May 22, 2025 – Manhattan, Harlem, & Bronx

I awoke to a rainy, cold day. Luckily we will spend the day on a bus tour through Manhattan and the Bronx.

We headed north on the west side of Central Park. The guide Karl pointed out sites like The Dakota and explained how the city grew North. We stopped to visit Alexander Hamilton’s home, The Grange. He lived here the last 2 years of his life. It was farm country in the early 1800’s.

We continued on through Harlem and then crossed into the Bronx. We passed Yankee Stadium. We saw the hundreds of ranch houses that were built in the area of the Bronx where many presidents promised to clean it up during election time. Carter was able to get these prefab houses built and installed. The area looks very suburban.

We were dropped off on Arthur Avenue, “Little Italy”. We had lunch at Enzo’s. Very authentic Italian! We went across the street to Madonia Bakery where I bought some delicious cannolli’s

We rode to Wave Hill which is the property of two former estates now a beautiful public garden overlooking the Hudson River. The rain held off for most of the time we were there.

After our farewell dinner I went to see Glengarry Glen Ross. It was very well acted with Kiernan Caulkin, Bob Odenkirk, Bill Burr, and Michael McKean. It was a last minute decision to buy the ticket but I am so glad I did.

I’ll do a wrap up on my trip on Friday when I get to Hartsdale. I’ll be flying back to California on Saturday.