Flat Stanley in New York City

May 3, 2008 | Filed Under Book Characters, City Streets and Sidewalks, Flat Stanley, Touristy things | 12 Comments

Flat Stanley in front of an office building on 42nd Street.

Flat Stanley is a popular children’s book character, a young boy who is flattened by accident when a bookcase falls on him. Instead of seeing his situation as a tragedy, he uses it to his advantage. Flat Stanley goes on adventures and different places that he wouldn’t be able to do under normal circumstances. He’s able to slip through crevices such as under a closed door or through a metal grating. He’s even able to fit into an envelope and mail himself to other places (definitely cheaper than an airplane ticket). Flat Stanley also manages to stop a theft at the local museum.

Some time ago, fellow blogger Kelly asked me to participate in the class project of her students. They sent me Flat Stanley and asked me to take him around the city, then return him with facts about New York. He’s traveled all around the country and world. What a wonderful way for the kids to learn about other places!

So, trying to be the good hostess, I took Flat Stanley everywhere with me. We did some touristy things and not so tourist things. Here are a few photos of some of the places Flat Stanley went. I actually had fun hanging out with Flat Stanley. He said he had fun, too. His favorite activity was riding the subway.

Paz

Flat Stanley liked the police horse at Times Square.

Flat Stanley went to see a Broadway play — The Lion King.

Flat Stanley in front of The Cathedral of St. John the Divine, world’s largest gothic style cathedral.

Flat Stanley in front of an apartment building. He liked its shape.

A Horse and Buggy Ride

April 30, 2008 | Filed Under Animals, Carriage Rides, City Streets and Sidewalks, Horses, Touristy things | 12 Comments

Going up Eighth Avenue, these horses are on their way to Central Park to give rides to paying customers. There are already customers in some of the carriages. I’ve never ridden one of these carriages before. I think it’s the same for many New Yorkers. The carriage rides are more a big hit with those visiting the city.

Paz

On a Misty Day

April 11, 2008 | Filed Under Empire State Building, Famous Attractions, Skyscrapers, Touristy things | 8 Comments

"The Empire State Building is the closest thing to heaven in this city."

Terry McKay, An Affair to Remember

For 41 years (1932-1972), the Empire State Building was known as the tallest building in the world. Visitors go there for different reasons. I find it interesting that many wedding ceremonies are performed there. Probably because of the 1957 movie, An Affair to Remember with Deborah Kerr and Cary Grant. Anyone seen it? Oh, and let’s not forget King Kong’s appearance there.