Day 1191: Exploring Central Park

Over the last twenty years, we've explored much of Central Park.  Today, we walked from west to east at the very northern end from 96th to 110th St.  The park was full of families of a wide variety of ethnic and religious groups.  It was fascinating to hear all the different languages as they passed us.  Many were out strolling in their Sunday best, and I especially enjoyed seeing the little girls in colorful, frilly dresses.  Small children carried Easter baskets overflowing with candy and toys.  Overstuffed bunnies spilled out of strollers.  Stretched out on blankets, families sat visiting and snacking while children chased each other.  Even the little dogs were dressed up in sweaters.

We encountered a wedding party in gorgeous red and salmon gowns with exquisite golden headdresses.  The bride wore an elegant white gown with an elaborate headdress draped in beads and pearls.  The men were all in black tuxedos.  We couldn't identify the ethnic background, perhaps somewhere in East Africa, but they were breathtaking.

In many ways it was a typical Sunday in NYC, but since it was Easter, we spied Easter bonnets, suits, polished shoes, and babies in ruffled dresses.

The bus shook, shifted, jerked and swayed all the way down town to dinner and made Evan car sick.  Fortunately, he recovered to enjoy our last meal together till Thanksgiving.  Kaoru suggested a spot they all love called Bare Burger.  It offers a variety of meats for burgers with original toppings.   Three chose elk!  Three more had chicken and Steve had brisket.  All delicious.  To top it off, Steve and Evan split a hot honey milkshake for dessert.  The honey is seasoned with cayenne pepper and drizzled in the bottom of the glass then topped by the milkshake.  When you scoop a spoonful and mix both tougher, it's an explosion of flavors in your mouth.

The important thing was to spend a few more hours together before we all return to our routines.

On left: April, Justin and Kaoru

On right: Colin, Steve, me and Evan