New York - Day 1 at The Morgan Library & Museum

We made it to New York! This is the first time I've been back since a mission trip in the summer of 2002 right after the 9/11 attacks. When I first came in 2002, the city seemed so big but now after some experience traveling - it feels like another city. Not to take away from how amazing this city is - but I guess being older tends to make things look a little less big than when you were 17.

After arriving, we made it to The Morgan Library & Museum to drop off our bags with my cousin, Jennifer. She works at The Morgan is the education area. She pointed us to a pub nearby called The Ginger Man and it was wonderful! I ordered the Maple Glazed Turkey and Brie sandwich with sliced apples and spicy mustard on ciabatta bread and washed it down with a Third Rail Field 2 Farmhouse Ale. Absolutely delicious! I'm really glad I can now drink some beers without aversion.

We kind of stumbled upon Grand Central Station near the pub and since we needed to purchase Metro Cards - we went inside. I knew this was a pretty place but I had no idea the ceiling was going to be this stunning. The constellations painted were unlike anything any typical painted ceiling of cherub or saints.

A portion of the ceiling in Grand Central Station

We returned to The Morgan and Jennifer gave us a tour of this wonderful museum. I did not know anything about the museum at first, but discovered a neat place full of wonders.

J.P. Morgan was a financier around the turn of the century and had major influence in what we know now as the Federal Reserve. He was a very wealthy man that enjoyed collecting art and books. After his death, his son - J.P. Morgan, Jr. - gave his father's collection to the public. The museum has several different parts - J.P. Morgan's personal residence, a 1906 library to house his collection, a 1928 annex, and a 2006 modern Italian designed cafe/gallery. All parts are unique and beautiful!

A room in the former personal residence used now as a conference room.

Jennifer told us about the different books Morgan collected along with several first editions of famous books like Charles Dickens's Christmas Carol with publishing notes and Jane Eyre.  He also has several liturgical and personal bibles  - even one from Queen Elizabeth I. You can tell a difference between liturgical bibles which are typically very large and personal bibles or books of prayer which are typically smaller.

Entry ceiling of the 1906 library that depicts the four branches of learning - Arts, Religion, Philosophy and Science

J.P. Morgan's library

One of the neatest stories Jennifer relayed to us was about how Morgan "helped" with solving the financial crash of 1907 and 1910. During the 1907 crash, Morgan invited the brain trust of financial institutions to a dinner. Once all were gathered, he told them to work out a plan to solve the problem. He then left the room and locked them in until they came to a solution. When the 1910 crisis came about, he reached out to the same financial brain trust and invited them over for dinner. Everyone declined for fear that they would be locked in a room again. So Morgan invited everyone to his yacht (miniature replica below) for dinner. Well who wouldn't want to go on a yacht for dinner? They all accepted. Once all were on the ship, Morgan escaped and told the captain to sail up and down the Hudson until a resolution for the financial crisis was solved. Morgan also had messenger bringing him notes from the boat. What a person!

Replica of J.P. Morgan's yacht

There's so much more to this place, but with waking up very early to catch the flight and then travelling - we were wiped out! I'd definitely go back and visit some more!