NEW YORK CITY WITH DAUGHTER & GRANDDAUGHTERS

The first day we left Stafford, VA to drive up to NYC via the North Shore Beach in Long Branch, NJ.  We got up to the beach around 1pm and took the girls down to the Atlantic Ocean which they have never seen before.  It was alittle chilly out there but we managed to collect some shells and see the waves.  Jordan (8) was so excited and Brooke (14) also...they really enjoyed the stop and rest from car ride. Next, we continued to go along the shore to get up to Newark where we stayed at the Howard Johnson Newark International Airport.  We got checked in and headed downstairs to meet the shuttle to the airport to take the NJ Transit into the city.  We arrived in Penn Station around 4:30 and decided to go down to Chinatown & Little Italy first since we hadn't ate anything since VA.  We got off the subway at Canal & Broadway started walking toward Mulberry St...YUCKs the peddlers were out in "full force" !!  Every second someone was asking us if we wanted a "ROLEX" "Coach" or one of the (fakes) !! We did stop at a "legit" place and bought me another picture of the World Trade Center in different view.  Being that I was a "local" during the tragedy I have a special feeling for the area.  After shopping, we traveled on down to my favorite "Little Italy" (love those Italians!)  We were walking down Mulberry to see which restaurant when these gorgeous men came out to talk to us, so we decided to eat at their place. (To be added)  Next, we started walking to SOHO, and came upon Engine Company 20....they lost several good men in 9/11 in which they had a Memorial for them! (pictures to be added)  Saw their dalmation dog she was so sweet....these firefighters were so friendly and kind let us & others take pictures.  Then, we walked to Herald Square and finally back to Penn Station got on a train and headed back to hotel to REST....after that it was much needed.