I Love New York Travel

That’s one loooooong front tooth.

Photo was taken at The Cloisters in Manhattan. It’s a real narwhal tusk, which is actually the front tooth of the creature. The tusk was amazingly strong, and it was swirled like a seashell. It was also very old! Can you imagine a creature enduring life with such a large monstrosity projecting from it’s mouth? And I thought the saber-toothed tiger had it bad. Wow.

Anyway, I had a little fun with the idea of the narwhal tusk (and comparing it to the unicorn horn as many historians do) at my blog FreakyFrugalite.com.

Photo taken at The Cloisters in Manhattan, a museum dedicated to medieval art and artifacts. The placard stated that this was a “liturgical comb” made of ivory, dating to the 11th century.

WOW! That’s old.

But what the heck is a liturgical comb?! Was this used to comb out hair shirts?! If you know, please enlighten.

P.S. The museum was GREAT! More on that later.

I LOVE Washington Heights. LOVE IT. I would love to have a little townhouse there. It’s such a wonderful place, with parks and shops and activities. And the Hudson is right there. I was very impressed with the area.

This photo was taken from the bus as we rode by. We were on Broadway then, but I do not know exactly where. Maybe 165th street?

Very nice area. I hope to return again soon.

To the George Washington Bridge. We zipped past it while on the M4 bus to The Cloisters. I have always wondered how you get on the bridge. I knew there was SOME way, but imagined it a bit like our Upstate arterials where you have to snake around and around all these ramps (with incoming traffic coming right at you!). This ramp seemed quite easy peasy, as easy as climbing those medical step stools, eh?

I like the GW bridge. When I see it brighten the skyline, it means I will be in NYC any moment. It means noise, traffic, activity, excitement. It means I’m here!!!

In case you are wondering… NO, your iPhone, cell phone, and 32gb ipod touch will not work in the subway. “No Service” I kept getting. Nuts.

We probably spent a total of 1 hour on the subway, careening from Penn Station to the very top of Manhattan Island and back again. The ride is OK…. noisy as the trains clatter over the rails… crowded sometimes… we had to stand for a while on the way to Upper Manhattan… but the train rocks slightly and it’s rather mezmerizing. LOL.

The hardest part is not having cell service or Internet. During the time, I could be planning our latest trail or locating a cool new restaurant.. but no. No service. We are resigned to looking around at all the advertisements and other bored passengers. LOL. Well, most of the other passengers either sleep or are engrossed in their books or paperwork. Commuting is tough work.

Anyway, I am looking forward to returning. I like NYC. There’s so much to see and do. Except on the subway….