The Road to New Haven, CT

On June 20, since the Hilton Garden Inn did not offer a Complimentary Continental Breakfast, we ordered Breakfast from Fresh Food Market, Deli, and Grocery, which was near the hotel.  Although they offered Free Delivery to our room, Patty decided that we would pick it up!  While Bob was preparing for the day, Patty and I walked over to the store to pick up our food.  I had a Grilled Ham and Cheese Sandwich because they were out of Lox (Salmon).  Patty had Pancakes.  Bob had an Omelet.  Either Bob or Patty had Bacon as well.  I can't vouch for the Omelet, but the Pancakes, Bacon, and my Sandwich were appetizing.  I enjoyed my Orange Soda originally from Aldi with my breakfast because I didn't drink it the night before.

After getting organized and having our luggage held at the hotel, we walked down to the One World Observatory where we had 11:45 A.M. Tickets that were purchased Online.  Since we were early, I was curious about a complex across the street named Brookfield Place.  Since there was construction, Bob and I went to the left and headed for the back of the complex.  An unexpected pleasure occurred.  We had a view of the Hudson River behind the complex.  We then entered the upscale mall.  No stores "excited" us, so we went back by the Hudson River.  This time, we clearly saw the Statue of Liberty.  We then discovered that it would have been easier to go to the right of the complex.  We then re-united with Patty.

In a light drizzle, we entered the line to enter the One World Observatory.  Once inside and past Security, we headed for the elevators.  The evolution of the World Trade Center was depicted as we rode to the Observation Deck.  We then walked down two floors to view New York City from well past the 100th Floor.  It was a cloudy day, but the scenery was adequate.  It wasn't as exciting as the Empire State Building at night, but it was okay.  It was crowded but traffic moved at a steady pace.  Besides the view, there was a tour guide who amusingly educated us about New York City.  Bob and I then visited the Gift Shop, but we left empty-handed.  We also checked out the dining options, but we deemed them overpriced.

Since we were way early for our 3:45 ticket into the 9/11 Museum, Patty wondered if we could exchange our ticket for an earlier time.  We were able to enter the Museum at 2:00 P.M.  It was quite crowded.  There are a lot of artifacts and reminiscences.  Visiting the museum took us about four hours. 

Since we were hungry, we found a small counter with a limited menu that sold sandwiches and related items.  Bob and I split a Roast Beef Sandwich that cost about $11.  We each had Boylan Craft Cola.  Patty had Coffee.  We then finished our trip inside the museum.  Bob picked up a Coffee/Tea Mug with the One Surviving Tree from 9/11.  I was willing to "contribute" for the "Deluxe" package, but Bob decided that the Mug was enough!

A couple of times during the day, we visited the original Memorial Fountains.  Security was not needed to show our respects for the lives lost on September 11, 2001!  Admission to the 9/11 Museum was not needed to view the fountains.        

After the 9/11 Museum, in another light drizzle, we headed back to our hotel to pick up our luggage.  We then took a train to East 53rd St. and Third Avenue.  Unlike Tribeca, we saw chain establishments.  Alas, most were closed for the day.  We made it to Grand Central Terminal.  We were going to find a place to pick up food, but we discovered that a train to New Haven was arriving shortly.  I should note that the train was waiting for both parts of the commute.  It wasn't the "stampede" of past years. 

The train trip had a few highlights.  I transferred between train cars to use the restroom, but only when we were stopped at a station.  Bob and I enjoyed the Potato Chips from the day before.  Patty was not interested in them,  A few stops from New Haven, the train was delayed to allow some passengers to make the train (Details were vague on this development.). 

Once we reached New Haven Union Station, Bob and I discovered that Sbarro was still open. (For the record, Dunkin Donuts and Subway were also still open.) We each had a slice of Pepperoni Pizza and Ginger Ale.  The beverage came from the Refrigerated Case because the Soda Machine was apparently turned off for the night (It was not clearly communicated.).  I don't think Patty picked up anything.  By the way, if there was nothing open at Union Station, Patty told Dan SR. to make these Breaded Chicken Patties that they loved.  As it turns out, they were served for Monday Dinner.

We then headed for home.  It was a little after midnight when we made the house.  If we hadn't exchanged our tickets at the 9/11 Museum, another night in a hotel or motel would have been a possibility.  I would have enjoyed Hartford, CT Television.  It was nice to be back home.

The next reports will involve quieter days, for the most part.