We didn’t get to go to the Museum of Modern Art this time around, but it’s one of the places I hope to take the kids on the next visit. I’m all for encouraging kids’ boundless imagination and creativity. We’d go when Keiji when he was just about 1 1 /2 years old and it was always very enjoyable for everyone.

I’m very grateful that Auntie Jackie and Grandma insisted we take the kids to the 5th Avenue FAO Schwarz. The last time I went there was when the store was going through some financial difficulties so the store was scaled down and seemed sparse, from how I remember it. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the store is still quite magical and things are so delightfully displayed.

Ever watch the movie Big? If you did, then I’m sure you can recall the scene where Tom Hanks and his friend play the giant piano on the floor inside FAO Schwarz. The piano is still there. And there are many newer things: apart from the blocks, trains, specialty stuffed animals like life-size dragons and dinosaurs, there are other novelties like a place where you can build your own Jim Hensons muppet of your own, a studio where you can choose from a selection of clay items to paint and have it glazed and baked in a kiln, a doll section of all makes and sizes and dream houses, a lovely princess section where bright and sparkly tulle and tiaras line the walls and areas dedicated to the long-loved brands like Barbie, Lego, Hot Wheels. The kids were literally all over the place for hours.

To get there by subway, take the N or R to the 5th Avenue station. If you have a stroller, you’ll need to be prepared to walk up quite a few steps.

I won’t even get started about the pizza…anyone who knows me must be sick of hearing me talk about NY pizza. I’ve ordered pizza in Japan and although delivery is getting more popular here and the menu photos look delicious with all the crazy assortment of toppings, I don’t like spending $50 for two medium sized pizzas from Dominoes or Pizza Hut. My mother-in-law introduced me to Costco Japan’s “regular-sized” slices of pizza at the “normal” price…so we may need to get Costco membership just for that.

But in Japan, the availability of prepared foods at supermarkets and “bento” take-out boxes is really good. I suppose this is why most people here don’t really need to do delivery- one can easily go to a supermarket or convenience store and get katsudon, karage, curry rice, yakitori, sushi and many other kinds of dishes. Not too bad at all.

Fifth Avenue is always appealing to shoppers visiting NYC since all the designer shops can be found on this long avenue that runs Uptown to Downtown. Fortunately for shoppers with children, there are lots of appealing places for the younger ones too. In the 57th street area you can find the Central Park Zoo, FAO Schwarz and the Apple store (fun for all ages!) a few blocks south, and the Disney Store a few more blocks south from there. Here’s Keiji in front of the Apple store, taking a little break from afternoon affairs.