Yet Another Suprise Vist

It never rains but it pours.  Brother Sid and sister-in-law Marcella surprised us with a nice albeit too short of a visit.  They are amazing people--warm, kind, generous, not to mention talented and fun-loving.  Plus, they know NYC well, having visited here many, many times.  So, the visit did not include the usual things that  first-time visitors might do.  Instead, we sought out adventures, food, and adventures involving food.  Here is a sampling of what we did over a couple of days:

• Lunch at the nearby Sasabune (home of the Sushi Nazi--"no soy sauce or you are banned")
• Walks through Central Park and Bryant Park's Winter Village
• A Little Italy walking tour, with stories, historical locations and a four-course meal along the way
• A Holiday Lights walking tour through Midtown Manhattan, ranging from Herald Square to The Plaza Hotel
• Dangerfield's Comedy Club
• Katz's Deli ("I'll have what she's having")
• Shopping in Chinatown
• A slice at Prince Street Pizza (the original location of Ray's Pizza)

Here are some photos of the adventures.

Greg, after lunching at Sasabune Express, with some random dude photo bombing the picture

Little Italy:  In front of Alleva's, oldest cheese shop in the U.S.:  our walking tour guide, talking with his hands, naturally

A mural of Lady Liberty by Tristan Eaton, on Mulberry Street in Little Italy

Ferrara's Bakery, a Little Italy institution known for its ultra fresh cannoli

Little Italy:  Some random dude in red

At Parisi bread bakery, Marcella enjoying a beautiful day

Little Italy:  The building where Uncle Marty grew up (Martin Scorcese)

Little Italy:  Mulberry Street at dusk

Katz's Deli:  Crowded; excellent pastrami

Susan and Marcella, plus some random dude.  The dude was channeling Rodney "I don't get no respect" Dangerfield.

At Dangerfield's:  Marcella being photobombed by some random dude

Marcella, Sid and Susan.  Sid is really getting into the NYC holiday season, combining a red hair bow with a Lady Liberty-style crown.  Very stylish, Sid!   

It was a wonderful surprise visit.

Who will be the next surprise visitor?