Monday, 8 April 2013

Apple, Toys, Animals and Candy....Another Packed Day

Monday April 8th 2013

This morning we tried unsuccessfully to contact the Winkler family who also arrived in NY yesterday and are staying in our hotel before heading out for the day's adventures. First we had breakfast at a dinner near the hotel. Unfortunately the prices were a little exorbitant which we wouldn't mind if the food and service were great - no where near as good and dinner with dessert last night and yet the same price. We will have to do better research on breakfast options.

We set out for a walk to the Apple Cube and after a brief look inside, went to our next stop FAO Schwarz. The boys had a great time exploring the 3 floors of toys and gadgets on offer. Every time we turned around one or both of them had disappeared. They did pause briefly to have a go on the Big Piano from the Tom Hanks movie, Big. As the boys were unsure if there was anything they truly wanted from the store we escaped without a purchase at this stage - they want to check out Toys r Us in Time Square first and will then make their final selections.











Next stop on our self make walking tour was Central Park. We got off to a shaky start with someone trying to convince us to hire bikes and ride around the park. We followed him to the "bike store" which seemed to be taking us further and further away from Central Park. Given my knee problems, and that the worked for a company which does not support our NY Pass we decided to decline and walked back to Central Park. With a map in hand we walked along The Pond and then Ryan chose to go to Central Park Zoo. We are sure the movie Madagascar has certainly increased tourist numbers to the zoo.



Once we had purchased our tickets, after pausing at the gates of the zoo the boys recognised from Madagascar, we first went to watch the 15 minute Ice Age 4D movie. The boys loved wearing their 3D glasses and watching, hearing, feeling and smelling all the action. Not only were we snowed on the highlight for the boys was getting covered in dinosaur snot. You've got to love boys don't you!!

The Central Park Zoo is quite small in comparison to others we have been to but it was such a beautiful day, the animal son exhibit were interesting and obviously well cared for. The boys loved watching the speed of the penguins as they glided through the water. At the end of our adventures Ryan was the happiest boy on the planet when he was able to get an arctic fox teddy. Connor was also happy to get a tiger.








We decided we would go back to the hotel via Dylan's Candy Bar. A little detour on the way meant we stopped on 5th Avenue for a hot dog from a street vendor. The boys seemed to really enjoy it and the price was a bargain, adding to Mum and Dad's enjoyment. When we arrived at Dylan's Candy Store we could see the real truth to the statement Like Kids in a Candy Store. Everywhere the eye could see was candy and chocolate of different types. The art work on the wall was jelly bean mosaics, and the glass staircase was filled with various types of candy. The boys really didn't know where to start first to spend their voucher.

In the end we left with quite a hall. Personalised candy jars for each of the boys filled to the brim, 2 blocks of chocolate for each family member in varying flavours including dark chocolate, brownie batter, hazelnut, raspberry, birthday cake with sprinkles, carmel and toffee. Of course we also couldn't leave without the small personalised bars of chocolate - one each and a container of Dirt Balls. With our arms weighed down we began the walk back to the hotel for a break. Another small detour on the way meant a stash of Ben and Jerry's ice-cream to save for a later time too - Chocolate Fudge Brownie, New York Super Fudge Chunk, and Half Baked. New York is certainly great for the sweet tooth!!!











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