See and Experience 30 Rock

A Statue of Atlas on Fifth Avenue will immediately grab your attention before raising your eyes to the 872-foot tower beyond the sunken plaza. This is Rockefeller Center, or more commonly referred to as 30 Rock. It has become a focal point and popular gathering place over the years, especially at Christmastime. You’ll also recognize Rockefeller Center by the 200 flagpoles surrounding the plaza at street level. Taking center stage is the gilded Statue of Prometheus, which practically glows on fire. But that’s only the beginning. Colorful gardens, unique shops, international cafés, art and history, rooftop tours, and more make this national landmark truly memorable. 
“I believe that love is the greatest thing in the world; that it alone can overcome hate; that right can and will triumph over might.” ~ John D. Rockefeller, Jr.

Is it a Bird? Is it a Plane? No, it’s the Oculus!

What is the Oculus in New York City? Walking along the sidewalk of Lower Manhattan, as you turn a corner, your eyes rest upon a gigantic image of a bird in flight. Or is it? Perhaps it appears to be the skeleton of some sort of space craft instead. From the outside it seems dwarfed next to the cluster of skyscrapers near One World Trade Center. It is only when you enter its doors, at the street level, you come to the realization it leads to the new mass transit system replacing what was destroyed during the 9/11 terrorist attacks. This centerpiece is the World Trade Center Transportation Hub. Eleven different lines connect New Jersey’s PATH trains and New York City’s subways. Combined with an upscale retail mall of shops and eateries, the Oculus reflects the ambience of its nemesis, the World Trade Center. Before you leave, step onto the mezzanine level for a phenomenal snapshot to record your visit. Selfies permitted. 

Canadian Mounties are as Rare as Hens’ Teeth

Canadian Mounties are as Rare as Hens’ Teeth! It isn’t that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police no longer exist. They do, indeed. After all, they are the federal and national police force of Canada. It’s just that the regular uniform no longer consists of the original high collared scarlet tunic, midnight blue breeches with yellow leg stripe, and wide brown, flat brimmed hat. If you happen to come across such a well-dressed gentleman, take notice, especially if the occasion is devoid of special event, festival parade, or training demonstrations. My husband and I followed a Mountie as he wandered along Banff Avenue on foot, in a reserved demeanor, before stopping to pose for the tourists. His midnight black horse was nowhere to be found. Perhaps Dudley Do-Right was keeping him company. 

Elvis is Alive and Well

“We’re going through the gates!”  People flock to Graceland year-round in Memphis, Tennessee. Some men appear wearing blue suede shoes while others comb their slick black hair into the legendary upswept pompadour.  An Elvis-wanna-be directs his attention to a crowd exiting a tour bus, smiling that sexy half smirk that causes women to swoon.  His sultry wink is cast from hooded baby blues, and you find yourself wondering, “Is The King of Rock and Roll still alive?”.  Inside the modest home, framed gold records and platinum albums hang in hallways proving this was a man who sold more than any other artist in history.  If you look closely, a vulnerable side is visible in the life of this immortal rock star.  Just when you begin to wonder if it is all an illusion, another slender, handsome stranger approaches wearing a blue silk scarf draped around his neck.  The mob goes crazy snapping photos with their cell phones.  He stops for moment when a young blonde beauty calls out the cherished name of “Elvis”.   He strums his guitar and swivels his hips to a rhythm and blues tune hypnotically causing her to feel giddy and lightheaded before turning on his heels to disappear.  “Thank you, thank you very much.”  

Every August thousands of fans descend to this remote area of Memphis and stand in line for hours waiting to pay tribute to the ghost who wanders around Graceland.  Passing the gravesite in a candlelight vigil the sound of a pin drop can be heard. Glancing about, some devoted fans are sniffling shamelessly while others openly dab a tear.  It seems no matter the age, everyone is touched with a special memory of the King.  At the end of the day, Elvis has left the building. The experience is timeless.