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October 21, 2009

How I Finally Got to Sesame Street

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Ever since I was a little girl, I have always been fascinated by one of the most beloved shows in the world, Sesame Street.  It was a staple in our immigrant-filled home back in the early 70s.  I was even nick-named Cookie Monster by my mom (and later on Cookie by my friends) due to my love for, you guessed it, cookies. I remember watching the show and feeling like it was really “my neighborhood” for something that I couldn’t understand then, but do now: the diversity of those who lived there.

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Maria, Luis, Gordon, Scott…these were my television family, not to mention the monsters: Elmo, Cookie Monster, Grover, Grouch, Snuffy and Big Bird, Bert, and Ernie.

I always wondered, “How do you get to Sesame Street?” I really wanted to know!

When my first son was born, I continued the Sesame Street morning traditions.  By then new characters had emerged: Mr. Noodles, Telly Monster, Baby Bear…Elmo’s World. I felt almost a sense of pride and definite joy in sharing a piece of my childhood with my children. By then it was my children who wanted to know how to get to Sesame Street.

Well, today, I finally did get there in a way I least expected: on a shuttle bus from Lincoln Center crossing the Queens Borough Bridge and heading to Kaufman Astoria Studios in Astoria, Queens. This is where, along with some other bloggers, I finally lived out my childhood fantasy of visiting Sesame Street.

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There it was, Hooper’s Store…there I sat, on the stoop of building 123, there it sat, empty and dark, Big Bird’s nest. Bert and Ernie weren’t home either, and apparently neither was Grouch. But the child in me didn’t care…it took all I had to not cry and laugh and shriek and run around like a little kid full of crazy joy.  No, not me.  I mean, there were other bloggers there..and you know, I’m too cool, almost 39, and well, they were taping and I didn’t want to get kicked out.

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Was it the coolest Adventure I have ever been on to date?  Um…yeah.  Was it everything you would imagine it to be? So much more. Am I going to remember this day forever?  Yes, FUH-EH-VAH.

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To boot, I met some amazing new friends, Melanie from Savvy Auntie, Todd from The Reluctant Daddy, and Vera from I’m Not Obsessed. I also got to hang out with some pretty awesome “old” friends: Amy from Selfish Mom, Jen from Babyriffic, Kim from Mom in The City, and Esti from Primetime Parenting.

The Reluctant Daddy and Savvy Auntie. How gorgeous are they, huh?

The Reluctant Daddy and Savvy Auntie. How gorgeous are they, huh?

Jen from Babyriffic and Next Kid Thing. Love her.

Jen from Babyriffic and Next Kid Thing. Love her.

I also met Marty Robinson (Telly Monster and Mr. Snuffleupagus) and Annie Evans (a writer for Sesame Street) and their two lovely twins, Lyra and Ripley, and found out about their fabulous blog, Sesame Family Robinson. They are the true Sesame Street family and it was fun just hanging out with them and hearing their adventures!

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I also learned a few interesting tidbits, like

  • This was the first time a group of bloggers was ever given a tour of Sesame Street (yay!) and, no, they do not offer tours on a regular basis.
  • On November 10, Sesame Street will turn 40! 4-0…I still can’t believe it! It is currently in it’s 40th season, 41st season being taped now for next year.

And we all got some sound advice too while there: Never, ever, never brush a monster’s fur. Ever.

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Looking at Sesame Street now, and thinking back at what I remember it to be, it hasn’t changed much at all. My children still have the same fascination over Elmo and Big Bird and Cookie monster as I did at their age, and they still like to count numbers with The Count and sing the songs for the letter of the day. It’s truly a treasure to be able to continue to have this to pass on to them, and a piece of Any Neighborhood, New York to fantasize about. Just take the subway or bus, and you’re there.

Check out Sesame Street’s website: www.SesameStreet.org for fun games, videos, playlists, and more!


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Carol Cain

Brooklyn native Carol is happiest when on an adventure, whether close to home or farther away. She is a small business owner and travel writer. In addition to creating Girl Gone Travel, she is the Founder and Principal of Brave World Media, a social media marketing, communications, and branding agency. She's mom to three wonderful sons and wife to a handsome Irish/Scot. She lives, works, and plays in the beautiful Finger Lakes region of NY.

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8 Comments
  • Selfish Mom
    October 20, 2009

    It was so much fun hanging out with you today. And now I'm pissed: how could I have spent all that time there today and NOT taken a pic of the Sesame Street sign? Duh!

    Reply
  • Primetimeparent
    October 20, 2009

    This day was out of control! I'm still kvelling from the fact that I was on Sesame Street today. I really hope that we can go again soon! I love the old school Sesame Street muppets, but meeting Gabby in person had made me appreciate the new school muppets as well!

    Reply
  • Melisa with one S
    October 20, 2009

    I've been looking forward to this post all day long!!!

    I'm soooo jealous and so happy at the same time that you got to go. I would definitely, if I were you, buy a double frame to put the pic of you on the steps and the pic of you with Grover in it, and keep it in your workspace.

    What a fun day! 🙂

    Reply
  • Kimberly/Mom in the
    October 21, 2009

    The day was magical, right? It was great seeing you there.

    Reply
  • Melinda
    November 4, 2009

    I can't believe you actually saw it all! I am almost 33 and I have ALWAYS wanted to see Sesame Street! I started reading this and thought ..that's how I've always felt! I am so happy for all of who who were there. Too bad they don't give tours.

    Thanks for posting the pictures..they are great!

    Reply
  • Funkidivagirl
    November 5, 2009

    How lucky and wonderful! I have ALWAYS wanted to be on Sesame Street! It is really a dream of mine…I would rather meet muppets than Oprah or someone like that. If they ever give tours to bloggers again, please drop my name as a possibility. 🙂

    Reply
  • Vincent
    June 18, 2012

    I have literally had dreams about doing what you have done and when I woke I felt so happy from the deepest part of me.

    I'm finally going to visit NY from Australia and I would mean so much to me if you could tell me how to get to Sesame Street too as they don't usually have tours?

    Many thanks,

    Reply
    • Carol Cain
      Vincent
      June 18, 2012

      Hi Vincent – I know it's a dream for many of us. Sesame Street is filmed at Kauffman Astoria Studios in Queens. You are correct in that they don't regularly offer tours, however, I think it wouldn't hurt to send them an email and ask. http://www.kaufmanastoria.com/index.php Good luck! I hope you find a way there! Happy travels!

      Reply

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About me

Hi! I'm Carol! I am an award-winning travel blogger, a keynote speaker, and the Principal and owner of Brave World Media, a social media marketing, communications, and branding agency. I a wife to a handsome Irish/Scot and a mom to 3 sons and 2 puppies. Welcome to my blog where I share stories of my travels and professional public relations insights and advice. Thank you for reading and for your support!

Carol Cain

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I’ve been a mom for a really, really long time. I’ve been a mom for a really, really long time. As the oldest of all my many, many siblings, caring for littles started very early in my life. I have cared for, changed diapers for, fed, rocked to sleep, booboo-kissed, advised, reprimanded, worried for, been frustrated and given anxiety by more kids than I care to count. Because I started caring for children so young, I was convinced I wouldn’t have any of my own. But I had my three beautiful boys.

I miss the little babies they were, sometimes to the point where it aches, but I love seeing the men they are becoming. I am most grateful to them for the ways in which they continue to help me discover more about myself both as a mom and beyond motherhood. My identity was never fully in being a mom, I never wanted that for myself and they all have respected, accepted, and given me space for that. And I love them unconditionally for it. Because as they start to find their own paths in life, I am not left with an empty anything, instead I find myself with a life fulfilled. Of which being their mom has been the greatest adventure.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing mother figures, caregivers, and humans who have provided for another in loving, maternal ways regardless of biology and traditional roles and societal expectations. ♥️ May you find fulfillment, love, and joy in the ways you have tried to give to others who needed it most.
The Village of Monticello is located right off NYS The Village of Monticello is located right off NYS Route 17 (future I-86), mid-way between New York City and Binghamton. It is also the largest community of the Sullivan County Catskills. Like many rural downtowns across the U.S., Monticello has experienced some hardships. However, what I found especially lovely was how there is a vibrant BIPOC community, especially Latino, thriving with their small businesses and eateries keeping Downtown Monticello alive.

Imagine my delight to have seen several Dominican- Puerto Rican eateries serving and sounding like a slice of home. Last night’s treat was had at @nellys_latin_restaurant. 

Roasted pernil, grilled chicken, rice and peas, yuca, sweet plantains, ox tail, goat….the list goes on and on. Right here in Monticello, NY. I ate and washed it all down with a cool papaya shake, just like from the islands.

So, if driving through, be sure to check out downtown Monticello for some good Caribbean eats…and wait till I tell you about breakfast!!! Thanks @nickfingdavis for the find! 🇩🇴🇵🇷

#monticellony #catskills #goodeats @sullivancatskills
Nothing like the beautiful golden hour in @flxwine Nothing like the beautiful golden hour in @flxwinecountry.🌞

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I sometimes can’t believe how easily I fell in l I sometimes can’t believe how easily I fell in love with this life.

There was a time when my DREAM was to be one of those old NYC ladies living in a 4 story walk-up, and who people would often see pulling around her shopping cart from market to market. And while I long for a NYC that barely exists anymore, I do have to say I am still often surprised at how dramatically that dream has changed.

Now I dream of uninterrupted days spent tending to my garden and growing food and other pretty greenery I never knew I could. Or figuring out new recipes and sitting by the fire with my puppies on my lap.

I crave mornings made foggy by the adjacent lake, and early wake-ups by the sound of the passing horse and buggy on Sunday mornings.

Yeah. The world is big and there is so much I want to see still but I also love this place where it feels like nothing else matters, not even the mud on my hands and boots.

📸 Gardening bliss on a rainy day at @theflxcottage.
Yesterday, we headed to @tanglewood_nature_center Yesterday, we headed to @tanglewood_nature_center to scout a photography location. The focus was work. But as we took the 3 mile hike to the overlook, through the mud, in the rain…and the sun, because spring, and as the birds sung, the woodpeckers pecked, and the deer strutted, I felt myself feel lighter, happier, and at ease. With just a walk, in this beautiful place. Alongside my beautiful partner.

If you call the Finger Lakes home, I hope you can also appreciate it and the gifts it offers, even when we least expect it. And if you need a reminder, just go outside.

#tanglewoodnaturecenter #fingerlakes

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