After we closed Davis Day Trips at the end of 2010, we had quite a bit of time on our hands. To be honest, we were getting a little bored. So we offered to coordinate four fundraising trips for the Pennsville Public Library during 2011. Happily, these trips raised over $6,000 toward the library's annual operating expenses! And on another happy note, the positive feedback that we received from these trips encouraged us to reopen Davis Day Trips in 2012. We're coming back on a smaller scale, offering a limited number of affordable day trips geared toward active, independent travelers. As in the past, our trips are designed for those who enjoy stress-free travel with the cost-saving benefit of group travel. Hopefully, as the economy improves, we can increase our event offerings and add in some overnight trips. Fingers crossed...
Yesterday was our fundraising trip to New York City for the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. The weather was on the chilly side, but not too cold to keep from enjoying the holiday sights and since we were there on a Monday, the crowds weren't bad at all. The show was, of course, SPECTACULAR, including my favorite act--the toy solidiers. I'm not one who needs to see the show every year--I find that I enjoy it much more when I skip a couple of years in between, but there are those who enjoy it so much that they make it an annual tradition with friends and family. For that reason, Davis Day Trips will be doing a trip to the show in December 2012. Believe it or not, group tickets will be going on sale in April, so stay tuned for details!
The first stop that I made in NYC was to the New York Public Library branch on 42nd Street to get a library card. I can now borrow books from their library downloaded onto my Kindle! It was a quick and easy process. I had applied online in advance, so I had my registration info with me; however, they have several computers available so you can also apply online right there. The whole process takes about five minutes. I have so many books on my Kindle right now, it will probably be a while before I actually go to their website to borrow a book, but the nice girl who processed my application forewarned me that there is usually a waiting time for their books. 
The library was decorated for the holidays, so it was extra beautiful. If you haven't had the opportunity to explore the building, you should definitely take advantage of one of their free tours. After the library, I walked around the corner to Bryant Park and enjoyed a cup of hot chocolate while I strolled through the holiday shops. Lots of unique and interesting items for sale, but I do think the prices are on the high side. The ice skating rink is the bargain there--no fee for admission like at Rockefeller Center, but there is a fee to rent skates if you don't bring your own.
Had a bargain lunch at Bravo Pizza on East 42nd Street--two plain slices and a soda for $5.50 ($6 with tax). It's tiny, tiny inside, so it's not a place to go for a leisurely lunch, but you can't beat the price, the staff is very prompt and courteous, and the slices are generous.
Stopped by St. Patrick's Cathedral and sat in on part of the noon Mass. I'm not Catholic, but I needed to sit for a while and the cathedral is so incredibly gorgeous that I wanted to take time to actually appreciate it. I didn't get to do much sitting between all the standing and kneeling, but I did enjoy listening to the priest and I always feel a sense of peace after visiting there.
On my way toward Radio City for the show, I stopped by a street vendor to buy a knock-off Burberry scarf. The "100% cashmere" scarf that I wanted was $10 which was a great deal compared to Nordstrom's $375 price for the real thing. But I live by the motto that you never, never pay a street vendor full price. Unfortunately, this vendor had a prime corner location in a high tourist area and he wasn't budging on the price. So I walked two blocks to the next vendor who was willing to negotiate down to $8--a savings of $367 off the Nordstrom's price and, minus the Burberry label, I defy you to tell the difference!
Was supposed to be the dinner guest of the Group Sales Director at Planet Hollywood, but they were closed for a private event. After accepting her profuse apologies, I walked down to Cranberry Cafe & Deli. I've never had a bad experience there until yesterday. Every item that I selected from the hot buffet was cold and not very tasty. I'm hoping this was a one-time thing and they were just having an off night. Spent quite a bit of time in Times Square people watching and taking photos before heading back to the bus pickup location. One of the best things NYC ever did was to install the step platform and the bistro tables and chairs at Duffy Square.
Happy and Healthy Holidays to all and hopefully you'll be able to join Davis Day Trips on a trip in 2012. I'll end this post with what I consider to be three very important words for the coming year: EAT MORE CHOCOLATE.
