It’s been a whirlwind week for us. With the reality of our imminent move to the West coast we decided to capitilize on Tom’s time off, and our nearness to Adi and Cass and drive out and visit them one last time before we head off. We were nervous about the 20 hours of driving, but we needn’t have been, Scotland was angelic. (How are we so lucky?) There was one point in the middle of our 10 hour driving day when he started to flop his arms and say “I don’t want car! I don’t want car!” But it didn’t last long, he soon fell asleep and awoke a few hours later chipper and patient. 
We first drove to Jersey City to see Adi and Jeremy. There apartment is a 10 minute train ride to NYC so naturally we took the opportunity to show Scotland the Big City. We took him to FAO Schwarz, the countries oldest toy store.

He loved the larger than life stuffed teddy bear

The bins full of colorful rocks

And dancing on the Big Piano

 

He was quickly drawn to the duplo section.

We all enjoyed wondering through Central park watching the various entertainers: dancers, roller bladders, and musicians

We sat for a while enjoying this band. Who would have thought a bass, banjo and trombone would make such a lovely ensemble! We walked by the Central park zoo and enjoyed the best waffle I have ever eaten. No joke. If you go to NYC get a waffle with speculoos from Wafles and Dinges- you won’t regret it.

We got to see The One World Tower (incomplete), and the current status of the 9/11 Memorial. I appreciated the opportunity to think back on those events. Remembering stories I had heard and pictures I had seen of New Yorkers coming together to help, of boatmen coming in from all over to transport people, I suddenly saw the people on the street with me. I realized, previously they had just been part of the landscape of New York. Then, through a change of perspective, I saw them as they are: human beings trying to make the best of each day. I felt a rush of comradery and joy, what a beautifully diverse yet similar world we live in.

I wish I had taken a picture of the one damaged sky scraper left standing since the event. It is ash-blackened and the windows are boarded up. It’s like a ghost reminding one of times past. It contrasts sharply with the shiny new One World Tower, as if daring one to forget.

Layers of NYC

It was a lovely and exhausting day. It was great to have so much time to chat with Adi and Jeremy. We love them so much. They offer such a bright and positive perspective on life. They have an uncanny ability to stay calm and entertained in any situation.