea and spoke to many people on his walk. He had coffee and bought some chocolates in my daughters friends shop. So never think a President is wasting time in travelling to visit foreign shores.

I would love to see the Lion King show. I love African music and also drums.

I am not a big city fan but to see the art galleries and the shows available in a huge City like NY would be very tempting. I think I would rather go to NY than Los Angeles.

Carolyn

[vivian]

 Soiree in NYC. - was a 'commuter' (I live in Brooklyn,NY) - attended  (3) events - Metropolitan Museum, Sarah Beth, Bridge Cafe - enjoyed the events and the company -  next year??? intend to attend more functions
Vivian   

[Eloise]

Frybabe, yes I live in Montreal and I took the Adirondak. I had another idea of what the trip would be like, but I loved the scenery on that trip. You go through much of the same scenery as here in Quebec, lots of green vegetation and we passed by lakes and rivers. It felt like the train was following an old Indian trail. We stopped at several towns to let people off and a few coming on board but our car was only for passengers going to New York Penn Station.

At the border on the way down we were stopped for a long time, over an hour and 2 Border Guards escorted a young man in handcuffs. We stopped in Albany for 20 minutes but other towns only 2 or 3 minutes.

I had a good book to keep me entertained and I even had a little nap. But it’s a long ride, about 10 hours.

No need to be afraid of NYC. I felt safe walking alone from Times Square to the hotel. The streets are wide and clean and the people friendly and helpful. Next time I hope to spend some time in Central Park.

Joan and Meg and I went to the High Line Park and then to the 8th street Fair. Too many tempting things to buy but I didn’t buy anything.  

 

[gingerw]

I am waiting to hear about those who live in NY. Yes I read in here often. Been watching the news all morning. Your time in NY sounds great and I know it was 

[Tomereader1]

I just wonder if anyone had considered Boston as a location for another "soiree"?  Would there be anything similar to The Leo for accommodations?  I think there would be a lot to see there, although not near as much as NYC.

[Zulema]

Oh, I would love to go to Boston with a group for a few days.  I haven't been there since the 70's and that was more in Cambridge for a conference and driving around getting lost.  So I would love a train ride and to see the museums and the swan boats and all the historic churches and the State House and so much more!  Maybe in a couple of years?  Don't wait too long.

[Fran]

Hi Zulema and Tomereader1, I'm with you, I do hope a trip to Boston could be planned in the

future, my son lives a hour away and we just love going into Boston whenever we can. Fran

[Lucylibr]

I would love to go Boston--went there a few times as a child and since then only briefly.  I live in New York, Rockaway Beach, Queens, one of the last stops on the A train, so I also "commute" to Manhattan. Lucy

[ANNIE]

Hi Gay,
I see from reading the posts that you made it home and are resting up for a day or two.  It was a real privledge getting to meet you in NYC.  You made our trip special!  Along with our other out of U.S. member!

Eloise,
Your train trip sounds delightful and so full of the NE scenery.  I wonder if one could take the train from a smaller town north of NYC  to Montreal to see the leaves of Fall, instead of driving up there with the rest of the world in tow.  Wouldn't that be nice?  What was the name of your train and is it an American or Canadian train line?

JoanR,
Hope you and Meg enjoyed sharing NYC with us "foreigners" and thanks for all your help with directions.  Hope everything is well at home.  I loved the "Evensong" at St Thomas on Sunday.  'Twas a perfect ending to a busy day.  And of course, that quick trip through "Eatery" after our bus ride was fun.  And then it was stop for dinner at one of Andrea's suggestions, "East on 8th", where she and Gay joined you and Pedl'n and me with Mary sliding into home plate 30 minutes later.  Shopping again! 

Ginny
Your pictures that you have shared are "mahhvelous, darling!"  Love the intrepids three!  And the admitting hall at Ellis Island.  I don't remember going upstairs when we are there in '98 but it did take us all day to see it.

Doesn't Eloise look "younger than spring time" with that charming and magic smile?  I'm so glad she got to see "Lion King"!  I don't know where I heard about it closing after that Sunday night but I must have misunderstood that rumor.   

[Frybabe]

For anyone interested in the Adirondack, here is Amtrak's route description and schedule. As Eloise noted, it is not an express train it makes several stops along the way. You don't have to go into NYC to hop on board. Lots of gorgeous scenery along the way and lots of history. Also, check out the "Deals" section. It has 20% off on NY trains until the end of May next year. The Adirondack is included. If you want to head west through wine country and the Finger Lakes, there are the Maple Leaf that terminates in Toronto and the Empire Service that ends at Niagara Falls.

http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?c=AM_Route_C&pagename=am/Layout&cid=1241245664917

So far, I haven't been able to get George interested. He would rather drive than deal with having to rent a car here and there to get to the historic sites that are close but not close enough to walk. That's his excuse. Of course, he hasn't volunteered to do the driving. For myself, I would rather take the train. It's much more relaxing.

[ANNIE]

My only debate would be where to board away from NYC so we could leave our car which we will have spent 10 hours driving to get to the train stop.  I think I will just drive south in my state of Ohio, down where the leaves and state parks are many and then over into the eastern half of WV or maybe stop to visit with a friend in Charleston, WV.  Its so much shorter and home is only at most 6 hours away.  I think I agree with George.

We rode the Rocky Mtn Express and the Canadian train from Vancouver to Toronto in 2000 and loved the trip but we had a suite and could come and go at will.  I had no idea how vast Canada is and rich with farms plus beautiful mountains.  Ralph spent most of his time reading while I socialized up in the skylight car.  We were on a Grand Circle tour which are the best for us seniors supposedly.  We had most  late afternoons free.  We did have a wonderful time and our guide was so knowledgeable about all history.  And they took care of our bags,too.  From train stop to room and back to the train the next day.  Never had a problem.  Never lifted a bag! 

[Eloise]

Ann,  I took Amtrak that runs Montreal to New York via Adirondacks. Beautiful scenery along lakes and rivers and come Fall I really think the colors are just as nice North of the US. They come earlier here, in fact we are just about to get them, it's that cold, some parts just above freezing. We never know the exact time though. As for leaving your car, I will tell you what I did when I went to the Bash in the US, I left it in a Motel parking and I gave them my car keys. It stayed there for 4 days and didn't cost me much. They love to see a car parked in their lot especially when it is slow season.

I took the train to Vancouver in the 70s, it took 4 days because of some flood in Saskatchewan. Lovely scenery all the way.

I always wanted to go to Boston too but is there a hotel there as low cost and centrally located as the Leo is what I would examine. 

Fall colors here some years are so spectacular, all the hills are a deep purple, red, green, yellow, etc. You have to catch them at the right time and they only last a few days to one or two weeks, that's all.

Hello Ginger, is that really you? What fun we had at all the gatherings we went to you and I. How are you?

My computer is full of glitches and I might have to reformat it soon. I hope I can fix them, ortherwise it goes for repairs.

[Tomereader1]

That was one of my first questions, Eloise...is there a hotel with all the benefits of The Leo, in Boston?  I sincerely doubt it but perhaps our experienced travelers can let us know that. 

[gingerw]

Hi Eloise, Have many fond memories of bashes. You and I sure got around 

[hidaroupe]

Ginny: Your account of your visit to NYC in your Post #477 on September 16, 2010, is marvelous. The photo you took of Times Square is amazingly reminiscent of Monet's painting of rue Montargueil, the one with all the colorful flags lining the street.
I believe you must be at least three people or at the very least, a whirling dervish, else it is impossible to account for your being here and there, teaching Latin, travel writing (eat your heart out, Paul Theroux), participating in conferences and communicating constantly with all of us. However you manage to do it, thank you, thank you. hidaroupe

[CallieOK]

I have just spent - oh, I don't know how long because I lost track of time - reading about the fabulous soiree in NYC.   How this mid/southwesterner wishes she could have such an experience with such knowledgeable people!   Alas, my travelling days are also over.
I think the only one of you I've met personally is Eloise, who was a fabulous hostess in Montreal for a large group from the old SeniorNet.   Hi, Eloise!


 

[mabel1015j]

This is such a hoot reading of your adventures! Thanks for sharing your fun! Please caption all the picstures with names, so we know who we are looking at. You are an energetic group........Jean

[mabel1015j]

Those of you who went to Ellis Island,  and others, might enjoy Nevada Barr's mystery set on Statue of Liberty park I think it was "Liberty Falling" ..........Jean

[ALF43]

GINGEE- My goodness, it seems forever since we have heard from hyou.  We spoke about you on our trip, remembering the manytrips that we have made together.

My fellow soiree'ers- we make it look easy, don't we?  You ladies that would like to go to Boston must consider the amount of time it would take you to set this up.  What would you schedule for the "bookies?"  How would you accommodate our Latin students ?  It is not an easy job to schedule these "bashes" as it takes months and months of planning.  I wish that I knew someone on the west coast- if I had my tuthers I would like to go to the west coast and give our folks over there, who have been in our book discussions for years a chance to meet and greet us.  Is anyone over there on the west coast interested?  If so-let me know.  There is so much to see in New York that we've not yet seen.  If we don't go to NY or to the west coast next year, I would love to go back to the National Book Festival in DC.
I miss you all.  PatW sends her love to ALL.  Ginny and I hated to leave her but she is doing very well with her recovery.

[ginny]

I am so glad everybody is enjoying the photos and memories, there are a LOT more to come (hidaroupe I like that photo too, and kept wondering what it reminded me of! ). We are just getting started so stay tuned, some great stuff coming up.

[JoanR]

So great, Ginny and Alf, that you went to Ill. to visit PatWest - I'm sure that it did wonders for her morale.  We're all praying for a full recovery for her.

I was thinking about the fact that our far western folks miss out on the Soirees in the east.  How about simultaneous functions - one on the west coast and one on the east so that everyone would be covered??  There would be tons of information to exchange!!!!

I can't begin to tell you how much I enjoyed our Soiree in NY - it's just beyond words.  It worked so well with everyone attending the major functions and then fanning out to other delights and re-convening again.

 I must have been obsessed with Eataly - I think I enticed various folks into it about 3 times!  Oh well, it was on the way to the Leo House.  Our last night's dinner at that bistro on23rd st.  was such fun - one funny story after another - plus the food was good!

We ARE going back next year, right?  I just have to see all of you again!  How can we get Gay back from across the pond, as they say?  She's such a good sport and good company.

[gingerw]

Alf check your personal emails for two from me as your email is not working for me.

[Zulema]

I am so glad to hear about Pat W mending.  I didn't know Andrea and Ginny went to see her.  You are angels.  There must be a lot happening that I am not aware of.

[Eloise]

I am so relieved to have news that Pat West is mending.

I too would just love to see the West coast that I have only seen twice before donkies years ago. As you say Andy it takes months of preparation to do it, the Montreal Bash started two years before the event.

JoanR, it was so enjoyable to spend some time with you and Meg for breakfast and shopping on Saturday, it reminded me of our Street Fair, but our streets are so much narrower. Although I had seen movies about New York the streets are so wide compared to downtown Montreal. One street in Quebec city is so narrow you can almost touch the houses on each side.

I was standing in front of the Marquee Hotel in Times Square waiting for "the girls" who were going to the Million Dollar Quartet. While waiting I was watching the huge screen in front of me and a young woman came on and she was taking pictures of the crowd standing there watching the screen. I didn't think I would be included in the picture because I was standing too far back, but I decided to try moving a bit sideways to see and sure enough I was in the picture she took, so I moved back further. What they can do today is astounding. Times Square is such an exciting place that you can just stand there taking in all the movement and excitement of people going to the theatre and going to and from places. I felt like a country girl going to the big city for the first time.

[Tomereader1]

Well, Boston was just an idea I had.  I guess we don't have any members who live there, right? 

I was telling my friend about the Soiree, and the previous SL trip(s) and she's gung ho for the next one.  I promise, I am going to make one of these trips, because you all just have too much fun!  (Remind me again about the one you guys had at the beach house.)

[ANNIE]

Sitting in another nice hotel tonight as Ralph and I travel to Ithaca.  We are taking our time and the weather is just beautiful!

JoanR, I have forgotten the name info that I got from you.  Could you email to me, your maiden name and David's full name.  Remember our daughter works at Telluride House.

Andy,
Your book is wending its way to you and should be there Saturday or Monday.

Ginny,
The check is in the mail and your Manhattan map.  Thanks for the loan.  It was a big help.  And, I did find mine finally.


Gingee,
Is that you?  Haven't heard from you in ages and its so nice to see you hear.

That's all for now.  My big bed in our huge room at a Hampton Inn beckons.

[gingerw]

Hi Ann, Yes it is me  . Would have liked to be with all in NY but well just don't travel any more. I think of you and Ella often as I use the Gahanna cups and senior net cups often.I have the car that Pat W gave to all of us and keep my senior net pen in it and a Rose Rock from the Neb and Oklahome gals. I charish all my memories of so many senior net and senior net bookies gathering. Love reading all about your trips now to.
Love to all, Ginger Wright ---Gingee 

[Maryemm]

Have just found this section, after a little (!!) help from Joan. Thanks, Joan.

I am truly green with envy reading all about the fun you had. Great, however, to put faces to names at last. You are all so photogenic!

[JoanR]

Hi, Maryemm - happy to see that you made it over here.  Maybe we will see you in some of the book discussions too!  I'm still struggling with Latin - it's an addiction.  Pete used to be in our class and  he's been missed.
Bowbelle (Gay) from your side of the water came to NY and we enjoyed her company so much - a really good sport and has a great sense of humor.

[ginny]

I know it, how good to see you all here, we're just getting started, but some of us are swamped in other areas and the fixing of photos, etc., takes a long time but we've got no end of great stuff coming, our cruise, our
Authors Luncheon,  and all kinds of great excursions yet to be heard from. Stay tuned!

I came IN to say  something you won't hear everywhere: the Leo House called me yesterday, it was the Housekeeper and she said money had been found in my room.  They thought I had been there last week (I wasn't) so they waited this long to contact me, but I said well I did leave something for the maid, she said no,  MONEY has been found in the room. So I said how much? And it was $76.26 (people kept giving me money for things in batches, and those who paid for the photo of the cruise, never fear, I've got your names taped to the computer, once the grapes etc. get done I'm on it), but anyway they called to say it had been found in the sheets, apparently I was cleaning out my purse (apparently I need to) and they wanted to return it.

Now really. Have you ever? I still smart over my nice blouse which I left in a fancy hotel in  Albuquerque which never turned up.

THAT's the Leo House!  More coming, maybe I can catch a break in the grape customers before My Number One Boy arrives for his Jammie PartAY tonight.  They said he's been packed for days. Gammie needs to do something VERY special tonight.

[Frybabe]

Ginny, sounds like you are a busy as ever, busier, even. Hope the party goes well.

I was telling my Sister about the NYC trip. She volunteered to come along with me the next time. She loves NYC. Any opportunity to go, and she is there.

[ALF43]

Wow ginny, that is amazing isn't it?  It was probably the money that you collected at breakfast on the last day.  Everyone was handing you money for their share of the taxi to the soiree at Sarabeths that you provided and for the taxis to and from Ellis Island points.  You were shoving it in the outside of your purse. EEEKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK

[ANNIE]

Hey, Ginny,
Did you get my check for Sarabeth's yet? And your map??

Andrea,
Has your book arrived yet??

I am off to Tuegannock Falls for a short walk with our daughter. 

[Zulema]

Ginny, how lovely of the Leo House!  Your Albuquerque experience reminded me about mine with this inn in Portland, Ore, where I was just before our Soiree.  It was extremely expensive ($420 for 2 nights, one room) but we had to stay there for a reunion and festivities.  I left a nightgown and they have not found it, but if they had, they would charge $10. plus the cost of postage to send it.   And they have written repeatedly asking if I would write a review.  I just might, too.

My California cousins all stay at the Leo when they come to NYC.  It is definitely special.

Zulema     

[Bow_Belle]

good morning !
we are in for a treat today with some more sunny and warm weather!

I want to echo just what a lovely hotel the Leo was. The majority of the staff seemed so friendly and happy!

It shows how efficient they are that they even knew which room the sheets had come from
with regard to the money that ginny mislaid!

I too on my first morning left my purse (pocket book?) with my money and credit cards in it in the dining room. It was returned to me by the housekeeper to whom I had to prove my identity and then i had to sign. I love people being so efficient like that! and honest!

What I also liked was in the waiting area there were a couple of printed sheets of wisdom left for us to read. One was about trying to remember that despite the speedy pace of life on the outside of our bodies the inner life still moved at the same unhurried pace that it always had and that we do ourselves an injustice when we try to hurry up our inner feelings! so true!

[pedln]

Ginny, that is one for the books -- $76 in the sheets.  Really unbelievable and says a lot about the Leo and what it has to offer.  The girls asked if I would recommend it – absolutely.

Let’s go back next year.  I know I get there often, but being with SeniorLearn friends makes it so special.

JoanR,  I was so glad to meet Meg, and I really enjoyed going to dinner and the movies with the two of you.  Believe it or not, we managed to pick a foreign film that has not yet made it Netflix.

Any regrets – I’m sorry to have missed the St. Patrick’s concert, but loved seeing Grand Central Station instead.  That’s a truly awesome place, huge, with those wonderful  constellations on the ceiling.  The girls and I visited the Oyster Bar there, established 1913, to enjoy fried clams and chowder.  And I’m sorry not to have gone shopping with Mary.  I think I would have picked up some real pointers there.   

I had a great week with my girls, and have barely been home a week, still going through mail and playing catch-up with Latin.  We did spend one day going up the Hudson, visited the Storm King Art Center – 500 acres of  fields and hills with hugh outstanding outdoor sculpture, including works by Calder and Henry Moore.  It was their 50th Anniversary.

New Yorkers, Lucy, Vivian, Zulema, Janet, and JoanR – I hope you and your homes and trees are all okay and you escaped the tornado that went through parts of NY, especially Brooklyn and Queens. Judy was riding her bike home from work, over the Brooklyn Bridge and said it all got to a point where the wind was so strong she could not keep the bike upright, took refuge in a fire station. The next  morning we went to Prospect Park – Frederick Olmsted’s labor of love, and oh, so many trees and branches down.  (That was after we visited the TOW Pound – never mind why – which protects its employees with thick bulletproof glass.)

Lucy, I thought of you often, as one day we made our way, slowly, over to picnic at Rockaway Beach, with many stops along the way, Coney Island, Brighton Beach, and even Greenberg Cemetary –Brooklyn’s highest point, with yet another wonderful view of the Statue of Liberty.

[ALF43]

Pedln- no, no no!!!  You do not wish to shop with Mary.  Trust me.  She's a dynamic shopper and never stays still.  No, no.  Let's find a quiet bench to sit on under a big, old tree in Central Park and read poetry, while Mary shops.

Ann- thank you, my book came yesterday.  I appreciate it.

[ginny]

Gosh didn't it all go well? And I'm really excited to see so many people say they are up for another one, in NYC or even on the west coast, who says we can't do two?

The local cruise dealer has a special in the paper, $189, 4 days Bahamas Cruise all inclusive except for the airfare, if you require it, that even beats the Leo. I like the idea of branching out and doing different things but I'm always going to be in NYC in the fall, too,  if I can manage to stagger there, that is.


How lucky we are with the people who went.  This is one Gathering where you could not GET a photo of somebody frowning or sulking or looking upset, what a ball.

We've been busy since we got back but I hear there are a lot more photos and memories to come, so let's get rolling again!!

First up, the Magical Mystery Tour which  gave free face lifts to all who went! I am speaking of  the  Circle Line Cruise of NYC, set up by Lucy and a  total smash. First they had to take our photo. I won't say the girl had an instant grudge against moi, but why is moi the only person here with something in her teeth? Hmmm?

Eloise is fearless, the wind was howling, it was cold, threatening rain, alternating with blistering sun, everybody  ran for the stairs to sit out under the burning sun/ wind/ possible rain. Yours truly and some other intelligent souls sat below but Eloise, not content with blowing away topside, came below and did the same.



I just loved the spirit of every single person on this trip. Like Rick Steves advertises:" no  Grumps!" He, trust me, would KILL for our stalwart group!


But we started out with dinner Wednesday night, our traditional welcome dinner,  at the  Bridge Cafe, Fraunces Tavern being closed for new management.  I don't know how Ann finds these places, you do know she was formerly a travel agent? Well anyway there it was below the Bridge (which bridge, does anybody know?) Yes there it was all right.

Four of us arrived coming late, having waited for Pedln to get to the hotel, which turned out well since Gay decided to meander thru the  Customs as mentioned previously, so we were all glad for a rest for a bit before leaving.

But what's this? All the Philly Girl's senses were on high alert, we descend in bright daylight to this...er....ah...place beneath the bridge struts, er...

Neighborhood looks a bit...er....

No MACE on hand.

Er...

Now if you notice, two of the ladies, and those would be those from NY and Philadelphia, respectively, are clutching their MACE-less   purses in semi desperation?  

The photo here of us outside the restaurant  was taken by the owner of the Bridge Cafe and a nicer more reassuring man you never met.  He was outside spiffing up the building  and welcomed us profusely. He seemed delighted to see us and pretty soon we were too.

In we went and soon all our group came, a nice table over to the side, totally empty restaurant. I thought ah well he's a nice man and the company is good and the atmosphere was really neat and you know what?

By the time we got started the place was SRO, it's obviously the place to be in NYC, it was totally full. NEVER did they hurry us or act as if perhaps we might actually vacate that table for somebody else, and I'm telling you, there WERE no other seats the entire night. And the food was excellent, really good. I'm definitely going back there!

We had a great first night dinner and I did so enjoy getting to talk to everybody there, we were off to a super start!

Then the owner knew of a start up apparently limo service run by Chinese? And two magic limos appeared at the door at impossibly low prices, in fact, we all got so used to paying 3 or 4 bucks apiece to go anywhere in style that we took them constantly.

However one of the drivers attacked Ann, but I'll let her tell it, it seems to be a thing with that company,  but as you'll soon see we came to an instant  understanding going to the Met (everybody thought why not get them again, we can tie Ann to the roof this time, and they can pretend she's not there ),  and I hear Mary got in a fracas with a street vendor about Fresh  Fish, I hope somebody will tell that tale, so it wasn't all chauffeur style, but the Met sure  was, wait till you hear...

This is getting long.... next!

[ginny]

Friday, the Day o the Met      dawned with a resolution from the group that as the Met  was farther than Sarabeth's and the  Author's Luncheon, really our prime event, that the Chinese Limo guys would be great as transportation.

Well you only go around once!

 They, when called, returned a super price and sent two vehicles, one van and one car for ...I don't know how they do the prices. Or maybe I do. SPEED  and get the customer IN and GONE seems to be the motto of this group!

We were to be AT the Met at 9:30 sharp. Special entrance to the left, no steps. The Chinese gentleman driving was very polite and we engaged in a sort of  interesting dialogue for a few minutes, he ordered us in the car, I said we were not ready, he felt we must leave, I felt we would go when we were ready,  and so it went.  

Finally we were underway to the satisfaction of all,  and all was harmonious.  We were so ready  we got there before it opened, and got to stand outside  but we naturally refused to queue and the line stretched half a block around to the front of the Met. Hmmm. People did not look happy as Zulema zoomed in and out and said don't wait in line come this way. Turned out they were waiting for the Bamboo. In fact when we went inside forming Line 2, drifting toward where we were told to meet our guide, and the room was exactly as she said it would be named, one of the people in the Bamboo Line (sort of like a Conga Line but distinguished by snorty faces at the thought these old dames were skipping the queue), came up to me and asked "are you for the
Bamboo," (which, when you think about it is a dangerous question to ask anybody) and I said "No Ma'am" with the thickest southern accent I could summon so she appeared happy.

In we went to the Carson room and waited for our guide  Rebecca Arkenberg. Write that name down.

We had received word from the Met that they were very sorry but all the assisted listening devices were gone. Phone calls to my house. Emails before I left.  They were sorry. Lucy and  I went up on our  own the day before after our Cruise and trip to Chelsea market, no listening devices, sorry. Sigh. I asked everybody what they wanted to do? No person said, I don't want to go.   So here we were, grinning and bearing it.

Here comes Rebecca. No listening devices? I'll get them. Who wants one?  Well after having been told there are none nobody wanted to commit, so 4, I said, she goes up and returns with 4. There does seem to be a conflict but she overcame it. Huzzahs all around.  Now almost everybody wants one. Back up she goes and doggone doesn't she come down, somewhat breathless (it's a long way)  with them, sets them up and we're off.

(I got back to the hotel and had two emails. Two from the Met saying how sorry they were we didn't get them. I did write them that Rebecca got them and they were truly delighted for us. Keep Rebecca Arkenberg's name in your mind if you ever need a private guide.  She is something else!

Saved our bacon!)

Here is Rebecca with our group, and as you can see nobody in the group was the slightest bit interested in her talk.  She spoke on books, book binding, the history of books, and did a great  job.

Following her talk we had a lunch in the very airy American  Wing Cafe  looking at the  Tiffany Windows and the sculpture, I can take that.  We had our photo in the heading taken by a gentlemen from....was it Iowa? Very nice man, got several shots.

Then those who wanted to adjourned to the Greek and Roman Wing where we viewed the restored Cubiculum of Fannius Synistore
and the Monteleone Chariot,  passing by the gorgeous mosaic floors of the new Greek and Roman wing.  

Then we adjourned for the day, what did you all do? I stayed at the Met  and got some fabulous shots of Roman stuff...and went up on the roof, our tradition also and got several shots of the skyline , that is, once I got thru the BAMBOO which I really think they could have managed without. Apparently you are to climb up it?  Most strange.

A wonderful day at the Met!

What did you all do and where did you go after we left?

More to come, lots of folks have photos, and on Tuesday  I'll put up our piece de resistance, the Author Tea at Sarabeths!

[Ella Gibbons]

GREAT PHOTOS, GINNY!  WHAT A GREAT GROUP, I KNOW MOST OF YOU!!  SO SORRY TO HAVE MISSED THE FUN.