I wasn't planning to visit the 9/11 Memorial, it just happened.  I've been to the Ground Zero site a few times through the years, and no matter when I visit, I still feel that ache in my stomach imagining the horror of being one of those lost.  We were walking through SoHo when Devin asked if we would be interested in trying to get tickets.  Cell phones make all kinds of possibilities happen on the spot, this one included.  So, we walked downtown and arrived timely to retrieve our tickets and all of a sudden, we were there.  This visit was very different in that everything looked very different.  The demolition is over, the clean-up is over, the planning is over, the building is in full swing.  It purposely memorializes the spots where the two towers stood by not building upward, but by using two water exhibits that flow downward.  Around each one is a wall with all the names of those lost, each perfectly spaced and very legible.  The new buildings are near, but in their "own" space.  There is lots going on, but subtly.  The crowd is reverent, there is no pushing or loudness.  The Visitor Center is under construction and various landscaping is taking shape.  I think the design successfully meshes the tragedy with hope.  There is a collection box at the exit,  I am hoping everyone who visits will give.  It's the least we can do.

Want to feel like a kid again?  Go to The Scholastic Store in SoHo.  When I travel with school teacher Lynn, I always get exposed to the educational world for children.  This store screams fun, fun, fun!  There is lots to see and do, including reading inside the bus pictured or celebrating your birthday upstairs with your friends.  If you have a child with you in New York, this store should be added to your list of stops.



THE SCHOLASTIC STORE
557 Broadway
(Between Prince & Spring Streets)
SoHo, NY  10012
PH: 212-343-6166

Shopping is fun, but it is especially a treat when in SoHo.  I love checking out all the stores - designer and otherwise.  Devin took Lynn and I to a store that was new to us.  It was British based "AllSaints".   Women's clothing and accessories were on the street level, while the men's were downstairs (pictured).  Lynn browsed and then found a comfy chair in the women's shoe section, offering compliments to shoppers trying on shoes.  Devin and I went downstairs to shop sales that might interest him.  We found the salesperson very helpful without being pushy.  Eventually we departed with bags in hand, even though I realized that as much as I loved this store's sense of style, they are not inexpensive!  But I reminded myself that I was in AllSaints, in SoHo, in New York City, and then I was fine.


ALLSAINTS
512 Broadway
SoHo, NY  10012
PH: 646-862-1832

Do you find eyewear expensive?  If so, you may be interested in this post.  While in SoHo, we went to a Warby Parker showroom so Devin could try on some frames.  It's a company that charges $95 per pair instead of several hundred dollars.  "Warby Parker was founded with a rebellious spirit and a lofty objective: to create boutique-quality, classically crafted eyewear at a revolutionary price".  When you purchase a pair, another pair is distributed to someone in need worldwide.  Glasses are ordered online, but it's great if you can visit a showroom to sample them in the mirror.  There are nine showrooms nationally.  Devin tried on several pair as we took his picture in each before making his decision at home and ordering online, using his prescription.  As a person who only takes off my glasses to sleep, I found this concept and process very intriguing.

Price of prescription glasses

WARBY PARKER
295 Lafayette Street
Suite 501 (Puck Bldg)
SoHo, NY
PH: 888-492-7297