2011.06.22

Drawing Class Field Trip — NYC Tour (Part I)

Our Saturday drawing class led by Michelle had decided to take the class outdoor. After several months of planning, our NYC field trip to Metropolitan Museum was finally here!!

We took the bus ride to the city. Bus arrived at 5:45am to load guests. The girls were all excited and didn’t seem to be able to fall back to sleep. I am not sure for other parents, but at least for me, the 5 hours ride went so fast because I was sound asleep during most of the time.

We arrived at the Bryan Park near 11am. Our field trip officially started here!!

We did a little walk to catch the taxi to our lunch destination. This is the first time that Mimi took a taxi ride at the city.

Elizabeth and her mommy, Teri.

Teri was the organizer of the trip. Because of her familiarity to the city and all the good restaurants, we had such a great experience and made the most use of our time. Thank you Teri!!

Michelle and her daughter, Rachel.

Because of the size of our group, we need to take two different taxi. Mommy was in a different one from Mimi. I believe this is the one she rode.

Our destination was Central Park. Are we having a picnic here? No, the restaurant is in the center of the park, the Boathouse Restaurant. See http://www.thecentralparkboathouse.com/sections/food/lakeside/lunch_winter10.htm for their delicious menu options.

Saturday was such a beautiful day for an outdoor walk. The bus arrived just in time for us to beat the lunch crowd.

Here is the front entrance of the restaurant.

When Teri was inside to make seating arrangement, the girls were out there playing. We were very lucky. The first time Teri asked, she was told that the wait time was half an hour. We decided to take upon that. But when we approached the wait staff, they told us that the wait time now became 45 minutes to an hour. When Teri and I were discussing, another person approached us and asked if our group had arrived. The next thing we knew, we were taken to the best seating — a long table that seats 8 people right next to the lake.

It worked out perfectly!!

There are tables by the lake. For me, these are the best seats with a great view.

A group picture — a bit too dark….

The girls are making their own order from the children’s menu.

Teri and Michelle.

They serve complimentary pastry — croissant, muffin, and scones, served with small jar of honey and jam.

Cheer for the trip!!

We were not the only group who enjoyed the good weather and sunshine. The girls quickly found a school of turtles enjoying their sun tan on the rock.

Mommy ordered the asparagus soup. It was served cold. This was the first time mommy had the cold soup. It was very flavorable yet smooth. A great choice for a summer like this!! However, mimi tried a sip and that’s all she tried.

Mommy also ordered their crab cake. It’s a good size crab cake with all real crabmeat (without the stuffing).

It’s very rich and filling. It’s amazing that only one crab cake is actually sufficient for mommy’s big appetite. Do you see all the crabmeat you get from the bite?

Of course, the girls soon switch their attention elsewhere after they finish their food. Someone spotted two turtles were having a fight (or they were busy mating — in a way, it’s the same level of energy). The girls also got to enjoy a life discovery show.

A boat guy rode over to load guests from the dock

And apparently broke into the duet performance. The turtle couple didn’t seem happy.

For lunch,

$18.00 for the crab cake

$10.00 for the soup

$10.00 for the kids meal

The sunshine, the view, and the great memory — PRICELESS!!

It’s interesting to see the light contrast can do to a picture…..

After we finished lunch, we headed to the museum. We cut across Central Park. It’s so great to take a slow walk — no schedule to run, no appointment to make and no phone calls to catch…..

Just enjoy the walk.