Last evening, Anton and I positioned ourselves on the steps eagerly anticipating our guests’ arrival…
…when my brother Nick and my cousin’s son Jimmy (who is also Anton’s second cousin) touched down from England to stay with us for a week in Brooklyn. It’s Jimmy’s inaugural trip to the U.S., and when I inquired about his interests — take a spin on the Cyclone at Coney Island? enjoy the panorama from the Empire State Building? — he inquired, earnestly, “Do you have Dunkin’ Donuts?” Yes, we have them, Jimmy, we do.
What an exciting challenge to contemplate how to entertain a 13-year-old in NYC — what are the entertaining activities tailored for preteens? Last night, we indulged in pizza and rode bicycles and scooters along the river towards the Brooklyn Bridge, as the sun set — or, as Jimmy remarked, whilst the sun set. My brother also affirmed his role as the “fun uncle” by performing wheelies and riding down steps.
This morning, poor Jimmy awoke at 5 a.m. (jet lagged!) but waited patiently until we all stirred a few hours later. Then we strolled to grab bagels and took silly photos. Up next: shopping for “trainers” and heading to the Yankees game. (Toby is currently visiting my mom, but they’ll return to New York on Friday for a grander reunion.)
Additionally, a nostalgic moment:
Jimmy and Anton in Cornwall (the ages of the cousins, from left to right: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8!). They’ve been mischievous partners in crime from the very beginning.
On Anton’s sixth birthday, with Jimmy being seven.
This summer, Anton turned 12 and Jimmy celebrated his 13th.
We always cherish our visitors, especially these two! What about you? What do you share with guests from your hometown? And would you be interested in an updated Cup of Jo NYC guide, perhaps one for children, one for teens, and another for adults?
P.S. Our Brooklyn house tour, along with all our previous England trips, including an exploration of my aunt’s place.
Title: Two Cherished Guests Arrive in Brooklyn This Week
Brooklyn, a lively epicenter of culture and creativity, is poised to host two esteemed guests this week, promising to enrich the borough’s vibrant atmosphere. These guests, notable in their respective domains, are anticipated to engage with the community through a series of events and collaborations that showcase Brooklyn’s diverse and inclusive essence.
First on the agenda is Dr. Maya Lin, a renowned architect and artist celebrated for her pioneering designs and advocacy for the environment. Dr. Lin garnered worldwide acclaim for her design of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., and has since continued to challenge the limits of architecture and art. During her visit to Brooklyn, Dr. Lin will participate in a public lecture at the Brooklyn Museum, where she will share insights on her latest endeavors and the blend of art, architecture, and environmentalism. Furthermore, she will work alongside local artists to create a community art installation focused on raising awareness about climate change and sustainability.
Joining Dr. Lin is Chef Massimo Bottura, a culinary genius renowned for his revolutionary approach to Italian cooking. Chef Bottura, who runs the three-Michelin-starred restaurant Osteria Francescana in Modena, Italy, is also celebrated for his philanthropic initiatives aimed at reducing food waste and alleviating hunger. While in Brooklyn, Chef Bottura will conduct a series of culinary workshops at the Brooklyn Kitchen, imparting his knowledge on crafting exquisite meals from surplus ingredients. These workshops aspire to motivate local chefs and food enthusiasts to embrace sustainable culinary practices. In addition, Chef Bottura will team up with local food banks to organize a pop-up dining event, with proceeds directed towards supporting food security efforts in Brooklyn.
The arrival of Dr. Maya Lin and Chef Massimo Bottura in Brooklyn highlights the borough’s dedication to nurturing creativity, sustainability, and community involvement. Their presence is projected to create a lasting impression, inspiring residents and visitors to adopt innovative solutions to global issues. As Brooklyn continues to transform into a cultural nexus, the contributions of these distinguished guests will certainly bolster its reputation as a locale where art, cuisine, and social responsibility converge.
