New York City Story: Characters, Landmarks, and Activities

Key Facts About Peter, Antonio, and Elaine

Character Backgrounds and Relationships

1. Peter's Father and Hell's Kitchen

   Question: Who grew up in New York's Hell's Kitchen neighborhood? What is his relationship with Antonio?

   Answer: Peter's father.

2. Antonio's Summer Visits

   Question: Why does Antonio come back to New York?

   Answer: In summer to visit friends.

3. Peter's Studies and Elaine's Career

   • Who is studying New York history? Peter.
   • Who works as a sports journalist? Elaine.

4. Antonio's Thanksgiving Celebration

   Question: How does Antonio celebrate the Thanksgiving festival?

   Answer: With a traditional meal (turkey, mashed potatoes, etc.).

5. The Aspiring Actor

   Question: Who wanted to be a professional actor?

   Answer: Antonio Banderas.

New York City Activities and Culture

2. Little Italy Dessert Stop

   Question: Why did Peter and Antonio go to Little Italy after their lunch at the Golden Phoenix?

   Answer: To eat Italian desserts.

3. Rockefeller Center Christmas Tradition

   Question: What is erected and lit in late November or early December in a huge televised lighting ceremony?

   Answer: The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree.

4. Central Park Concert

   Question: What did Antonio and his friends do in Central Park?

   Answer: Go to a concert of classical music.

5. Basketball Game Encounter

   Question: Who did the boys find at the Knicks and the Nets basketball game?

   Answer: A famous basketball player.

6. Baseball Game Food

   Question: What is the typical food during a baseball game?

   Answer: Hot dogs.

7. Elaine's Central Park Marker

   Question: Why did Elaine tie a balloon to a rock in Central Park?

   Answer: To remember the place where they met.

8. Defining Softball

   Question: What is softball?

   Answer: A variation of baseball with a larger ball.

9. Coney Island Thrills

   Question: What is the Cyclone?

   Answer: A famous roller coaster in Coney Island.

10. Free Shakespeare Play

    Question: What show did Antonio see on Broadway for free?

    Answer: A Shakespeare play in Central Park.

11. John Lennon Memorial

    Question: Where was John Lennon shot to death?

    Answer: Outside the Dakota Building in New York.

12. New Year's Eve Gift

    Question: What does Elaine give Antonio on New Year's Eve?

    Answer: A book about New York.

13. Etiquette for Famous People

    Question: How should you behave when you see a famous person in New York?

    Answer: Respect their privacy.

14. Immigrant Reunion Point

    Question: What is the name of the point where the immigrants were reunited with family members?

    Answer: Ellis Island.

15. Restaurant Leftovers

    Question: What do people do with the leftovers at a restaurant?

    Answer: Take them home in a doggy bag.

Matching Activities to Locations

Match the activity to the location: M (Manhattan), Cl (Coney Island), CP (Central Park).

• Watch an NBA game: Manhattan (M)
• Ride on a roller coaster: Coney Island (Cl)
• Talk to Antonio Banderas: Manhattan (M)
• Teach Elaine some Spanish: Central Park (CP)
• See an exciting laser show: Manhattan (M)
• Watch a softball game: Central Park (CP)
• Ask Woody Allen for an autograph: Central Park (CP)
• Learn about the hot dog: Coney Island (Cl)
• See a Shakespeare play: Central Park (CP)
• Play football: Central Park (CP)

NYC Landmark Definitions and Descriptions

1. SoHo: Art, Shopping, and Thanksgiving

   Area with shops and art galleries, where Antonio has his Thanksgiving dinner.

2. Ellis Island: Immigrant Processing Center

   Place near Liberty Island where immigrants were processed.

3. Statue of Liberty: French Centennial Gift

   Gift from the French government on the 100th anniversary of the U.S.

4. Ellis Island: Family Reunion Point

   Meeting point for immigrants and their families.

5. Empire State Building: City Observatory

   Observatory with views of the entire city.

6. Chinatown: Culture and Souvenirs

   Place with signs in another language, restaurants, and souvenir shops.

7. San Gennaro Festival: September Celebration

   Festival in September with parades and music.

8. Rockefeller Center: Complex of Culture and Commerce

   Complex of buildings with shops, restaurants, TV studios, and an ice rink.

9. Central Park: NYC's Green Space

   Built over 160 years ago to be a green space in the growing city.