New York New York

I spend the night at an old high-school friend's house in Stamford, CT. It was still pouring rain, so after a nice Japanese dinner, we just decide to call it a night and head home. The next day I'm off to NYC!

I was going to stay at a friend's place in the upper west side coz he was leaving for the weekend. I was worried about where to park my baby during my stay in NY, but as my friend needed a car anyway for his weekend getaway with his girlfriend (meet the parents weekend), it turned out to be the perfect arrangement: I had his apartment all to myself (evil grin), and he got to use my car for his trip. When we first talked of my staying at his place a few weeks ago, he said (jokingly, but with some truth to it) "be polite" -- meaning no tricks. Now that he borrowed my car however, as he was leaving, he says "no need to be polite!" heheh.. I thought that was funny. Might have to take him up on that offer...

I got in on a Friday night (wow, what timing!) and had a nice dinner with an old-friend from my IBM days. Nice restaurant on Columbus. Thanks again Bong! He had an early morning the next day so after we parted ways, I started bar hopping (of course), and ended up at SBNY. Fun fun fun. Didn't get home till almost 5. First time I took the subway after midnight too! I'm becoming a New Yorker! I had my Metro card (from a previous trip) and all! Midnight snack of peanut butter and jelly. At the bar! Yum!

Saturday was spent mostly recovering from the night before, but I did get to walk around the nice upper west side neighborhood. The rain had thankfully stopped. All everyone could talk about was how the rain had been pouring non-stop for the last 8 days. Now that the rain had stopped, everyone seemed to be out enjoying the sunny day. I spent most of it lying on the couch watching TV. :) Saturday night I went to Roxy (after a nice sushi dinner), again feeling like a local with my John Blair card and all (half-price cover). Rumor had it that Madonna would be making a surprise visit that night. I didn't believe it. Hmmm, this feeling like a local feels right. Maybe I should try living in NY for a while.... (Note to self: look into possible job opportunities here)

As I got home around 6 am, Sunday was (again) spent mostly recovering. Took the subway downtown and checked out the village. Rob was coming home that night so I met up with him and we had a nice Thai dinner at this chinese restaurant (go figure). It was an inexpensive place but the best part was the wine was free -- all you can drink! As soon as we sat down, the lady puts two glasses of white wine on the table. Before we even say or order anything. Nice! Leave it to Rob to find a place like this.

I was going to leave the next day, but Rob convinces me to stay another couple of days. Being flexible, sure.. why not. I still practically had the apartment anyway as he was going to be at his girlfriend's place most of the time. After dinner, I meet up with Andy (someone I met in NY from previous trips) and have a couple of drinks at the rooftop of the new hotel Grosvenoort (sp?). Afterwards we walk around a little.

Monday I attempt to be a little bit cultural and head to the Met -- which of course is (and always has been) closed on Mondays. Uhm, duh. Disappointed, I walk all the way across Central Park (which I've never been to, other than driving across, so that was a nice walk) to head back to the west side when I come across the American Museum of Natural History. What the heck, I was in museum mode, so I decide to check it out. Turns out they had a special exhibit: Dinosaurs: Ancient Fossils, New Discoveries, which was actually really interesting.So I spend the rest of the afternoon there.

Afterwards, I head home and was just chillin when I decide maybe I should catch a Broadway show while I'm in town. I check online and decide to catch Avenue Q as they still had tickets available. Online fees were atrocious, however, so I decide to head down to the box office and buy tickets for Tuesday night. While in the Times Square area, I decide to just grab dinner at this cheapo Chinese noodle place, then head back home and call it an early night. I was on the couch and watching TV by 10 pm!

Tuesday, I try again to get to the Met. They also had a special exhibition that was just opening that day! It must be my lucky day. Van Gogh: The Drawings. It was a very interesting exhibit, but they didn't allow photos :( Oh well, after spending quite a bit of time there, I was running out of time before the museum closed. I decide to head to the rooftop for a unique view of the NY skyline and the Park. And along the way run into some artwork/scuptures that caught my eye:

I meet up with Rob and have a couple of beers right inside the park by the lake, at the Riverboat cafe/restaurant. It was very relaxing. Then I head off to catch the Broadway show. Walking through the park in the dark is a totally different experience!

Avenue Q is AWESOME. I cannot describe and praise it enough, but suffice it to say that it totally spoke to where I am on this roadtrip -- i.e purpose in life, etc. (except that they were fresh out of college, and I am ancient!) Sigh.. I'm making it sound all serious and all, but no, it was a fun fun fun show. Catch it if you can!

It WAS my last night in NYC, and I was feeling a little frisky after the show (and three vodka tonics), so I head to Therapy. Fun place, met some nice fun people from the Saks "convention" that was happening in town. Maybe I wasn't so polite after all...

It's now Wednesday, and I've been in NYC almost a week now! I heart NY! But it's time to head out and continue the trek...