Superwomom: Memories of NYC and The New York City Pass

This post is 6 years late. Ramir and I took our first US trip last July 2008. R was just two years old. It was the first and only time that Ramir and I would leave our kid behind without any parent to stay with her. We're lucky that my in-laws were very accommodating. You may say that this series of post is a trip down memory lane. I realized that I haven't blogged about it, so here I am, reminiscing and writing as much as I can remember.

I have always dreamed of New York City. Who haven't? The opportunity came knocking on our doors in guise of a 3-day conference in New York. What went on in between was a series of adventures we wouldn't forget. Ramir and I started our trip in New Jersey. We spent two days there. Then we went to NYC. We stayed there for 10. Before going to the US, we listed all the sights and attractions that we wanted to see. Then we scoured the net for info. We saw the NY Pass, a tourist card that would let you in more that 80 plus attractions in NYC with line skipping privileges on a discounted rate. We compared prices and realized that we would save some moolah if we'll just purchase the pass. So we did. We chose the 7-day pass. We felt that if we plan our itinerary right, our pass would be worth it. We purchased our pass here http://www.newyorkpass.com and redeemed our card at Planet Hollywood at 1540 Broadway (at 45th Street). Please bear with me as I re-construct our itinerary.

DAY 1

1. NBC Studio Tour

I felt that as a media practitioner, I should do this. The tour took us behind-the-scenes of the peacock studio operations. Although it was rather brief, we were happy that we were able to set foot on the grounds of America's top network. We also had our photos taken at the news desk. But the Today show was set-up just outside the entrance.

Location and Directions:

All tours begin inside the NBC Experience Store which is located in the GE Building at 30 Rockefeller Plaza (Corner of 49th Street between 5th and 6th Avenue) across from the TODAY Show studio. We were able to catch a glimpse of the TODAY show because we took our tour early.

Estimated Tour Length:
Around 1 hour and 30 minutes

2. Rockefeller Center Tour

We headed to Rockefeller Center for our next tour.

We were given headsets so that we can listen to its history while we walk the buildings, gardens and spaces that make up this world-renowned "city within a city."

The historian who accompanied us in the tour was very animated. He entertained us with his story-telling skills, plus the audio compliment was cool because you really get to see what's being narrated.

Location and Directions:
30 Rockefeller Plaza (guests enter on 50th Street, between 5th and 6th Avenues)

Estimated Tour Length:
1 and 1/2 hour

3. Radio City Music Hall Tour

The Radio City "Stage Door Tour" is a walking tour of the interior of Radio City Music Hall. It is the perfect outing for the entertainment and theater enthusiast.

We learn about the Great Stage, the amazing art decos, the legendary women's precision dance team known as the Rockettes, and vast art collections. We even met a real Rockette. It makes me giddy that we're actually seeing the backstage of NY's premiere entertainment venue where the biggest names in show business have performed.

Location and Directions:

At the heart of Rockefeller Center at 1260 Avenue of the Americas - 6th Ave and 50th Street. Tour departs from the Music Hall lobby.

Estimated Tour Length:
1 hour

4. Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum
It's funny how I whispered to Ramir that a guy who looked like Morgan Freeman was standing near the entrance of the museum. Then we both realized that we're looking at a wax statue of Morgan Freeman. It was like a photo-op playground where you can roam around and pose with any of your favorite icons.