New York Part 1

Hello dear readers! I have returned from my birthday vacation to the big city! I'll attempt to give you a full report. Sorry I don't have better pictures. A lot of them turned out too dark, but I did get a few decent ones.
The plane ride there was uneventful. I was completely immersed in reading Twilight, and almost finished it before I arrived in Newark. (Anyone unfamiliar with this captivating literature should contact me immediately.) As I may have mentioned, my friend Dori went to nursing school with me, so we stayed up late visiting and poring over her physical assessment textbook. (She's in school to become a nurse practitioner. Who knew I'd have smart friends??) Lots of fascinating and gory pictures.
The next morning we were off to New York City. We went through Lincoln Tunnel, which reminded me of scenes from James Bond. I expected speeding cars and explosions at any moment.

Here is Dori at our hotel. It was beautifully decorated, but the employees were less than friendly. We found our hotel and the plan was for me to run in and store the luggage while Dori circled the block. There was a huge line at the desk, so I waited patiently, only to find out that I needed to talk to the harried employees at another desk. If you're lucky enough to find someone who speaks English, they speak so fast that you still can't understand what they're saying. Very impatient people. I asked to stow my luggage and the guy said it cost $3.75. I had left my purse in the car, not expecting to have to pay someone to put my suitcase on a rack for a few hours. The guy just threw up his hands and said, "You have to pay!" So I took my large suitcase and started back out to find Dori. Let me just say that revolving doors are not for slightly ditzy, stressed-out, country bumpkins like myself. I tried to scurry in behind someone else and still have a bruise from getting my arm, as well as my suitcase, caught in the door. I grabbed my purse and went back to visit my friend in the blue jacket. When he found out I was a hotel guest, the price went down to $1.50. I gave him a $20 bill, and he was annoyed! He didn't have change. He said I had to get some slip of paper from the person at the desk. I said, "But then I'd have to get back in line! Just let me pay $3.75--I don't care!" That was unacceptable to him, so he rolled his eyes and went over there himself. Whatever! Why is everything so complicated?
We went by Lincoln Center, then we got lunch and ate it in Central Park. What interesting people! Lots of openly homosexual couples, mohawks, and just plain weird-looking folks. One lady sat right next to us and meditated the whole time. She was really good at going to her happy place. I resisted the urge to throw something at her just to see if she would react.
There were all kinds of fun Christmas boutiques on the sidewalks. They sold all kinds of fun stuff--clothing, lotions, purses, pictures, souvenirs, etc. I almost bought a fun skirt made of patches of bright-colored knits. It was adorable, but I found a better one the next day. It's from Guatemala (fitting, huh?). It's made up of large squares of different weavings and embroidery--bright purple. I can't wait to wear it.

So here I am in the big city. I felt SO out of place.
We explored FAO Schwarz--the hugest toy store I've ever seen. It just went on and on. I played "Mary Had a Little Lamb" on the big piano with my feet (like the movie Big). No one even clapped!

Toys R Us was a riot, too. Just inside the front doors, there is a giant ferris wheel with fun little cars that kids can ride in. It was hard to get a good picture of it, but I did my best. Spencer would have loved it.

There was also an enormous, animated dinosaur in one corner. I think most kids would be scared out of their minds to see it, but it was cool. He roared and moved his head and legs like he really wanted to eat someone.

There was a big screen on the M&M store that had some really cute scenes, so I took a few pictures. Didn't buy any M&M's, but I enjoyed looking! We went to the Hershey's store, too, but it wasn't very exciting. Nothing there that I couldn't buy at home.This one is dedicated to my yellow boy, Spencer!

I was always shocked at how horrible unhappy and just plain crabby people were there. On the subway (which is filthy), no one makes eye contact or (heaven forbid) talks to anyone else. Even the beggars on the street are rude. As we walked by, one guy shouted, "I hope you choke on your lunch tomorrow, you morons!!" It was so crazy, I had to laugh. He really expects people to pay him for insulting them! Another one had a sign--"Tell me off for tips." We decided the two of them should get together.

I saw this Elmo standing on the sidewalk and thought the boys would love it if I had a picture with him. Elmo is always so cheerful and fun, it was like seeing an old friend in a strange place. I asked his permission and he mumbled something in an accent I couldn't understand. He repeated himself, "You have to give a TIP!" I have to pay ELMO to be nice to me. We took the above picture and I tossed 75 cents into his bag. I didn't look back, and Dori said he was shaking his bag at me. Good grief!

Dinner was a New York hot dog and a Jamba Juice at Times Square. It's hard to believe all that chaos that goes on there on New Year's Eve. It's not a big place!

That night we went to Carnegie Hall to hear the Messiah. It was incredible!! The place itself was breathtaking, and then the music began. It was actually a spiritual experience for me. I wondered if the performers and the audience understood the importance and personal application of what they were singing/hearing. It was just as I imagine heaven sounding. Maybe when I become an angel I'll be able to sing like that.

It's late, so I'll blog Day 2 some other time!