CHRISTMAS IN NEW YORK

What an exciting city to be in during the Holidays! Thousands of people flock to this world class city from Thanksgiving to early January.....and I can see why. It is so beautiful and exciting.
If you arrive at any of the city's airports or train stations....."car services" (kind of a limousine/taxi) are everywhere...and cheap. Car service from LGA (LaGuardia) is a mere $30 and from JFK $40...a real bargain when you consider other cities and their airport transportation. If you are brave of heart and you don't mind dragging your own bags around...there is train service that connects JFK to the New York subways. Otherwise those famous old Yellow Cabs are all over the place.
As a matter of fact...they are a great way to get around Manhattan as well. All of my friends and family that live here don't even have cars because they don't need them. The sea of yellow moves north and south and east and west throughout the city and can take you anywhere for little to nothing. Just make sure the car has a working meter and that you give the driver a tip of about 5%. Otherwise you might get yelled at by those same guys who are so anxious to pick you up. And prepare to fly through the streets night and day at break neck speed. The newest cabs even have computerized GPS/TV's that keep you entertained as you go....and so that you don't notice how close you get to the other yellow cabs!
The Subway in New York is also great for a quick ride. You can get anywhere within the city for a mere $2.00.
We traveled north to the Bronx and the NY Botanical Garden on a clean fresh commuter train for $6.00.
The attractions in New York run the gamut from the regular Broadway shows and the famous Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall to performances at Lincoln Center and the Metropolitan Museum. Christmas trees are everywhere from Rockefeller Center south to Ground Zero and the South Street Seaport. You can go ice skating in Rockefeller Center or Central Park and one half hour north is the NY Botanical Garden with its children's exhibits and which hosts a wonderful train show every holiday season.

Kentucky born artist Paul Busse has created this show for over 20 years adding new recreations of New York City landmarks every year. Every building and bridge is made with natural things from mother nature. The G-class trains run across bridges high above your head and made of twigs and sticks from nearby. The beautiful display inside is an equal match for the snowy landscape outside.

Back in the city we can't miss a chance to visit the beautiful angle tree at the Metropolitan Museum.....no pictures allowed. Then a quick trip down 5th Avenue past stores like Bergdorfs and Saks to see the famed windows before returning home to the family apartment in the West Village.

Tonight is Christmas Eve and the historic church next door will ring in the Birth of Christ with bells ringing from the lighted towers outside our windows. "People everywhere bringing in good cheer"...Christmas in New York....there is nothing like it.