New York, New York

Today we were in town to see the Rockettes' Radio City Christmas Spectacular, something that had been on my bucket list for a long time.The day trip was organized by a member of the Ladies of Bowie. Very early this morning, I drove the small group of us to the BWI train station to take the 6:45 AM Amtrak for the 3 hour train ride to Penn Station, NY.

It had been many years since I've visited New York City, so almost everything was new to me. We arrived at the huge Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station at nearly 10 am, so we had a couple of hours to walk around before our show at 1:30 pm. Since we had different interests, the group agreed to split up to walk around on our own. Even though it was the last day of November, stores had already started decorating for Christmas. As I slowly headed towards Radio City, I passed by a number of iconic buildings. Spent a few minutes window shopping at Macy's.

Decided to get a quick bite to eat before the show; got a hotdog (of course!) at a stand near Radio City. It was crowded everywhere. Met up with the other ladies, more waiting as we got in line to go into the Hall. We checked out the food options inside; they were all overpriced, and the lines were very long. We were not allowed to take photos during the performance but below is one of the stage. The show itself was OK, great synchronization in the dance moves and the costumes were beautiful. However, the music was the typical Christmas songs and the dance routines appeared repetitive after a while. I think I dozed off towards the end! Checked off the list, never again. I'd come back for a Broadway show instead.

After the show, I had plenty of time for sight seeing since our train back to BWI did not depart until 8 pm. I visited the Rockefeller Center. There were lots to see, including the skating rink, fancy stores and restaurants and gardens. I just realized that I did not take any photos of the inside! After the show, I had plenty of time for sight seeing since our train back to BWI did not depart until 11 pm. I visited the Rockefeller Center. There were lots to see, including the skating rink, fancy stores and restaurants and gardens. I just realized that I did not take any photos! Took a photo of a garment worker in the Garment District and a lovely sculpture in Bryant Park.

It was dinner time and I was hungry! Found amazing Malaysian food at the Urban Hawker, a food court with different stalls featuring southeast Asian cuisine. I had the Hainanese chicken rice that came with soup and steamed greens that was so good, just like what I would have tasted in Kuala Lumpur. There was another stall that sold char kway teow and other Malaysian street food. I wish I could come back to try them all!

It was dark by the time I finished dinner. As I slowly walked down 7th Ave to the train station, I had time to take photos of the bright screens near Times Square, and popped into Macy's to admire the Christmas decor.

Our train departed on time, arrived at BWI at 11 pm, and we all got home close to midnight. It's been a long day but quite an adventure.