Last month, in the middle of winter, when everything in NYC was to be least expensive (i.e., more in line with the rest of the U.S.A.), Kathy and Jesse invited her mom and his parents (David and me) to spend a weekend there together. As Kathy explained, Jesse planned everything from start to finish. As I may have mentioned elsewhere on this website, he has become just like his dad, who used to plan every detail of every trip for the entire family.
At our first “hello” nearly 51 years ago, I adored my in-laws, and especially my mother-in-law, Lois McKendry. Jack, my father-in-law, was a truck driver for Consolidated Freight Ways. Often, he was on the road multiple days at a time. Consequently, the responsibility of raising their five children fell primarily on her. I had the privilege of knowing her for only five short years. I wish I could have known her longer to learn the magic of raising children to be good people, as manifested in David who is so kind and gentle. She always corrected me, however, by saying that he was born that way.
In any case, she used to tell David and me, “Travel while you can. Don’t wait till you ‘retire’ because, if you do, you may end up not going anywhere.” Sadly, she passed away at age 51, long before she was ready to retire. David and I took her advice to heart and traveled a lot, and with our sons – before they became self-conscious about being seen in public with their parents. Teenagers!
Since we got married in 1972, we traveled to 62 countries and 49 states. Then came the 2008 market crash and, ever since, we cut way back on everything, including travel. Thank goodness we did plenty of traveling when we could easily afford them.
Fast forward 15 years to mid-February 2023. We flew from Cleveland to Newark on United Airlines. From the Newark airport, Jesse did his magic with his phone app to arrange for Uber (a minivan, large enough for 5 adults to ride comfortably) to downtown NYC. I learned that Uber has been around since 2009, contrary to my perception that it was something new.
We visited the following places in NYC:
Friday, February 17, 2023:
- Late lunch/early dinner at Rubirosa
- We all shared two large pizzas, which was the perfect amount. I especially liked the tie-dye pie, the one with pesto.
- “The play that goes wrong,” an off-Broadway show:
- Jesse made sure that, for all shows, we were to be seated right in front of the stage. For this show, in retrospect, the theatrical-stage sets were designed to “fall apart” at certain points. I didn’t know this at first and being so close, I was afraid we were going to get hit by some comedic debris. It was funny and scary at the same time, but no one – actors or audience – was harmed. But it sure kept everyone wide awake the entire time.
Saturday, February 18, 2023:
- Breakfast at “Russ and Daughters,” a Jewish restaurant
- This place was packed at 8:30 AM. This is a clear sign that the food is excellent. Everything was delicious, and the matzo-ball soup was especially satisfying. Savoring Jewish food in New York City must be equivalent to enjoying sushi in Japan.
- The 9/11 Memorial Waterfall Pools
- One of the two pools in working condition was stunning and beautiful. Whatever the reason was, it was a bit sad to see that the other one was left dry.
- It is still hard to imagine that there used to be tall buildings, above, that were destroyed upon impact when hijackers rammed commercial jets into them in 2001. Acts of evil that are beyond imagination.
- One World Observatory
- We were very fortunate that this day was sunny, and the sky was blue.
- Inside the elevator, on the way to the 102nd floor, a quick video was shown, depicting the progression of the area’s geography from no buildings at all – only bare land – to how it is today.
- The 360-degree view of NYC from this observatory was spectacular. In the past, I remember feeling queasy whenever we had this type of view. Then I realized that it was because most such views are typically available from towers, which tend to sway with winds. This observatory, on the other hand, is part of a building. So, we were solidly “grounded.”
- Early dinner at Kimura’s
- Hot-pot dinner shared with loved ones at a Japanese restaurant in NYC on a cold winter day. What could be better than that?
Jesse and Dad
David and Reiko
- “Wicked,” a Broadway show
- Once again, Jesse spoiled us with front-row seats. The performers were “right there, right in front of us!?”
- I especially loved the Elphaba Thropp character played by Talia Suskauer. At one point, Jesse said, “Mom, she wasn’t supposed to be smiling at that moment but when she heard you say whatever you had said, she just couldn’t help herself.” Oops! I so wish I could remember what I must have blurted out. In any case, with her beauty, talent, and poise, she is a natural performer. I’m a huge fan of Talia! I’m even tempted to spell my maiden name as Tanikauer, instead of Tanikawa.
Sunday, February 19, 2023:
- Breakfast at “Balthazar,” a French restaurant
- This is a huge restaurant with a very high ceiling in the middle of NYC.
- Among all the delicious items, my favorite was its croissant. I savored every bite of its simple, buttery flakiness.
- “Moulin Rouge,” a Broadway matinee
- I learned for the first time that Moulin meant “Windmill.” As expected, the stage décor was in many shades of red.
- Upon returning home, I googled “Moulin Rouge.” It is a cabaret in Paris, France, which has been in existence since October 6, 1889. The next time we visit Paris, this is a “must stop by” destination.
- Dinner at “Amarone Scarlatto,” an Italian restaurant
- We were impressed that this restaurant had a fresh truffle (mushroom). David had some pieces sliced into his soup. It was delicious. That said, I still think the Japanese “matsu-take” is the most flavorful of all mushrooms in the world.
- The best part of this restaurant was that we were able to introduce Jesse to affogato, which is espresso poured over vanilla gelato. In addition to tiramisu, that’s my go-to dessert at Italian restaurants. Even if they don’t have it (affogato) on the menu, you can always ask your server for the two ingredients (espresso and vanilla gelato), which all Italian restaurants carry, and combine them yourself.
- David was a trooper. He kept up with the walk in the City of New York, albeit slowly, despite the fact that his legs were bothering him quite a bit. After awhile, Sandie, Kathy, and David headed back to the hotel – primarily because David needed to rest. I, on the other hand, wanted to walk around Times Square. After all, how often can I be in Times Square in NYC? Maybe never again? Jesse was sweet enough to escort me – although he walked way too fast everywhere; it was more like a sprint all the way back to the hotel. It was great exercise but, next time, I’m going to walk at my own pace, by myself, and take it all in wherever I’m visiting.
Monday, February 20, 2023:
- Jesse, Kathy, and Sandie went to work out early in the morning, followed by breakfast, while David and I slept in.
- We then had breakfast by ourselves at Times Square Diner, across the street from Hilton Garden Inn where we had stayed. Once again, we were pleasantly surprised that the pricing was very reasonable, about the same as any breakfast in Michigan.
- At the Cleveland Airport, Jesse gave Dad a big hug instead of the handshake that Dad had extended to him. His gesture reminded me of myself when I gave my mother a big hug when she – as a Japanese cultural norm – began bowing to me for her last goodbye. That was when she was already suffering from terminal pancreatic cancer. Thanks to my brother, I knew that was the last time I’d see her alive. Thankfully, David is not quite so ill.
- All good things must come to an end. Such was the trip to NYC. Jesse gave us, his parents, the most wonderful weekend to remember. All during the visit, I kept remembering him as the sweetest little boy – just like his Dad – who proudly brought me the most beautiful dandelion that he had picked from the yard of our then residence in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. How time flies!
- I thoroughly enjoyed every arrangement Jesse had made for us. Thank you so much, Jesse-kun! It’s an honor and privilege to be your mom!
