In this thread I asked some questions about using the NYC subway a few months back. As it turns out, I was totally useless at understanding the subway. I was always sure that the train I was about to get on was going in the opposite direction of where I wanted to go. I had no sense of direction and no idea as to how to tell which direction the train was going in. Luckily, my sister had no trouble with it. But she got impatient with me for doubting her. On the other hand, I was a whiz at getting around on the surface with a grid and even spotted a compass decal at one stop. Yay me!
The highlights of my trip were:
Seeing the original Winnie the Pooh (and friends) at the Schwarzman building of the NYPL (5th and 42nd). I agree with people who say they belong in England but I appreciated being able to see them. Piglet is tiny compared to the rest. Eeyore is my idol. I feel bad about it though after reading how the real Christopher Robin felt about the notoriety. I also enjoyed the rest of the NYPL. We took a tour that lasted an hour or a little more.
The Today Show. I know it’s “touristy” but I really enjoyed hanging out on the plaza for an hour or so. I got a pastry at Bouchon Bakery and got a seat at the counter for a bit, too. Anne Curry spent at least 45 minutes going around talking to people, having her picture taken, talking to kids, etc. For whatever reason Lester was there instead of Matt. When I watch it’s on the weekend so it was cool to see Lester in person.
Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge. I’m not in the best of shape and my feet were hurting a lot of the time I was in NYC but I made the walk. It was totally worth it. Yes, I stayed out of the bike lane. I’d like to do it again when the repairs are done with. For most of the walk it wasn’t possible to tell you were even over a river.
We saw the Alexander McQueen exhibit at The Met. This was much more up my sister’s alley than mine but I really enjoyed it. We got there at exactly the right time (about 10th in line so we could sit on the steps for an hour instead of standing). I’m not a big (or even a little) fashion person but it was really cool. My only gripe was that some things (the Kate Moss hologram, for example) were situated for people who were five feet tall or less. i think you could go here every weekend and not see it all. Wow.
Best thing of all: The Book of Mormon. I’d downloaded the recording when it was free on Amazon but had only listened to the first song once. I knew my sister was skeptical about seeing it but I was paying and I was pretty sure. It was the highlight of the trip for both of us. It was worth every penny I paid for the tickets. I want to go again. Hello!
We also saw Anything Goes. I was a little disappointed with this one. I guess I’ve seen too many movie musicals on TV. Sutton Seton, Seattle Sutton (?) whatever her name is seemed to be phoning it in. Loved seeing Jessica Walter in person but she wasn’t that great either. The guy standing in for Joel Grey was great. I can’t magine Joel Grey doing that role as well.
Dinner at LaMasseria after Book of Mormon: I thought it was a very nice place and they didn’t look down on you (like Becco) for being a rube. I had a gorgeous, deboned, well-seasoned Cornish hen with a small serving of the best mashed potatoes ever. The stuffed squash blossoms we had as an appetizer were excellent, too. Our waiter was very nice and shed some light on why most of the people we met in Manhattan weren’t from the USA.
Ok, lunch at Becco on day 1. We were there during the hottest week of the year and all I wanted was water. i was thirsty. We were looked down the nose at for only ordering water. There was a “special” that’s apparently somewhat famous. All you can eat pasta, or something. Well, the only one I wanted more of was the truffle ravioli. Guess what. They came around with the penne but when I asked for more of the ravioli, no one showed up. Lidia…you suck.
We did our viewing of the Statue of Liberty from the Staten Island Ferry. On my next trip I’ll book a harbor cruise to do that. Or do the official boat to the island. It just wasn’t close enought to make me feel “wow”. And the bathrooms on the SIF were gross.
I’ve visited the website of Purl SoHo many times and used that as a way to get us to that area. 419 Broome St. What a beautiful area. Thank you so much to the people of NYC for standing up to Robt. Moses and not allowing that area to be demolished for a freeway. By far, the most beautiful neighborhood I visited.
Hello Again: I know you responded to my subway questions and I thank you for that. I think you’re a knitter, too. Purl SoHo is well worth going to. My sister also went to Seaport Yarns without me.
Despana: A little Spanish sandwich store at Broome & Lafayette. I decided I had to go there after seeing a YouTube video. I wanted to see the guitar store on Broome St too but it was closed. Anyway…go there. Get The Despana bocadillo. If I lived anywhere near this place I’d go there regularly.
Oh yeah. I got really pissed at my sister one night and went out drinking. As I’ve said, I’m shit with the subway so I stayed on our block (close to Times Square but not on Times Square). The first two places I went to weren’t my style but the third place (St. Andrews) was perfect. Wisconsin in NYC. I got shitfaced and talked to some really nice people from Manchester and from somewhere near Glasgow and tipped the Irish bartender really well.
I’d have liked to have spent more time in Grand Central Terminal but was feeling pressured by you-know-who. I insisted on going to the lobby of the Chrysler Building. The closer we got the harder it was to find. And when we did find the entrance, it wasn’t worth it.
That’s all I can think of right now. Can anybody get me a deal at The Crosby Hotel? The Mercer? How can this Wisconsinite understand the subway?