It’s been an interesting trip so far.

Our Wed flight was easy-peasy and my sister met us right outside the security area. We were checked in and unpacking by 9:30. We’re staying at the Parc 55, which opened in March of this year. I suspect it must be a refurb hotel,and not a new-built,but that’s because a number of small items are worn,far more so than I would expect in 9mos. For example, the ‘green cards’ letting us know that we can arrange to not have our sheets and towels washed every day are all frayed around the edges. Like they are recycled from another hotel. I don’t mind this at all,I’m in favor of it, in fact. (Less landfill!!!)

J.was hungry, so we went down to their in-house restaurant, Cityhouse, and had a look at the menu.Nice selection, and not overwhelmingly over-priced.J.had an apparently scrumptious trio of BBQ pork sliders, we  shared an appetizer of absolutely delicious calamari, and I had a (fairly bland but beautifully presented) lobster ‘cocktail. I also had a nice,but not memorable pinot grigio from Luna Vineyards (2007). Sadly, our room (#765) was overlooking the street, and SIGNIFICANTLY noisy. Despite a sleeping aid, and wine, I could not fall asleep. At 1:30am, we switched rooms . . . to 1611.

I slept until 7:30, which is tolerable. I would have slept more, but our room was right next to the elevator, so there was a lot of hall traffic. A note about this room, and all of the Floor#11 rooms I believe — it is ‘handicapped accessible.’ But I have to say that although that may technically be correct, if I were in a WC I would be very unhappy with the accomodations. The bathroom had room for a WC, but there was a tub, so an assist would be needed to shower/bathe. There were two over-sized ‘club chairs’ as  well as a chair for the desk, leaving very little room to actually move around the room. And I’m not in a WC. Not impressive.

Because of the proximity to the elevator, we moved yet again, this time to the 24th floor. Although the agent on duty told us this was an upgrade, I think that is only because of the view — which is quite lovely (pics to be shared later). Otherwise it is exactly the same as the one on the 7th floor. We slept well last night, however. (Note: I’ve been having trouble sleeping, even with Lunesta for almost a week now. It’s becoming quite troublesome.)

Yesterday we took the 5 Fulton and had brunch with my mother, then picked up cracked crab at Andronico’s and drove out to my sister’s. We baked cookies with my nephew and had a lovely meal of pasta, cracked crab, fresh sourdough, salad, and sauteed broccolini. A nice prosecco rounded out the meal. Today J and I woke up at 6:30am and drove to my sister’s, stollen in hand. We arrived with plenty of presents left to open and had a lovely time. My nephew is really starting to ‘get’ the point of the day, and he even stops to watch as others open gifts. The stollen was perfect, the coffee strong, and everyone had a great time.

At the moment I’m back in our room, listening to J. sleep. We’ll be heading back to my sister’s in a couple of hours for a few more gifts and dinner all together. Although I am very tired, I’m happy to be here and seeing everyone. And eating. 🙂