NYC / DAY THREE

We slowly got up Sunday morning. Aydee and I had originally planned on going to Mass, but since we weren't in bed till past 5AM, we were struggling to wake-up to make late check-out. Nevertheless, we eventually got started on our "short" long day ahead.

I checked us out of the hotel, and we left our bags with the concierge while we went to scope out an ATM. We were headed toward The Blarnery Stone again when we happened to stumble upon an ATM machine. Afterward, we headed toward Chinatown once more on foot. The plan was to meet Laya and Bernard for dim sum before we left for Port Authority. We met them outside Grand Harmony Palace (98 Mott St., Chinatown), which I believe I had been to once years before. For Sunday dim sum, the place was crowded as usual, and we were given a number. When we finally got called-in, we were a little disappointed that there was seriously like one cart going through a ballroom filled with packed tables. Some tables sat two or more parties together if there wasn't enough space available.

The worst part about it was that people were actually chasing the cart as it passed, instead of there being enough carts to even turn away! And the food we picked-up from the cart was cold by the time it was in front of our faces. Thankfully, the food was tasty... but it would've been tons better if it were warm. Oh well.

We parted ways with Laya and Bernard, and took a train back to the hotel. We picked-up our luggage, then went back underground to catch a train to Midtown. We laughed at each other as we experienced problems trying to bring our heavy luggage through the NYC Subway system's turnstiles. Uhh, let's update the system, NYC. Please. HA! After what seemed like forever, we finally arrived at Port Authority, and fell in line for our bus. Thankfully, there were enough seats for all of us, and we were soon on our way out of the city and onto the Jersey Turnpike. Thankfully, there wasn't much traffic, so we made it to the DC bus depot (in NoMa; North of Massachusetts Ave... who knew?!) at a decent time. We walked over to the Metro station, and took a train into the Financial District to Carrie's work. We hopped in her car, then headed to Bowie to get Gina's car.

Traveling along I-95, it felt good to be "home." We stopped in at Aydee's to drop her off, and to see Siena, who had prepared us "breakfast dinner." (Thanks, Sien!) We ate, had coffee, and told Siena all of the funny stories from NYC. Then Gina and I decided to call it a night, and she brought me home.

It was a great "quick" trip to NYC, and I'm really glad that I made it. I'm even more glad that Ay, Gina and Carrie were able to meet me. Bonus: seeing some of our friends who are now living in the city. It definitely was a "feel good" trip for me, and I am feeling the pull to relocate there more and more.

That said, it's time to set the wheels in motion.
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***Photo of Grand Harmony Palace by RK Chin