Okay Finally!
Okay here is my NY trip update....I will post pictures at some point...I promise!
Day 1 (Thursday):
Plane landed at 8 something, got to Kenny and Julia’s around 9 something via a black SUV driven by a driver from Queens. Kenny and I set out for a neighborhood bar in Brooklyn. Found one that was too noisy and dark, moved on to another that was calm and well lit with a hot and friendly bartender. Drank just enough. Went back home and settled in for the night.
Day 2 (Friday):
Kenny had taken the day off work so he and I set out around 10am. Hit the subway where I bought a 10 day ride pass then rode until we got to Union Square in Manhattan. Got a nice big cup of coffee then headed to a movie theater where we say Jennifer’s Body (not a bad movie…but not as scary as I would have wanted). Then we walked around Union square looking at shops and searching for a pair of boots for myself. Finally headed to a restaurant where we met up with Julia and Pants for dinner and drinks. After a fancy and tasty dinner we hit up a smaller bar for more drinks then headed back to the subway. Julia and I passed out on each other during the long ride back to Brooklyn.
Day 3 (Saturday):
Julia and I headed into Manhattan so she could go to her place of business to work on her dissertation and I headed off to Time Square. I walked up Time Square toward all the stands and was accosted by a guy trying to sell me tickets to a comedy show. It took me 10 mins but I finally shook him off. I browsed all the stands and found nothing that I wanted, so headed back the direction I came. I soon got bored so I took a side road and just started walking. I walked almost to the Lincoln tunnel then turned back and caught a subway from Time Square back to Union Square. I needed to load my phone with money so I started walking aimlessly looking for a Verizon store. Along the way a guy started walking with me. He was from Haiti, very nice and very helpful. He found me a Verizon store, then we got a cup of coffee. After coffee we walked to Washington Square Park in Greenwich Village. He had to go back to work and I was bored with just sitting around so he went his way and I headed off for more walking adventures. I walked for hours, sometimes in circles. I finally realized I was lost and called Julia to have her help me find a way back to a station. She seemed shocked that I had walked from Union Square to almost the Williams Bridge. So I walked back to a station and caught a train back to Union Square where I met up wit Julia and we took a stroll to the Slaughtered Lamb Pub in the West Village. After a couple of drinks we headed just a few blocks down to Mindy’s work and had more cocktails and some pasta. Then it was off to meet up with Kenny at his work in Tribbeca. The three of us then headed to the Reade Street Bar just down the street. Finally around 2am we headed back to Brooklyn.
Day 4 (Sunday):
I laid on the couch all day because my muscles had seized up from all the walking I did on Saturday.
Day 5 (Monday):
I woke up at a leisurely pace and took the train back into Brooklyn and went to the Natural History Museum. Spent hours just wandering around and soaking in all the exhibits. The Prime mate section was my favorite of course. After I was done there I headed back to Union Square where I bought some books from the 5 story Barnes and Noble, then settled in at the park and did some reading and people watching. A funny guy from New Jersey tried hitting on me, but failed when he asked me if everyone in Santa Cruz skated (he had a Santa Cruz skate board with him and held it up with pride). I realized he was an adorable kid. The final kicker was when he started asking me advice on how to care for his hair. Luckily my phone rang with Julia calling me to tell me she was off work and was on her way to meet me. I said my goodbyes then walked across the park where Julia and I had a little snack then headed over to a cute little diner like place where we met up with Mindy and a couple of her friends for late night cocktails and laughs. Then it was back to Brooklyn.
Day 6 (Tuesday):
This was the day I sat in the park all day and just read and watched people. I watched a couple of movies being made, I watched some guys practice martial arts choreography, I even got to see a full on dance off! It was absolutely fantastic! It was also the day I decided that I did not want to live in NY. The city is amazing, but I missed my mom and dad so much that it almost got painful. After a few calls home to curb my homesickness I headed up the street to a place called Flannery’s to meet up with Mindy. Mindy and I sat and drank for hours. We talked, and talked and talked, and it was the first time in a long time where I felt like I was sitting with some one who really got me and didn’t judge me. Some one who is so like me in so many ways that I didn’t have to pretend. Plus every third drink was free (the bartender called it the “Rebate” drink). Oh and did I mention all the bartenders were hot Irish men? The Irish accent drives me crazy! I can’t get enough of it! Finally around 3am Mindy and I headed back to the subway station. She took one train and I took another. This is where my adventure began. This was my first trip back to Brooklyn on my own. I got off at the right stop….but I exited the station at the wrong place and ended up in unfamiliar territory. By this time it was close to 4am. I would like to thank the planners for setting everything up on a grid system. Without the grid system I don’t know what I would have done. Thankfully I knew that all I had to do was make a left, then a right, then keep walking and I would get to the street I was looking for. At a little after 4am I finally got back to Kenny and Julia’s and passed out.
Day 7 (Wednesday):
Kenny had the day off so he and I headed off to Canal Street where I fell in love! So many things to look at and buy! Designer knock off heaven! We started off with a breakfast of Dunkin Donuts, then started to peruse the stands that lined the streets. I bought a long strand of pearls and matching earrings. After that Kenny and I headed over to the Village and checked out some head shops, then hit up a tiki bar. Then it was off to meet up with Julia at which point they decided they wanted to head home and I headed off to meet up with Mindy and some more of her friends for dinner at a nice quiet restaurant. We all called it an early evening and headed home right after dinner. I again got off at the right stop, but went out the wrong exit, but this time I knew exactly where to go so did not worry.
Day 8 (Thursday):
This was another day spent in the park watching people and reading. I explored some shops and just enjoyed my time until Julia got off work. She and I were both pretty tired so we just headed back to Brooklyn and ordered some take out and watched some TV.
Day 9 (Friday):
This was another day where Kenny had taken the day off so he and I headed into Brooklyn so he could go to a job interview and I hung around watching people and looking in shop windows. Afterward he and I headed off to the Village and had drinks at a punk like bar and waited for Julia, then the three of us headed on over to the amazing Asian food place. After we all three hit up a liquor store then headed back to Brooklyn where we made our own drinks and just hung out.
Day 10 (Saturday):
Julia took a break from working on her dissertation and gave me the grand tour! We hit up The Met first. All I can say is The Met is the most amazing place I have been since I went to the Roman Baths in England with my mom. The Met is HUGE, and so full of history that you can actually get lost! I spent a few hours in the Egyptian exhibit (they have a full sized entrance to a pyramid that they had shipped over stone by stone), then I spent about an hour in the American Art History exhibit, then it was another few hours in the Arms and Armor exhibit. And that was just the first floor! I didn’t even go to the second floor! Finally Julia and I headed next door to Central Park where we walked and talked, and she bought me some cotton candy. I saw the building were John Lennon lived and was shot, I saw the Alice In Wonderland sculpture, and so much more. It was serene and relaxing. Then we headed over to Macy’s where I just grinned and wished it was Christmas time so I could re-enact scenes from Miracle On 34th Street. Then it was off to the Empire State Building, then the Flat Iron Building (my favorite building in NY). Finally it was time for dinner so we headed off to China Town and had amazing Chinese food! We slowly wandered back over to Tribbeca where we had drinks and the most amazing cheese cake I have ever had at Kenny’s work. He got off work pretty late so we just headed back to Brooklyn where I gathered up all my stuff and got it ready for my trip home.
Day 11 (Sunday):
I got up and had breakfast with Julia and Kenny then called and arranged for a car to pick me up in time to get me to the airport 3 hours before my plane departed (I am paranoid about missing my flight so I always get there extra early). I said my goodbyes and headed off! Once at the airport my dad called and I sat and chatted with him until my flight was ready to leave. I waved goodbye to NY and promised to come visit again, then settled into my seat and started watching movies and counting down the hours until I was home again.
Over all it was an amazing trip and I discovered many things. Most important of all is that I realized I don’t want to move away from my family and friends again, but I do want to see the world. So once a year I will be taking a trip some where. A big trip! Next year I will go to Texas to visit my Aunt Boo-boo, then the year after that I think I’ll head over to Scotland to visit my friend Harmony.
Day 1 (Thursday):
Plane landed at 8 something, got to Kenny and Julia’s around 9 something via a black SUV driven by a driver from Queens. Kenny and I set out for a neighborhood bar in Brooklyn. Found one that was too noisy and dark, moved on to another that was calm and well lit with a hot and friendly bartender. Drank just enough. Went back home and settled in for the night.
Day 2 (Friday):
Kenny had taken the day off work so he and I set out around 10am. Hit the subway where I bought a 10 day ride pass then rode until we got to Union Square in Manhattan. Got a nice big cup of coffee then headed to a movie theater where we say Jennifer’s Body (not a bad movie…but not as scary as I would have wanted). Then we walked around Union square looking at shops and searching for a pair of boots for myself. Finally headed to a restaurant where we met up with Julia and Pants for dinner and drinks. After a fancy and tasty dinner we hit up a smaller bar for more drinks then headed back to the subway. Julia and I passed out on each other during the long ride back to Brooklyn.
Day 3 (Saturday):
Julia and I headed into Manhattan so she could go to her place of business to work on her dissertation and I headed off to Time Square. I walked up Time Square toward all the stands and was accosted by a guy trying to sell me tickets to a comedy show. It took me 10 mins but I finally shook him off. I browsed all the stands and found nothing that I wanted, so headed back the direction I came. I soon got bored so I took a side road and just started walking. I walked almost to the Lincoln tunnel then turned back and caught a subway from Time Square back to Union Square. I needed to load my phone with money so I started walking aimlessly looking for a Verizon store. Along the way a guy started walking with me. He was from Haiti, very nice and very helpful. He found me a Verizon store, then we got a cup of coffee. After coffee we walked to Washington Square Park in Greenwich Village. He had to go back to work and I was bored with just sitting around so he went his way and I headed off for more walking adventures. I walked for hours, sometimes in circles. I finally realized I was lost and called Julia to have her help me find a way back to a station. She seemed shocked that I had walked from Union Square to almost the Williams Bridge. So I walked back to a station and caught a train back to Union Square where I met up wit Julia and we took a stroll to the Slaughtered Lamb Pub in the West Village. After a couple of drinks we headed just a few blocks down to Mindy’s work and had more cocktails and some pasta. Then it was off to meet up with Kenny at his work in Tribbeca. The three of us then headed to the Reade Street Bar just down the street. Finally around 2am we headed back to Brooklyn.
Day 4 (Sunday):
I laid on the couch all day because my muscles had seized up from all the walking I did on Saturday.
Day 5 (Monday):
I woke up at a leisurely pace and took the train back into Brooklyn and went to the Natural History Museum. Spent hours just wandering around and soaking in all the exhibits. The Prime mate section was my favorite of course. After I was done there I headed back to Union Square where I bought some books from the 5 story Barnes and Noble, then settled in at the park and did some reading and people watching. A funny guy from New Jersey tried hitting on me, but failed when he asked me if everyone in Santa Cruz skated (he had a Santa Cruz skate board with him and held it up with pride). I realized he was an adorable kid. The final kicker was when he started asking me advice on how to care for his hair. Luckily my phone rang with Julia calling me to tell me she was off work and was on her way to meet me. I said my goodbyes then walked across the park where Julia and I had a little snack then headed over to a cute little diner like place where we met up with Mindy and a couple of her friends for late night cocktails and laughs. Then it was back to Brooklyn.
Day 6 (Tuesday):
This was the day I sat in the park all day and just read and watched people. I watched a couple of movies being made, I watched some guys practice martial arts choreography, I even got to see a full on dance off! It was absolutely fantastic! It was also the day I decided that I did not want to live in NY. The city is amazing, but I missed my mom and dad so much that it almost got painful. After a few calls home to curb my homesickness I headed up the street to a place called Flannery’s to meet up with Mindy. Mindy and I sat and drank for hours. We talked, and talked and talked, and it was the first time in a long time where I felt like I was sitting with some one who really got me and didn’t judge me. Some one who is so like me in so many ways that I didn’t have to pretend. Plus every third drink was free (the bartender called it the “Rebate” drink). Oh and did I mention all the bartenders were hot Irish men? The Irish accent drives me crazy! I can’t get enough of it! Finally around 3am Mindy and I headed back to the subway station. She took one train and I took another. This is where my adventure began. This was my first trip back to Brooklyn on my own. I got off at the right stop….but I exited the station at the wrong place and ended up in unfamiliar territory. By this time it was close to 4am. I would like to thank the planners for setting everything up on a grid system. Without the grid system I don’t know what I would have done. Thankfully I knew that all I had to do was make a left, then a right, then keep walking and I would get to the street I was looking for. At a little after 4am I finally got back to Kenny and Julia’s and passed out.
Day 7 (Wednesday):
Kenny had the day off so he and I headed off to Canal Street where I fell in love! So many things to look at and buy! Designer knock off heaven! We started off with a breakfast of Dunkin Donuts, then started to peruse the stands that lined the streets. I bought a long strand of pearls and matching earrings. After that Kenny and I headed over to the Village and checked out some head shops, then hit up a tiki bar. Then it was off to meet up with Julia at which point they decided they wanted to head home and I headed off to meet up with Mindy and some more of her friends for dinner at a nice quiet restaurant. We all called it an early evening and headed home right after dinner. I again got off at the right stop, but went out the wrong exit, but this time I knew exactly where to go so did not worry.
Day 8 (Thursday):
This was another day spent in the park watching people and reading. I explored some shops and just enjoyed my time until Julia got off work. She and I were both pretty tired so we just headed back to Brooklyn and ordered some take out and watched some TV.
Day 9 (Friday):
This was another day where Kenny had taken the day off so he and I headed into Brooklyn so he could go to a job interview and I hung around watching people and looking in shop windows. Afterward he and I headed off to the Village and had drinks at a punk like bar and waited for Julia, then the three of us headed on over to the amazing Asian food place. After we all three hit up a liquor store then headed back to Brooklyn where we made our own drinks and just hung out.
Day 10 (Saturday):
Julia took a break from working on her dissertation and gave me the grand tour! We hit up The Met first. All I can say is The Met is the most amazing place I have been since I went to the Roman Baths in England with my mom. The Met is HUGE, and so full of history that you can actually get lost! I spent a few hours in the Egyptian exhibit (they have a full sized entrance to a pyramid that they had shipped over stone by stone), then I spent about an hour in the American Art History exhibit, then it was another few hours in the Arms and Armor exhibit. And that was just the first floor! I didn’t even go to the second floor! Finally Julia and I headed next door to Central Park where we walked and talked, and she bought me some cotton candy. I saw the building were John Lennon lived and was shot, I saw the Alice In Wonderland sculpture, and so much more. It was serene and relaxing. Then we headed over to Macy’s where I just grinned and wished it was Christmas time so I could re-enact scenes from Miracle On 34th Street. Then it was off to the Empire State Building, then the Flat Iron Building (my favorite building in NY). Finally it was time for dinner so we headed off to China Town and had amazing Chinese food! We slowly wandered back over to Tribbeca where we had drinks and the most amazing cheese cake I have ever had at Kenny’s work. He got off work pretty late so we just headed back to Brooklyn where I gathered up all my stuff and got it ready for my trip home.
Day 11 (Sunday):
I got up and had breakfast with Julia and Kenny then called and arranged for a car to pick me up in time to get me to the airport 3 hours before my plane departed (I am paranoid about missing my flight so I always get there extra early). I said my goodbyes and headed off! Once at the airport my dad called and I sat and chatted with him until my flight was ready to leave. I waved goodbye to NY and promised to come visit again, then settled into my seat and started watching movies and counting down the hours until I was home again.
Over all it was an amazing trip and I discovered many things. Most important of all is that I realized I don’t want to move away from my family and friends again, but I do want to see the world. So once a year I will be taking a trip some where. A big trip! Next year I will go to Texas to visit my Aunt Boo-boo, then the year after that I think I’ll head over to Scotland to visit my friend Harmony.