Spring Break 2018, Day 3: NYC and a big airplane

Sunday, April 1

Happy Easter, though it doesn't feel like Easter.  I asked Anneliese where my ham dinner was--she laughed.  No colored eggs either.  Joshua and Randy went to his mom's to celebrate Easter and they colored eggs there.

Signs of spring!

Anneliese and I slept in a bit--10:00, then went to the Tenement Museum.  We had reserved tickets to "Irish Outsiders."  I think the Tenement Museum is one of the best museums around.  Not for small children, necessarily, but I have been on two different tours and loved them both.  They make the diverse history of the Lower East side (and New York City itself) much more vivid and alive.  They research the real people that lived in the area, especially in the building that they own (they just bought another one, so there will be new tours coming up).  You walk around the buildings and they give you the history of the actual people and what life was like for them and for the rest of the community.  They relate it to local, national, and international politics to give it context.  I highly recommend it on your next trip to New York.   Reserve a tour online--weekends fill up fast.

After the museum, we walked around the Lower East side for a few hours, stopping at a Starbucks for refreshment, and, as usual, talking nonstop the whole time.  The weather was beautiful--sunny and warm.  I was able to wear short pants and sandals.  Then we returned to Anneliese's apartment, stopping at the bodega for pasta sauce, because I asked her to make some pasta for me before my flight.  I repacked my belongings, we had spaghetti, and I tried to nap (I can't sleep on airplanes and I was already tired).  I laid there for about an hour and slept for maybe 10 minutes, then got up and talked to Anneliese until it was time for me to leave.

Tiny little stone building in the middle of taller and more modern buildings.

An old synagogue that doesn't seem to still be used.

Right a across the street from the synagogue!

I made my way to the subway and went to the track that Anneliese told me to go to.  However, there were signs up about weekend closures and some sort of train car (maintenance maybe?) was blocking the track my train should have been on.  The electronic sign kept pointing to that track, so I asked an employee and he said that the train I wanted would be on the track on the other side.  There are two tracks on each side of the Broadway Junction station.  So, I went to the other side, but those tracks were being used for the trains that were usually there.  Eventually, my train was supposed to be there--and it pulled up on the opposite side of the station!  So, as soon as I saw it, I ran for the stairs, ran up, then across, then down (dodging all of the people who had just gotten off my train).  I really wanted this one, because the next wouldn't be there for another 25 minutes.  I ran for the train, and jumped on with the doors closing right behind me!  Very close call!  At Howard Beach I had to wait awhile for  the Air Train, then was at Terminal 1 of JFK.  It is the international terminal and is huge!

I waited in line for over half an hour to check in, then when I did was told that all of my carry-ons had to meet the one weight requirement weighed together, and my big one was over on it's own.  So I had to check the big bag (probably those hiking boots I packed instead of wearing!).  So next I was sent to another line to pay for the bag.  This was another long line (many other people like me surprised by their very restrictive weight policy).  That took another 15 minutes.  Then I moved on to security--oh my goodness!  The line snaked out of the security area, across the terminal and along that wall!  This line, however, kept moving--not move and wait like the others.  About 20 minutes later, I was through there.  We were able to keep everything in our bags, even liquids, and keep our shoes on!  It was very fast and I sailed through. Then to the gate--at the very end of the concourse--and it was packed!  I was there at about 9:20 for my 10:30 flight.  Good thing I got to the airport earlier than the recommended two hours!  

We took off on time on a very packed flight.  I had a window seat.  I prefer aisle seats so that it's easier to get up to stretch and use the bathroom.  Norwegian Air has very discounted flights.  That is because you get a seat and nothing else.  No pillow, no blanket, no meals, no snacks, no beverage service.  And definitely not the little bags with eye masks and mini toothbrushes.  Or the little snack bags to eat during the night.  You could order food, starting at $3 for a bottle of water and $5 for a little airplane blanket.  Luckily I had filled my water bottle about 2/3 with water before boarding and had snacks.  So I was able to eat a handful of trail mix and sip at my water.  I did ask one of the flight attendants for a glass of water and they brought that to me without charge.  Not a great customer service airline.  We've found Qantas to be the best at long flights.  Take care of your customers and there won't be any problems.