Full Day in the Big Apple

 Our final day in NYC started at the crack of dawn.  We had to have our luggage on the buses by 6 AM and then we headed for the Today Show. I was dreading this, and the rain didn't improve my outlook on the experience.  The crowd was unbelievable and the security was similar to an airport frisking.  After getting through all of that, I looked at Middle Child and said, "Want to leave and go find some breakfast?" She readily agreed.  I couldn't find the rest of my group, so I texted them and headed out.  We found a Dean & Deluca and sat down to relax and get warmed up.  Two of the other girls in the group found us not long after, but one stayed behind in hopes of getting on TV.  I heard that a few of the kids on the trip got their 3 seconds of fame.

Next was the Top of the Rock (Rockefeller Center). As you can see, it was quite dreary up there that day. 

 I love this shot I got with the taxi cabs lined up on the street below.

 We had some free time to roam around the plaza and shop.  No ice skaters, but it was certainly cold enough.  I was surprised by all the daffodils because at the time, we still didn't have any blooming at home.

 Finally, it was time for the real purpose of the trip:  the performance!  We headed to St. John the Divine Cathedral.  Up to this point, Middle Child had done a good job keeping it together on the trip.  Being on the spectrum, new situations/places and not having any alone time is extremely difficult for her (and the real reason I chaperoned the trip).  When she realized that they had to change into their concert dress on the buses, she broke down.  The cathedral had groups lined up every two hours to perform and despite the size, there were not any restrooms large enough to accommodate 200 kids changing.  And I guess most of the rooms were closed off to the public.  Fortunately, we arrived way ahead of schedule, because it took me about an hour to get her calmed down.  Only a few people noticed how upset she was, so at least we didn't create a scene.  On with the show........

 The group peformed Carmina Burana, in Middle High German and Latin.  It was composed by Carl Orff in the 1930's, but the poems date back to the 12th century.  Most everyone recognizes the opening song, 'O Fortuna.'

 It was difficult to capture the magnificence and beauty of this church.  I couldn't even get a group shot with everyone in the photo during the performance.  Here is the rose window above the entrance.

After the performance, another quick change and we were headed back down Central Park West to visit the park.  We were dropped off near the Dakota and we entered Central Park near Strawberry Fields, the tribute to John Lennon.  Here is a beautiful mosaic in that section of the park.  Even in the rain, we had a wonderful time. 

 The famous Bow Bridge in the park.

 

After the park, we were dropped off at St. Patrick's Cathedral.  After a quick in and out there, my group and a few others grabbed some dinner and then spent the rest of the evening stopping in at Cartier, FAO Schwarz, American Girl and the like before heading back to Times Square.  The bus picked us up at 10 pm and we settled in for a long night and ride home.