while grandma was visiting in honor of ava's dance recital, we went for a walk near union square in manhattan. on our way from here to there, we passed by "ladder #14" which was open to visitors. most of the nyc fire stations are beautiful preserved bits of history. if i ever had time, i'd walk around and take pictures of them all.

this one was no exception, and also happened to be staffed with the nicest fireman ever. he explained how the historic alarm systems (still on the wall!) used to work, and why the fire houses have spiral stair cases (so the horses wouldn't try to climb up to the kitchen) and even demonstrated sliding down the fire pole.

he also had ava hop in to the engine for a picture in his hat.

ava liked the fire station, but was about 30 times more enthralled to meet the nearby statue of andy warhol (or, "uncle andy" of "uncle andy's cats" in ava's world.)