Dinosaurs, Downpours and Dumbo Drama
Giants of the Natural World
We started the day by hopping on the subway to the American Museum of Natural History, that iconic spot made famous by movies but even more impressive in real life. The moment we walked in, a dinosaur greeted us – massive and commanding, it set the tone for what was to come.
The bears were on our list to see. Brown and grizzly, they stood frozen in lifelike poses, so close we could almost imagine the low rumble of their growls. It felt like staring nature straight in the eye, minus the danger. Then came the elephants – a whole herd captured mid-stride. Towering, textured and incredibly detailed, they filled the room with their silent presence.
The dioramas were another highlight. North American mammals in their natural habitats – moose, bison, deer – each scene so carefully crafted it felt like peeking through a window into the wild. The bird displays were just as impressive, with vibrant plumage and delicate detailing that made you forget you were inside a museum. The Australian one was of interest and I saw a few birds I hadn’t seen before – they were from the Sydney region.
One exhibit that really stayed with us was the African people. It was thought-provoking and detailed, offering a glimpse into cultures and ways of life far from our own. And then, of course, the showstopper – the famous Blue Whale suspended overhead. It’s one of those sights that no photo can truly capture. From our spot next to it on the upper level, we could really appreciate just how enormous it was. Even seeing only part of it up close made us feel impossibly small.
All up, we spent just a few hours in the museum. It wasn’t that crowded when we arrived, but the line for tickets outside was massive. Thankfully, we sat down on a bench, pulled out the phone, and in two minutes had bought tickets online – skipping the queue entirely. Highly recommended.
A Stroll Through Green Calm
By the time we wrapped up at the museum, I couldn’t resist grabbing a hot dog from a street vendor. Classic New York snack, served in a soft bun with tomato sauce and onions piled on top. So far, so good – and no side-effects.
From there, we stepped into Central Park, cutting through its greenery on the way back to the subway. The park’s tall trees and winding paths were a refreshing contrast after the busy exhibits, and the hum of New Yorkers enjoying their weekend gave it a lively, relaxed atmosphere. It was only a brief wander, but enough to recharge us before the next adventure.
Bridges, Backdrops and Brooklyn
By 2pm we were ready for our Big Bus Tour – this time heading to Brooklyn’s Dumbo district. The weather had other ideas though. It was hot, sticky and heavy with that unmistakable storm energy. Severe thunderstorm warnings were already in play, but we had our wet weather gear just in case.
Traffic was crawling, so it took a while before we finally rolled onto the Manhattan Bridge. The sky had turned ominous, the kind of thick grey that reminded us of Queensland storms back home. But the view was worth the wait. Dumbo’s streets opened up with that famous photo spot framed by the Manhattan Bridge. We joined the crowd of camera-clickers and struck our pose too – a must-do moment in Brooklyn. We managed to get the bridge shot just before a train rattled through, which made the timing feel even more perfect.
No sooner had we wrapped up our photos and grabbed a quick bathroom break than the heavens opened. Rain came down in sheets, soaking everything in sight. Still, we pressed on. The guide pointed out another spot that’s usually buzzing with people. Instead, it was just us and three brave girls laughing as they snapped photos in the downpour.
Eventually, we all agreed enough was enough. Drenched but smiling, we piled back onto the bus and headed back towards Times Square. Even with the rain, the ride gave us glimpses of Brooklyn and Manhattan that we wouldn’t have wanted to miss.
Sweet Endings in the City
By the time we were back near the hotel, there was only one thing left to do – cheesecake. We stopped at Juniors, grabbed a slice of their famous New York cheesecake and tucked it safely into the fridge for later. After a day of giants, storms and bridges, it was the perfect sweet promise to end on.
Dinner Across the Road
Later that evening we wandered back across the road to Juniors, this time for dinner. I went for the fried chicken while Ros tucked into a Reuben sandwich. The serves were absolutely huge – proper American-sized plates that left us both staring at the table wondering how we’d ever finish. To wash it down, I tried a Dr Brown’s cola while Ros went adventurous with a Dr Brown’s Cherry Cola. Mine was crisp and refreshing, but hers? Let’s just say it tasted suspiciously like cherry-flavoured cough medicine.
As we write this it’s Sunday in Australia – so a very happy Father’s Day to Ros’s dad Neal and my dad Don.
