Gifts are packed...so exciting!
I haven't been home for Christmas in 30 years!
I haven't been home for Christmas in 30 years!
Guess who's luggage this is? :) Not mine!
Christopher helping us pack Christina's car
At John Wayne Airport
Checking in...hmmm 5 people checking in and I see more than 7+ pieces of luggage :)
All ready for our trip
Where's Kevin?...his story goes something like this...Oh I got bumped into first class.
I don't know how that happened?
He flew first class the first leg of the trip from California to Houston then he insisted (or maybe the guilt) that I experience it from Houston to Philly.
I don't know how that happened?
He flew first class the first leg of the trip from California to Houston then he insisted (or maybe the guilt) that I experience it from Houston to Philly.
And this is how they roll!
To be honest...I think first class is overrated!
Our first vaca meal during our lay over at the Houston International Airport
Waiting patiently
Arrived at the Philadelphia Airport. Getting our luggage
Chilly night in Philly. Waiting for our shuttle to take us to the Renaissance Hotel in Philly.
Spending our first night in Philly.
Tara seems like a happy camper. What's Chris & Brit's deal?
Uncle Ray picks us up Christmas Eve
All ready for the Holidays in NYC! WooHoo!!
Christmas Eve
Downtown Philadelphia
At the WaWa's in Brownsmill, NJ where brother Ray lives.
Lewis girls with the Berrios Family...Eddie, Julie & Cuz Brandon
More familia...Kevin, Tara, Eddie, Ray, Ana, Brandon, Julie, Christina, Mario, Brittanni & Danny
Cousins
The main reason for our trip...to spend quality time with Mom! Love her!
This is where I grew up in Manhattan Lower East Side on Columbia Street.
This is where I grew up in Manhattan Lower East Side on Columbia Street.
Flowers for mom
Kevin's 50th birthday celebrated once again in NYC
Happy 50th Kevin!
Lewis family with grandma
Tia Gloria, Kevin, Tara, Brit, Sara, Skyla, Christina, Carmen & mom
Cuz Mario & Brit
Christmas presents distribution. My little elf helper Miss Skyla :)
Brother Pete, Carmen, Jen & Christy
Uncle Tony surprised us. Hugging Brittanni.
Cuz Christy & Christina
Uncle Tony opening his Christmas gift
My gift to my brothers. A framed picture of us during the 60's.
Miss Rebby
Brother Ray, Pete & Tony.
Miss Tara, cuz Skyla & Cuz Brandon
Good friends Anibal & Annie
Annie, Brittanni & Anibal
Anibal & Annie enjoying a delicious Puerto Rican Christmas dinner
Traditional Puerto Rican Christmas dinner. Pasteles, arroz con gandules, baked ziti & pernir. The baked ziti was a treat. That's not part of the tradition dinner. :)
Tara & cuz Shannel
Uncle Tony & Brittanni
Favorite Aunt Sara
Berrios family. Tony, Rebby & Maria
Another favorite Aunt Gloria
Brit, Tara, Sara & Carmen
Cousins Christy, Danny, Mario & Rebby
On our way to our condo in the village
Christmas Eve
Hot Momma's!
Brittanni & godmother Annie
Christy & Mom
Christina & Chrissy
Uncle Pete, Tara, Christina & Christy
We stayed at a condo on St. Marks & 2nd Avenue. Great location!
Looooong day!
Christmas Day in front of our Condo. The two windows to the left was our room.
Located in the East Village on St. Marks Place & 2nd Avenue. Walking distance from my mom's place.
Great location!
Located in the East Village on St. Marks Place & 2nd Avenue. Walking distance from my mom's place.
Great location!
Chilly Christmas morning. Waiting for Miss Tara.
It would not have been possible for Katz’s Delicatessen to survive three depressions, numerous recessions and two World Wars if Katz’s wasn’t the best deli in NYC. Opened in 1888, Katz’s Deli has maintained the tradition of quality that made us a beloved deli among the immigrants who crowded into the Lower East Side one hundred years ago. It’s the exceptional taste that has carried Katz’s name far beyond NYC. Over the last century, a lot has come and gone, but Katz’s Delicatessen is still where it was in 1888.
On our way to see my mom we walked by Katz. Tara got the delicious Matzha soup.
My favorite...the knish
The pastrami sandwich is to die for!
Katz's Deli is no stranger to the silver screen either. Remember that scene in When Harry Met Sally where Meg Ryan was, uh, faking it? Yea, that was at Katz's. Or how about when Johnny Depp meets up with his FBI contact in Donnie Brasco? Katz's again. One more for you: Judge Reinhold goes out to eat in the movie Offbeat, and you guessed it, he went to Katz's.
True delicatessens are real—and rare—because they continue a tradition of meat preparation and preservation predating refrigeration.
In 1888 a Russian immigrant family established a delicatessen in New York's Lower East Side.
Long before refrigeration, smoking, pickling and other curing methods of prolonging the useful life of food had been perfected.
In the early part of the twentieth century, the Lower East Side was home to teeming millions of newly emigrated families. Lack of public and private transportation forged a solid community. Katz's reputation for recreating the flavors of the Old World created a loyal following for many generations of residents and visitors to New York.
As successive waves of newcomers continue to arrive on the Lower East Side, they join in the ranks of many generations of regulars. Katz's is and shall be for many, a link with their heritage, a place to show to their children and grandchildren, and the best delicatessen in the world.
Christmas Day on our way to see Mom
Then we went to Spitzer's on 101 Rivington Street.
Christina's dish. This was delicious. An egg on top of grits.
Tara's order. Spicy but delish fries
Uncle Tony, Christina & Uncle Pete being silly
Christmas Day at Spitzer's
Chilly
At Dempsey's
Trouble!
Cheers!
Merry Christmas to all!
Then Cooper's
Chillin in our condo
Opening more Christmas gifts
Titi Maria & Tara
Kicking back in our Condo Christmas night
Here comes trouble...
Here we go...
My babies...matching jammies...how sweet! Mom's Christmas tradition :) Thanks girls for allowing me to continue the tradition even though you're young adults! Love ya!
Delicious pizza from Ray's Pizza in Lower East Side
Familia...Tio Fracin & Tia Ruthie
On the bus to Rockefeller Center
Located on 175th Fifth Avenue, the Flatiron Building is a turn-of-the-century landmark. Built in 1902, this defiant and bold structure is a favorite with many locals and tourists. Upon its completion in 1902, Flatiron Building was rated as one of the tallest building of New York.
There are twenty two floors that soar 285 feet into the sky. This architectural landmark was designed and constructed by architect Daniel Burnham and John Wellborn Root. The construction was financed by George A. Fuller, and the building is officially named after him. Better known as the Flatiron Building, this New York landmark stands on a triangular block known as the Flatiron block. The name crops from the outstanding shape -- similar to a clothing iron. Due to this building, the neighborhood has acquired the name as the Flatiron District.
Here'a a better view of it below.
At Sinigual for dinner with family & friends.
Located at 640 Third Avenue
At the Bravest for a quick drink before going to Rockefeller Center
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is a large Christmas tree placed annually in Rockefeller Center in mid-town Manhattan in New York City. The tree is erected and lit in late November or early December. In recent years, the lighting has been broadcast live nationwide on NBC's Christmas in Rockefeller Center show. The tree, usually a Norway spruce 69 to 100 feet tall, has been put up every year since 1933. In 2011, the 74-foot tree was lit on November 30 and remained until January 6, 2012.
While many people consider the skating rink Rockefeller Center’s most singular feature, few realize is that it was an accident. The Sunken Plaza, as the area was originally called, was lushly landscaped and boasted high-end shops and restaurants, but few people could be enticed down the stairs leading from the Channel Gardens. In the winter of 1936, in an effort to attract attention to the Plaza, Rockefeller Center’s managers contracted an engineer from Cleveland to build a temporary rink. It became a permanent fixture.
Besides the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, nothing captures the Christmas spirit in the Big Apple quite like the classic department store window displays. From snowflakes to shopping bags and even a full-on storyline, this year’s displays continue their tradition of being entertaining and awe-inspiring
This is Annie's work at Henri Bendel's on 5th avenue.
These dolls were an empty canvas meaning they had no face, hair etc...she designed everything from scratch. She's amazing!
These dolls were an empty canvas meaning they had no face, hair etc...she designed everything from scratch. She's amazing!
On our way to see Mom
Went to see The Lion King. Great play!
The Lion King is a musical based on the 1994 Disney animated film of the same name with music by Elton John and lyrics by Tim Rice. The musical features actors in animal costumes as well as giant, hollow puppets. .
The musical debuted July 8, 1997, in Minneapolis, Minnesota at the Orpheum Theatre, and was an instant success before premiering on Broadway at the New Amsterdam Theater on October 15, 1997. It is still running after more than 5,350 performances. It is now Broadway's seventh longest-running show in history.
The Lion King is a musical based on the 1994 Disney animated film of the same name with music by Elton John and lyrics by Tim Rice. The musical features actors in animal costumes as well as giant, hollow puppets. .
The musical debuted July 8, 1997, in Minneapolis, Minnesota at the Orpheum Theatre, and was an instant success before premiering on Broadway at the New Amsterdam Theater on October 15, 1997. It is still running after more than 5,350 performances. It is now Broadway's seventh longest-running show in history.
The view from where we were watching the Lion King
Grabbed a bite at Smith's in midtown. Again delicious food everywhere we ate.
SMITH'S RESTAURANT
701 8th Avenue (W.44th Street)
SMITH'S RESTAURANT
701 8th Avenue (W.44th Street)
Enjoying our meal at Smith's
After our meal Chris, Tara & I took a cab to our condo. Brittanni & Kevin couldn't find a cab so they walked over 2 miles in the pouring rain from 44th Street & 8th Avenue to 8th Street & 2nd Avenue. They got soaked.
After our meal Chris, Tara & I took a cab to our condo. Brittanni & Kevin couldn't find a cab so they walked over 2 miles in the pouring rain from 44th Street & 8th Avenue to 8th Street & 2nd Avenue. They got soaked.
So while we waited for them outside the condo in the rain because they had the keys, we went right downstairs to the Cafe Orlin located right underneath our condo.
It's a Middle Eastern Restaurant, Cafe
It's a Middle Eastern Restaurant, Cafe
The bruschetta was yummy!
Tara's enjoyed her favorite drink Blueberry lemon aid
Christina enjoyed tea and her favorite dessert Tiramisu
Then Brittanni & Kevin caught up with us soaked :) Too funny! No cab in New York...right...I think there's more to that story don't you think?
Another rainy night we ordered Chinese food
Back to Cafe Orlin for breakfast. We really enjoyed this Cafe
Tomato soup was out of this world. Tara's favorite. Everything in this restaurant was delicious
On morning Tony met us for breakfast at Cafe Mocha. He ordered a regular coffee. This is what they gave him. It was hysterical. He was not expecting a huge cup of coffee.
Look at the size of this thing
Another chilly day
On our way to the the subway to Central Park
Enjoying a horse drawn carriage ride in Central Park
Horse-drawn carriages are a unique and historical way to experience the beauty of Central Park. In New York City, horses are a symbol of a bygone era before the advent of cars, buses and trains. It was during this time that New Yorkers got around from place to place on horseback or by means of horse-drawn carriage. As a result and over time, horses became iconic to the history of Manhattan. One of the best ways to get a taste of old-time New York is to take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the winding trails of Central Park.
In the subway
Every day, some 4.5 million passengers take the subway in New York.
New York's subway is the only rapid transit system in the world that runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Every day, some 4.5 million passengers take the subway in New York.
New York's subway is the only rapid transit system in the world that runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
See Tara in the back between Brit & Chris? :)
Nestled between Chinatown and the Soho District and Greenwich Village, lies, for many, the birthplace of Italian heritage in this country - Little Italy, New York.
Mambos Italian Restaurant located at 145 Mulberry St
1
Kevin and I met Tony for breakfast on Thompson Street. The ham & Brie was delicious!
Kevin and I walked around Washington Square park
A marsh. A cemetery. A parade ground. A gathering spot for avant-garde artists. A battleground for chess enthusiasts. A playground for canines and children. Washington Square Park has served various roles for its community throughout the years, adapting to meet its needs. Well-known for its arch, honoring George Washington, the man for whom the park is named, and its fountain, the arch's elder by 43 years and a popular meeting spot. Most of the buildings surrounding the park now belong to New York University, but many have at one time served as homes and studios for artists. Some of the buildings have been built by NYU, others have been converted from their former uses into academic and residential buildings.
My sister Miriam recommended this place. Unfortunately it was bursting at the seams with people. We barely got in and headed back right back out. It was insane! See us to the left? :)
Located at 15 East 7th Street New York, NY 10003
McSorley's Old Ale House has been a gathering place, a watering hole, the subject of art and literature and even a supreme court controversy. Established in 1854 - McSorley's can boast of being New York City's oldest continuously operated saloon. Everyone from Abe Lincoln to John Lennon have passed thru Mcsorley's swinging doors. Woody Guthrie inspired the union movement from a table in the front - guitar in hand, while civil rights attorney's Faith Seidenberg and Karen DeCrow had to take their case to the Supreme Court to gain access. Women were finally allowed access to McSorleyÕs in 1970! So belly up. Enter the sawdust strewn floors and history patched walls for a trip back through time. Share the McSorley's experience with the spirits of 150 years!
This was us trying to walk inside.
As a woman photographer, BERENICE ABBOTT had to get special permission to enter McSorley's on November 1, 1937 to take this photograph.
This was another nice place we went to located at 149 2nd Ave
(between 9th St & 10th St)
Cheers!
At 13th Step Bar & Grill
Midnight snack at Cafe Orlin
Breakfast with Annie in Broadway
Tara shopping at Forever 21 in Broadway
For many NYC dwellers, Broadway is one of the main shopping drags. Filled with chic boutiques and national department stores, Broadway keeps shoppers happy and spending year-round. The street, long known for its variety of stores, can seem overwhelming to a visitor, but certain sections have a unique character and cater to a particular shopper.
For many NYC dwellers, Broadway is one of the main shopping drags. Filled with chic boutiques and national department stores, Broadway keeps shoppers happy and spending year-round. The street, long known for its variety of stores, can seem overwhelming to a visitor, but certain sections have a unique character and cater to a particular shopper.
The Freedom tower is just one of several buildings that will be erected to compose the new World Trade Center.
Enjoying looking at all the tall buildings downtown Ground Zero/World Trade Center
How cute are they?
Taking the Path Train to Annie's house in Jersey City, NJ for dinner
The Port Authority Trans-Hudson Corporation (PATH) was established in 1962 as a subsidiary of The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. The heavy rail transit system serves as the primary transit link between Manhattan and neighboring New Jersey urban communities and suburban railroads. PATH presently carries 215,115 passengers each weekday.
The Port Authority Trans-Hudson Corporation (PATH) was established in 1962 as a subsidiary of The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. The heavy rail transit system serves as the primary transit link between Manhattan and neighboring New Jersey urban communities and suburban railroads. PATH presently carries 215,115 passengers each weekday.
On the Path
After we took the Path we took the bus
Walking to Annie's...so we walked from our Condo in the village to the World Trade Center to take the Path...then the bus and walked to her place...whew...She does this everyday to go to work. INSANE!!i
After a chilly walk this warm & cozy fireplace was waiting for us at Annie & Anibal's home
Along with this delicious Bruschetta & wine
Their beautiful Christmas tree
Anibal & Annie
Yummy
A home cooked meal!
OMG this was out of this world. I believe we ALL had second helpings!
Wait there's more...
Cappuccino & dessert...yummy.
Brit, Chris, Tara went out with cousin Veronica &
Kevin and I met Pete & Carmen at Aquamarine
713 2ND AVENUE (2nd Ave. between 38th St. & 39th St.)
Absolutely delicious food at Aquamarine
At the Bravest with Pete & Carmen
Perhaps the most noteworthy point to mention is that The Bravest on 38th is a place that honors the FDNY and memorializes the brave fireman who died at the World Trade Center.
History: This friendly neighborhood spot has a long history and has been a favorite location for well over 30 years. Because of its location near the the United Nations, it's long ties with the FDNY, and friendly atmosphere, it attracts an eclectic group of people.
Its early start was as Suspenders, owned by New York Firefighter Larry Fitzpatrick who died while on duty. It then became the internationally popular Full Moon Saloon whose owner honored and preserved his memory and it still remains a favorite gathering place for New York's bravest.
Today's Bravest on 38th continues in that same spirit, and is owned by a retired FDNY Fire Marshall.
History: This friendly neighborhood spot has a long history and has been a favorite location for well over 30 years. Because of its location near the the United Nations, it's long ties with the FDNY, and friendly atmosphere, it attracts an eclectic group of people.
Its early start was as Suspenders, owned by New York Firefighter Larry Fitzpatrick who died while on duty. It then became the internationally popular Full Moon Saloon whose owner honored and preserved his memory and it still remains a favorite gathering place for New York's bravest.
Today's Bravest on 38th continues in that same spirit, and is owned by a retired FDNY Fire Marshall.
The New York Times building is a 52-story tower on the east side of Eighth Avenue between 40th and 41st Street across from the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey Bus Terminal.
We enjoyed lunch at The Meatball Factory before heading to Hazlet, NJ
located at 231 2nd Ave
(between 14th St & 15th St)
At cuz MaryAnn's beautiful home for dinner in Hazlet, NJ
Cuz Michael
Yummy. This was just appetizers. We then had a another Puerto Rican feast for dinner.
Tia Gloria, cuz MaryAnn, me & Tia Sara
Cuz Emily entertaining us :)
Enjoying our delicious dinner
Opening our Christmas presents
We then visited my good friend Miriam for dessert.
She lives in Matawan which is only 4 minutes from MaryAnn's.
If you look at the previous map you'll see how close they are to each other which we didn't know.
It was Perfect!
If you look at the previous map you'll see how close they are to each other which we didn't know.
It was Perfect!
Miriam and her family Lindsey & Valerie
Delish flan
Tara, Valerie, Christina, Kevin, Lindsey, Evelyn & Brit
Yummy! Willie did good!
We ended up taking some of this with us to our condo!
My very good friend from the 60's Jose.
My Junior High & High School girlfriends. Carmen & Miriam
The guys migrated in the bar area. They were out numbered by us.
See what I mean?
Valerie felt bad Tara wasn't in the pictures with us cause she was tired, so we all gathered around her for a picture per Valerie's request :)
Here we go again...back on the train into the city
Picking up some cheesecake for Miss Brittanni
177 1st Avenue
177 1st Avenue
And of course some great pizza for me from Stromboli's :)
The best!
83 Saint Marks Pl
The weather was so nice the Cafe Orlin put tables and chairs outside. As you can see they were busy.
This restaurant turned out to be our favorite! And the weather during our visit was just right!
This restaurant turned out to be our favorite! And the weather during our visit was just right!
Uncle Tony & his niece's
During our many walks through the city, Brittanni came across these signs she found interesting.
Mmmm at Schiller's New Year Eve
located at 131 Rivington Street
Schiller's used to be our local pharmacy for over 50 years
located at 131 Rivington Street
Schiller's used to be our local pharmacy for over 50 years
Double mmmm
Cheers! New Year Eve!
Brittanni thought the sink at Schiller's was neat
New Year's Eve at Spitzer's
Chinatown for an early New Year's Eve dinner
Wing Wong Restaurant located at 102 Mott St
Wing Wong Restaurant located at 102 Mott St
I forgot how delicious Chinese food is in Chinatown!
Times Square on New Year's Eve
Chrissy in the crowd
Finding their way back to us
Back to the Bravest on New Year's Eve
Happy New Year 2012!
Tara met up with some friends
Kevin left back to Cali New Years Day and Tara was resting in the condo, so Brit & Chrissy decided to go to Staten Island
The Staten Island Ferry provides 20 million people a year (60,000 passengers a day not including weekend days) with ferry service between St. George on Staten Island and Whitehall Street in lower Manhattan.
The three bridges, Brooklyn, Manhattan & Williamsburg
The Brooklyn Bridge is one of the oldest suspension bridges in the United States. Completed in 1883
The Manhattan Bridge is a suspension bridge that crosses the East River in New York City, connecting Lower Manhattan (at Canal Street) with Brooklyn (at Flatbush Avenue Extension). It was the last of the three suspension bridges built across the lower East River, following the Brooklyn and the Williamsburg bridges. The bridge was opened to traffic on December 31, 1909
The Williamsburg Bridge is a suspension bridge in New York City across the East River connecting the Lower East Side of Manhattan at Delancey Street with the Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn at Broadway near the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway. Construction on the bridge, the second to cross this river, began in 1896. The bridge opened on December 19, 1903 at a cost of $24,200,000. At the time it was constructed, the Williamsburg Bridge set the record for the longest suspension bridge span on Earth. The record fell in 1924, when the Bear Mountain Bridge was completed.
The Brooklyn Bridge is one of the oldest suspension bridges in the United States. Completed in 1883
The Manhattan Bridge is a suspension bridge that crosses the East River in New York City, connecting Lower Manhattan (at Canal Street) with Brooklyn (at Flatbush Avenue Extension). It was the last of the three suspension bridges built across the lower East River, following the Brooklyn and the Williamsburg bridges. The bridge was opened to traffic on December 31, 1909
The Williamsburg Bridge is a suspension bridge in New York City across the East River connecting the Lower East Side of Manhattan at Delancey Street with the Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn at Broadway near the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway. Construction on the bridge, the second to cross this river, began in 1896. The bridge opened on December 19, 1903 at a cost of $24,200,000. At the time it was constructed, the Williamsburg Bridge set the record for the longest suspension bridge span on Earth. The record fell in 1924, when the Bear Mountain Bridge was completed.
The beautiful New York City
The lovely Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty National Monument officially celebrated her 100th birthday on October 28, 1986. The people of France gave the Statue to the people of the United States over one hundred years ago in recognition of the friendship established during the American Revolution. Over the years, the Statue of Liberty's symbolism has grown to include freedom and democracy as well as this international friendship.
Fun Facts about the Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty National Monument officially celebrated her 100th birthday on October 28, 1986. The people of France gave the Statue to the people of the United States over one hundred years ago in recognition of the friendship established during the American Revolution. Over the years, the Statue of Liberty's symbolism has grown to include freedom and democracy as well as this international friendship.
Fun Facts about the Statue of Liberty
On the ferry
Brit was craving Thai food and so Thai food it was.
Ngam Restaurant - 99 3rd Avenue
Ngam Restaurant - 99 3rd Avenue
Curry/coconut soup
Shiitake mushroom springrolls
Calamari and brussell sprout pad thai noodles
Shopping day in 42nd Street & Times Square
Our last night in town at Aquamarine on 38th & 2nd Avenue
Pete's friends
Back to the Bravest for the last time
Kevin & I had breakfast here one morning & Brit, Chris & I had a midnight snack there too on our last night in town.
Our last day in the city. Enjoying breakfast/lunch at our favorite restaurant Cafe Orlin with Maria & Rebby
Picked up some delicious coffee from this coffee shop across the street from our condo.
They've been around since 1907.
They've been around since 1907.
Rebby & Maria waiting patiently for the girls to finish shopping.
Our last visit to see mom :(
Titi Paula & girls
Departing New York City
Last sister picture taken in NYC :(
Had a GREAT time in New York! Tara's was on her way to San Francisco & we went to Brownsmill, NJ
We were flying out of Philly the following morning
We were flying out of Philly the following morning
We drove over to Eddie & Julie's place in Brownsmill, NJ for a nice dinner
Another delicious meal!
Berrios families with the Lewis' minus Kevin & Tara :(
Beautiful home
Titi Julie with her babies. All 5 of them!
Uncle Ray at work again. Packing our luggages in his truck! Ray you're the best!
Downtown Philly
Checking in
Oh wait...vacation is not over yet...Christina getting a manicure during our lay over in Houston...
and Brittanni too...Now this is the way to end a vacation!
We were in New York December 23, 2011-January 3, 2012
It was wonderful visiting our family, friends & New York.
The best Christmas vacation ever!
Happy 2012!
