New York, NY

New York, NY

 

New York, NY

Big Day!  Big Day indeed!

We all packed into the breakfast space at the hotel before heading off for a day's adventure in Manhattan at 10am.  We all walked up to Wall Street, not far from the hotel, and then past the New York Stock Exchange to Trinity Church.  We stuck our head inside this ornate church, as well as toured the cemetery, where we saw the grave of Alexander Hamilton. two blocks, and one tourist store, south is the Charging Bull statue in Bowling Green.  We, like every tourist on the planet is seemed, lined up to take a photo.  Not sure why I hadn't been here on 2 previous visits, but it was funny watching people pose with the bull, and we got a great family photo.

Trinity Cuurch from Wall Street, New York, NY

JKLMBL&D, Charging Bull, New York, NY

We then walked the half dozen blocks up Greenwich Street to the 9/11 Memorial Pools.  Such a somber place.  This is a tragedy that still affects many people, and you can see this in the respect of all the visitors, as the air is tense, and people mostly look in silence or hushed tones.  We saw the names of those lost on that terrible day, and noticed some had white roses placed with them.  I learned that this was done daily and the white roses were for those who should have been celebrating a birthday.  I do find it both eerie and triumphant that this memorial sits in the shadow of the since built One World Trade Center.  Taller than all, this landmark sticks out everywhere in Manhattan, and serves also as a reminder of the overcoming spirit of that fateful 2001 day.

One World Trade Center & 9/11 Memorial, New York, NY

LMBL, Oculus, New York, NY

Just west of the area is the Battery Park City Ferry Terminal.  We jump on for the half hour ride down to Staten Island.  Along the way we take in the views of Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty (time meant we didn't go over and spend time on the island), as well as Manhattan at the back of the boat.

The stop in Staten Island is at a near empty mall, where we stopped at Shake Shack and had lunch.  K & L took the Staten Island Ferry back to the hotel, while the rest of us jumped back on the ferry all the way up to Pier 76, where we got out and wandered back to the city.  The ferry dropped us off right near the convention center, which was packed with Comic Con conventioneers all dressed up.  Great people watching.  A quick stop at Russ & Daughters for a bagel and to watch a protest almost get out of hand outside Black Rock Investments (Israeli / Palestinian tensions on the rise), before continuing to head west along 34th Street.  J, M & L left us at Penn St Station to head back to the hotel.  A,B&I continued down to see the Empire State Building.  I wanted to see the Flat Iron Building, so we walked down there, only for it to be covered in scaffolding.  Fortunately right behind the building is a Harry Potter store, so B was in his element.  He basically dumped his stuff on us and then disappeared in a Tasmanian Devil-like whirl into the store.  A&I did our best to keep up with him, though it was tough.

DM&B, Empire State Building, New York, NY

B, Harry Potter Store, New York, NY

A quick cab ride back to the hotel, just to ramp up the adrenaline before we wanted to rest before our night out.  

At 5pm we met JKLM in the lobby for our journey back up to the theater district to go and see Back To The Future.  Slices of pizza outside the theater constituted dinner and after a taste of close to Times Square we were in our seats.

The show was a blast.  Very true to the movie.  Probably not what we would've picked had we not had kids with us, but still, everyone was having a great time and I'm glad we picked it (though I was hoping for The Outsiders).

Afterwards we walked down into Times Square so the kids could experience that for the first time.  I love it.  Tons of people everywhere, so much visual stimulation.  It got a bit much for the kids, and that edge was pushed when some "religious" nut started screaming in the face of L&M.  We got out of there and headed back to the hotel via the subway.  One dickhead put a black mark on an excellent day.

Outside Winter Garden Theater, New York, NY

DLB&M, Times Square, New York, NY

Rebel, New York, NY

New York, NY

We didn't really do anything of significance while my sister and her family came to Charlotte, but we did take off for a long weekend in New York.  A great stop in their month long adventure in the US , and the perfect opportunity for us to take the boys there for the first time.

We tagged along as KJL&M had booked their flights and hotels already.  We book the same.  It's an easy flight up to La Guardia, and a van took the 8 of us straight to our Fairfield Inn in the Financial District in Manhattan.  After our experience in Philly, we opted for 2 rooms with king beds as A&I and the now teenage boys are crammed into a room with 2 doubles.

We dumped bags and headed straight to the Fulton St Subway to get over to High St in Brooklyn.  We then spend the late afternoon wandering around Brooklyn Heights, taking in both Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges.  Doing all the touristy pick of the bridges and the Manhattan Skyline.  Eventually we ended up at the Time Out Market, where we seemed to go 8 different ways to get dinner, but still manage to find a table together.  Unfortunately the roof was closed for a private event.  That's where we really wanted to be.  The boys and I had eaten at a Time Out in Montreal, and that was a great experience.  This place may have been even better still.

We continued walking along the East River, just being happy to be in a new city.  Our last stop was at the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory, for the kids.  From there it was across the street to the ferry, which took us back to Pier 11, just a short walk back to the hotel.

LMB&L, Brooklyn, NY

BMD&L, Brooklyn, NY

DBL&M, Brooklyn, NY

Charlotte Hornets v Miami Heat @ Spectrum Center

We didn't do a ton of stuff in Charlotte when my sister and her family were here.  But one thing the boys wanted, was to see some sports.  So the boys and I took Jason and Maxy, and Uncle Drew, to the Spectrum Arena to catch the Hornets in a pre-season game.  

We got some seats at a good price on the lower level (I've never had that before) and headed into town to catch some dinner at the 7th Street Market before getting into the venue just before tipoff.  The arena wasn't 1/2 full and we probably could've moved down closer, but we were content with some good seats.  Thing were pretty even in the first quarter, then it looked like Miami might start to pull away in the second.  After half time the Hornets came out and dominated, going from 58-62 down to leading 89-81 at the end of the 3rd.  Things remained even throughout the last quarter and the Hornets held on for a 3 point victory.  

I hope the result is the sign of  a good season for the Hornets.  With Charlotte FC having a good year, it would be nice if another Carolina team could follow their lead and get people excited about sport in this town.  Because, while the arena was not half full, the atmosphere in the arena was like that of a library....again.  I'm not sure how to change that, but I'm sure a winning season wouldn't go astray.

Charlotte Hornets 111 (L. Ball 24, T. Salaun 15, M. Bridges 14, T. Mann 14) defeated Miami Heat 108 (B. Adebayo 13, K. Ware 13, J. Butler 11, P. Larsson 10)

Crowd: 10,093

Weezer, Flaming Lips & Dinosaur Jr @ Bon Secours Arena

So this is a belated birthday gift for the boys.  We all love Weezer and Dinosaur Jr and Flaming Lips as openers meant getting tickets was a no brainer.

We made the easy drive down to Greenville after the boys finished school and got there just before 6.  Got a great parking spot right near the venue and walked the same distance away to have dinner at Ink n Ivy.  A good meal and then back to the venue and in our seats as Dinosaur Jr started.

Dinosaur Jr were only allotted 1/2 hour, but blistered through 6 great songs.  I got to hear a favorite (Freak Scene), a Feel The Pain/Start Choppin double, and of course their great Cure cover, Just Like Heaven.  Though I don't think I converted the boys (yet).

Dinosaur Jr Setlist

BMD&L, Dinosaur Jr, Bon Secours Arena, Greenville, SC

It wasn't long before Flaming Lips were on stage.  It was 4 songs in before the pink robots were inflated for Yoshimi (Parts 1 & 2).  Another great show from them, though I thought the room was too big for the show they put on - or is it just so magic in a smaller venue?  Loved hearing She Don't Use Jelly, as did the boys.  They also liked the Yeah Yeah Yeah song.  A perked up when she instantly recognized the Borderline cover, as did everyone in the audience our age.  Do You Realize??? to finish the set was another highlight.  L & I made a run for it as soon as the song finished so we could go and buy tshirts for him and B.

Flaming Lips Setlist

Flaming Lips, Bon Secours Arena, Greenville, SC

They came from outer space.  Weezer appeared from under their departing rocket ship taking all the applause they could before launching into their 25 song set.  It all started for us when Hash Pipe came on, to be followed by Pork n Beans, Beverly Hills & Islands In The Sun.  This 4 song interlude revitalized the fading boys (there had been a long day at school and a 2 hour drive to get here - and we were well past their bedtime).  Video graphics were spectacular and definitely complimented what the band was doing, even with their cheesy spoken interludes.  A spate of Pinkerton songs (unfortunately not including El Scorcho or the Good Life) led into a quick break, before Weezer came back to head into The Blue Album from start to finish.  This is the 2nd time I'd seen Weezer do this.  The 1st time was  back in Vegas just before the boys were born when they did The Blue Album and Pinkerton in the same night.  From the first notes of My Name Is Jonas the energy in the room picked up and the set was great.  Obviously Buddy Holly was a favorite and everyone was singing Undone - The Sweater Song at the top of their voices.  Surf Wax America and Say It Ain't So were also highlights for me.

Weezer Setlist

Weezer, Bon Secours Arena, Greenville, SC

We bailed during the last song, Only In Dreams, to beat the crowd out, and prep for the long drive home.  Big week of rock for the boys.  First time they've seen 2 shows in a week.  As stoic as they can be (I wonder where they get that from) both said they loved tonight's show, but both of them struggle with a late night.  Violent Femmes in Asheville in a couple of weeks.

Weezer Fans, Bon Secours Arena, Greenville, SC

The Crap Facts
This is my 510th concert.
This is my 2nd concert at Bon Secours Arena.
This is my 3rd concert in Greenville.
This is my 7th concert in South Carolina.
This is my 310th concert in the USA.
This is my 11th Dinosaur Jr concert.

This is my 6th Flaming Lips concert.

This is my 6th Weezer concert.

Airborne Toxic Event @ The Underground

Time for another freebie show, and another one for the boys to see.

It's been over 11 years since Erik and I made our discovery of Airborne Toxic Event, after we saw them at the Hard Rock Pool.  Since then, their self titled debut gets plenty of play in our house.  Hence the boys know them, so even after a game of soccer in the morning and a 9pm start, they were keen to go.

We walked in just before they started and were immediately greeted to Wishing Well, which got the crowd into a good mood.  A few songs from the new album, Glory, before a ripping mid-set Gasoline.  After this the boys started to fade, with fewer recognizable songs, but a great show regardless.  The main set finished with Something Around Midnight, and afterwards the band left the stage with the crowd wanting a lot more.  I know the boys were tired, so we moved closer to the exit for when the encore finished.  But the last 3 of the 4 encore songs were a highlight for me - and the boys.  Does This Mean You're Moving On? was excellent.  The highly anticipated Missy was so good.  Such a great day.  And the way they weave in I'm On Fire and Folsom Prison Blues is exciting.  Happiness Is Overrated finished the night and left everyone on a high.  

BD&L Rockin' Out

I know the boys were super tired, and have the teenage emotional range of "Good" when asked how they enjoyed everything, but I really think they enjoyed the night.  Let's see how they go on Wednesday when we have to drive to Greenville after school to see Weezer.

Airborne Toxic Event Setlist

The Crap Facts
This is my 509th concert.
This is my 10th concert at The Underground.
This is my 110th concert in Charlotte.
This is my 132nd concert in North Carolina.
This is my 309th concert in the USA.
This is my 2nd Airborne Toxic Event concert.

Airborne Toxic Event is the 1150th time I've seen a band.

Liverpool v Manchester United at Williams Brice Stadium

Brian, Mike & I, Williams Brice Stadium, Columbia, SC

I've only been back from our summer trip for 2 days, when I get in the car again and drive down to Columbia with Mike & his mate, Brian, to go and see Liverpool again.  This time against Manchester United.  Things did not look good, as were caught in a storm on the way down.  So severe, that you could barely see 10 feet out the window.  Fortunately it passed quickly.

Getting into the parking lot was a mission.  It was so poorly organized it took nearly 45 minutes once we got off the 77.  Thankfully we left Charlotte with way too much time.  Cowden and their entire clan were tailgating in the parking lot, so we went to hang with them before following the masses into the stadium.  Thought we'd get our beers before getting to our excellent seats, (in the Liverpool section, 20 row behind the goal) only for the woman in front of in line to buy the last beer.  What?  It was still 15 minutes until kickoff.

Liverpool started strong, and within 10 minutes we were up 1-0, when Carvalho put one away from the top of the box at the other end.  Before the half Salah made one of his strong runs down the right, his perfect cross hit Curtis Jones in the 6 yard box and we were up 2-0.  The game settled a little in the 2nd half, with both teams rotating their squads and bringing on B squads.  But we got another.  When Liverpool attacked, Jota had a strong shot parried by Onana, straight into the path of Tsimikas, who put the ball in the back of the net.  3-0 us.  And before the restart the Liverpool fans were calling for 7 - reflecting the score of the Liverpool win in March 2023.  Unfortunately that didn't happen, but I'll take 3-0 over Manchester United any day.

Good atmosphere in this game, maybe slightly better than the Philly game on Wednesday.  Coming in it looked like there was going to be a lot more United fans, but inside I thought it was pretty even.  And our Liverpool end, while no Kop, was more vocal than Man U's at the other end.

Three Post Scripts:

1) 77,559 is the largest crowd to see a soccer game in South Carolina.

2) If I thought getting into the parking lot was tough, getting out was a clusterfuck on a massive scale.  And we were lucky enough to sneak out quickly, then sit in non-moving traffic for over 90 minutes.  Surely the stadium and police have had practice with football games for years.  We sat within a block of the stadium for longer than a regular trip back to Charlotte should take.

3) A couple of days later I found this picture on Liverpool FC's Facebook page.  Obviously I stand out in a crowd when singing You'll Never Walk Alone.

Liverpool 3 (F. Carvalho 10, C. Jones 36, K. Tsimikas 61) defeated Manchester United 0

Crowd: 77,559

Liverpool v Arsenal @ Lincoln Financial Field

 

Montreal, QC

7/27

Larry's

Contemporary Art Museum

Ave Mont Royal - Aux 33 tours, Bixi home

Les Enfants Terribles

7/28

Patisserie Guillaume, Fairmont Bagels

Bixi to Parc la Fontaine

La CAtrina

Last Kem Coba

7/29

Montreal, QC

7/22

Walk down St Denis to St Catherine

Lunch at Cage Sports Bar

Chinatown

7/23

Putting Edge Laval

Les 3 Brasseurs

Despicable Me 4 at Cineplex Laval

Niata to Go

Neighborhood walk

7/24

Sir Wilfred Laurier Park

Ta Pies

Rain

7/25

Botanique Gardens

Villa Tandoori

7/26

Zoo Ecomuseum

Cage lunch

Mandys Dinner

Kurios - Cabinet of Curiosities Under The Big Top

Little Italy

Jean Talon Marche

Bus to Old port

Cirque

Dinner at Vieux Port Steakhouse

Abaye de St Benoit du Lac & Yamaska National Park

7/18

Biosphere

Ferry to Old Port

Smokies Food Truck

Archeology Museum

7/19
Ta Pies

St Josephs

walked to to Snowdon Metro

Train to Bonaventure

Walk St Catherines

7/20

Drive to 

Abbaye de Saint-Benoît-du-Lac

Lunch in Picnic Grounds

Yamaska National Park

Montreal, QC

7/14
Mont Royal

7/15

Toi, Moi et Cafe

Biodome

Planetarium

Siboire St Laurent

7/16

Chill

Ta Pies

7/17

Underground City

McCord Museum

CF Montreal v Atlanta United @ Stade Saputo

Atwater Market
Lachine Loch walk

Uber to Saputo