NYC Day 4 -July 5

Today we woke up and took the subway ( Dave could tell you what number and all that jazz) to little Italy and Chinatown. (Dave edit: 6 local from 51st to Spring St) The best part about this is that in our research of relatives that came to America by way of Ellis Island we found, the exact address of where my great great grandpa was headed once he got to the states from Italy. It was right here in little Italy. So we went to see it. Of course it is now a little restaurant but still cool to know that this is where he came. (Dave edit: actually, it burned down and was rebuilt and is now a restaurant. But still cool) We also went and looked around Old St. Patricks Cathedral which is probably were my great-great grandfather went to church while living in NYC. It was a very cool experience.


We then walked to Chinatown which bordered Little Italy. I had such high hopes of buying a very cool knock off purse, but would you know we were there too early in the day. The shops and street carts don't open until around lunch time. The only thing we did here, was stop at a park and have a snack. (Dave edit: with literally a billion chinese grandparents playing some game that looks like backgammon) Apparently this is where all theChinese people go to hang out. There were people playing cards, checkers, eating, drinking coffee. It was really fascinating, I am a people watcher, so it was very fun. We got many weird looks, most of the looks said "you're not from around here". We then found a fun little sprinkler park and let the kids cool off before going to find some yummy lunch.

For Lunch we walked back to little Italy, I absolutely love how all the restaurant hosts would stand on the sidewalks and dole out compliments to get your business. As we were walking trying to decide where to eat ( It was a little overwhelming, with all the choices) a handsome Italian man, said in a thick Italian accent "I have a table right here for you and your beautiful family". So of course this is where we ate. It was called Giovanna's, and it was delicious. As we were eating it was fun to here this restaurant host trying to lure others into his restaurant. My favorite was when he said to this woman " you have beautiful eyes, come eat at my restaurant".



After our tummies were full of the most delightful food, we got on the Subway and went to Grand Central Station ( which is featured in a lot of movies). It was pretty cool. After taking a few pictures we got on another train and headed back to the apartment for naps, while we waited for Aunt April to arrive from D.C.
After Aunt April arrived we took a train (Dave edit: 7 express) to Queens to go to a Mets game. The kids were so excited! Maybe you couldn't tell but they love baseball. While we were waiting in line to get into the stadium, they made the ladies get in one line and the men get in another. I was confused about this until we got to the front of the line and had a complete pat down search. Serious business the game of baseball.



We had a great time, although the Mets did not win. But they did hit a home run so we were able to see the Giant Apple that pops up when a home run was hit. We stayed till the 7th inning stretch and then hopped on the near empty subway for a smooth ride home.