New York, New York
So my friend Vanessa came into town for a visit. Vanessa and I went to University together and she also happens to be Chestermere High School Alum so we have been aware of each other for time now. Chestermere is a rival school of both Kathyrn and Beiseker so we played basketball against each other all through junior high and high school. Anyways, we met again in University, got our nursing degrees together, both tend to be a little adventurous so I was very happy to host her for a week. Of course I had to work some of that time but Vanessa is perfectly capable of entertaining herself so we planned evening activities and took it from there.
Vanessa arrived on Saturday so once we found each other at Penn Station, we headed to my place and then off to get some pizza (brick oven.......so good) and then off to Times Square to enjoy the sights and sounds. Of course you will all still remember that I hate Times Square but lately have found myself there quite often as that is where visitors always want to spend some time (imagine that). I made the best of it. We managed to entertain each other in a couple different Irish pubs until about 3:30am. Turns out when one Irish pub closes....another one opens..........and that one will always close late.
Vanessa enjoying Times Square. See....she likes it.
A couple of the drinks we shared at one of those Irish Pubs. They were good.
Our first night together in NYC was a success and Sunday was spent relaxing......ok it was spent sleeping and recovering....well Vanessa slept a little more than I did but she did have a long flight the day before so I don't blame her at all. Eventually we got up and headed back out to see a few things on a Sunday night. We headed to Rockefeller Center which we were hoping was set up with a skating rink but it turns out not just yet. We did make the best stop ever....at Magnolia Bakery for some cupcakes. Vanessa liked them. Of course we all know I do too. It was then off to the Thai food restaurant that Winston found while he was here (I knew this find would come in handy). We both enjoyed it (as I did the first time) and the left overs came in handy later in the week. We then went home, ate some cupcakes and bought some tickets because we had plans the rest of the week.
The only shot I took of the Brooklyn Bridge on this day. I know last time I was there had about 300 so I figured I didn't need more today.
We walked across the Brooklyn Bridge, we stopped by Trinity Church and St. Paul's Chapel, wandered by ground zero, attempted to go to Century 21 (a big shopping spot) but it was closed (Jewish Holiday), took the subway to Brooklyn, realized we were going the wrong way but eventually made our way to Canal street to spend all our money (whew.....I'm tired).
We found this guy outside the New York Stock Exchange. He has his entire resume written on that sign. Apparently it wasn't working for him because he still appeared out of work.
Trinity Church.
Once we were done buying shoes and purses and silver dresses (ok that last one was just me) we headed back to my place to drop off our purchases, we grabbed dinner at a great Italian place and then it was off to the Opera (yes I did just say that in song).
Vanessa and I waiting for The House to open.
After seeing a ballet at the Metropolitan Opera House I was excited for opera season to start so I could go see an Opera. Vanessa lived Australia for a while and took in a show at the Sydney Opera House so was excited to see one here as well. We went to see an Italian Opera (like there is any other kind) called Tosca. It was really good. A great way to spend the evening.
Outside the Lincoln Center which houses the Metropolitan Opera House. The cab driver didn't know where it was but we found it.
Hanging out in the lobby with my rose champagne. It's a Metropolitan Opera House thing to do.
Now Tuesday I had to go to work so Vanessa hit some tourist attractions and we met up again later that day in the Bronx. Yeah that's right I somehow talked Vanessa into a Yankees game. Really she just wanted to see a sporting event and there was nothing else happening so a ball game it was. I must say I think I converted her. Vanessa realized how much better baseball is live. I do need to teach her the art of baseball stadium fare however (she opted for a chicken rice bowl...she needs to learn about hot dogs and beer) and she did want to cheer for the home team but I let her get away with it...........this time. I however was the only one in the stadium cheering for the Kansas City Royals because we know that it is impossible for me to cheer for the Yankees.
The view from our seats. Yes I would normally sit closer but I would never ask Vanessa to pay the same prices I pay.
We had a good time up here. It was a good night.
Wednesday was another work day for me and then Vanessa and I met up for what was going to be on of the true highlights of the week......and evening at Wicked. In case you were unsure, that is a Broadway show, based on the book that tells the "Untold story of the Witches of Oz". It basically shows how the good witch became good and the wicked witches became.......well wicked. It was really, really good. I totally recommend it to anyone. One of the best musicals I have seen. I was not expecting it to be so funny although I was expecting it to be good. Here is the website so you can check it out if you want:
Enjoying a few refreshments between acts. It was fun. They even let us take all our food and drinks back into the theatre with us. And the glasses.....well we got to keep those.
The view from our seats. They really were good.
Julie
2 comments:
that was such an awesome week. i am still imagining those cupcakes in my sleep. mmm so tasty. thanks for being such an awesome hostess Julie.
No problem Ness. You are always welcome here. It was so much fun.
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