Since the last post had no photos I will post this video. An awesome bag pipe/drum due I came across in Union Square.

Ushering at New World Stages

I woke up early this morning so I could try to get to Macy's before it got too hectic. It was "Extra Associate Discount Day" and a sale day. I wanted to have a little bit of time in the store to really look at everything there is to see. I ended up getting a skirt and a laptop cover (which doesn't fit my laptop.) I really was hoping to find more since Macy's is my favorite store but I really felt like they didn't have much which is absurd because their store takes up a whole city block. Everything I really liked I couldn't justify spending the money on. On the way out, the diamond case caught my eye. I ended up looking around at the diamonds and pondering buying myself a nice pair of diamond studs that I can hang on to forever and use it as a souvenir. I'd rather have earrings to remember this trip rather than a snow globe. 


I headed up to Bloomingdales because I promised my mom I would pick up a David Yurman ring that she had her eye on. I also exchanged a blazer I bought previously for a smaller size. It was a quick affair because I was starting to get hungry. I'm starting to realize that I didn't plan out enough places to eat on this trip. I had no idea where I wanted to go. I wanted breakfast but it was almost 2pm. I ended up stopping in a diner and ordering breakfast. My first venture at eating alone went pretty smoothly. No one looked at me like I had 5 eyes or 14 fingers. I don't recall the name of the restaurant but the waiters were really nice and old school New Yorkers. The food was nothing to write home about. 


I decided to try my hand at thrift shopping in the city. YIKES! The prices were unreal. At first I reasoned that I was probably in a high end thrift shop. They did have a sign offering a sale of 50% (but only 20% on Chanel.) However, I didn't see any Chanel. The clothes I did see were American Eagle, H&M, Target brand, etc. These pieces would usually be about $2-4 at my local thrift back home. Here, they were about $20 average! Isn't that how much they cost BRAND NEW?! I went to the next store and it was much the same. It was weird because no matter which way you look at it these are still used and several seasons out clothing which were not designer brand! I gave up after a few stores. 


I just decided that since it was such a lovely day outside and I had no where else to be that I would walk back to 59th Street. I believe I was around 82nd or so. I just wondered down, mainly along Madison Avenue. It was a nice walk and I got to window shop on the way. I decided to head back to the apartment from there as it was close to 5 and I was ushering for Rent at New World Stages tonight and I had to change, eat, etc.


I headed for the theater at about 6 and arrived at 6:30. Of course, when I leave early the subways are reliable, psht. I struck up a conversation with the other usher outside and we talked about recent shows that we had seen and which ones we liked. She was a theater major which left me wondering why I didn't think about that because it sounds like a ton of fun managing shows and working backstage. 


At 7:00 we headed in and checked in at the reception desk. We left all of our items in a back room and waited for the head usher of the shows we were destined for to come get us. I was first to go and was taken to the stock room where I grabbed some bundles of playbills and fillers. We had to stuff the playbills with fillers because there was an understudy going on tonight and it gave information about them. We headed down to the stage and sat in the audience stuffing the papers in the playbills. It was really easy and all of the people on stage were checking lights and equipment. I quickly realized that anything ones says on stage sounds very dramatic and philosophical. It was neat to see how everyone prepared for the show. 


After the playbills were stuffed, the head usher explained my job as an usher. Basically anyone who walked through my door was supposed to get a playbill. I would then look at their ticket and just point them towards their seats by saying "(Insert seat number) You are straight ahead to the left." The layout of the theater was really easy to work with. All two digit numbers were on the right and all three digits were in the middle so I didn't have to memorize much. The doors opened and it was pretty easy. Admittedly I was a little shaky with my lefts and rights. I am going to be such an great elementary school teacher. >.<


I got to find a seat near the back for the first act. I enjoyed the show. I enjoyed it even more that it was free. This was my first Off-Broadway show and I didn't see much difference between Off-Broadway and Broadway. The theater was smaller and there were a lot of cheers and "You Go Girl"s when Angel, the drag queen came out. However, I think that's just the crowd that comes to see Rent. It would probably be the same laid back feel if it was in a Broadway house. 


My next duty as an usher was during intermission. I was to guard a exit door that's on the side of the theater. Sometimes patrons think its an exit door for the bathrooms so I had to make sure they didn't. No one got lost thankfully. I did get asked how long the show was which I was able to answer. 2 points! A girl came up to me near the end of intermission and asked "Why is everyone still here?" She spoke broken English so I was sort of confused by her question. I started explaining to her that if they didn't have to go to the bathroom of get a drink they probably wanted to stay in the theater? She says, "So there is more to the show?" OH! She didn't realize there was a second part! I told her there was and this was just intermission. She seemed relieved. Back to my seat. 


After the show ended I had to stand at the stray exit door again. Once the theater was cleared out, I picked up playbills and tossed them in the garbage. A lot of people leave their playbills! I didn't have to pick up any garbage or leftover drinks since I'm a volunteer I don't think they wanted that liability. I was done at 10:45 exactly and out the door. It was a very awesome experience and I got to do it again a few days ago for Avenue Q (post coming soon!) I hoped on the subway and was home in no time. If you are interested in ushering you should email the theater 2 months out. I emailed about 3 1/2 months out but they wrote be back and said to ask again when I was two months away. I asked for two dates and gave the shows I wanted to see. Friday and Saturday are the days the theater needs people. I really recommend Avenue Q. Rent will be closing in September. The volunteer request email is : volunteer@newworldstages.com Make sure to include a few different dates in case yours are full! You have to wear black slacks and a long sleeve collar shirt in either white or black. 




BTW: I would LOVE some good dinner or lunch recommendations! Preferably around $10-$16 an entree. I will try any type of cuisine but if you recommend something a little different please let me know your favorite dishes there!! I'm trying to branch out but admittedly I only eat Italian and American back home. 

Ballet

It was Kelseys last day so we decided to get up early and take advantage of the members only hours at the MOMA. Members only hours start at 9:30 and the museum opens to the public at 10:30. We got there at 10:20. Success. I actually forgot my membership card but they were able to look it up and in no time we were browsing the art. We didn't have much time so we just saw the main highlights. 

Mid Summer Night Swing

Kelsey left around noon and I was alone in the City again. I had tickets to the ballet tonight so I was going to head back into the City until about 5, then come back to Brooklyn and get ready. I decided to stick close to home and catch a nap. I figured that the ballet was going to be... boring. I needed a manicure/pedicure and had walked by Black Pearl Nails and noticed the prices were great. It was $8 for a manicure $13 for a pedicure or $20 for both. WHAT?! Back home its about $20 for a manicure alone. It was no frills but it was exactly what I wanted. The lady doing my nails was really nice and took her time with me, despite the growing line at the door. I walked in wearing Toms and she let me borrow her own flip flops to bring back later. It was a really sweet gesture since she didn't know me at all!


I headed back and took my nap. After two hours, I woke up and got ready for the ballet. I had no idea what to wear. I knew it was the opening night and it was also the first time the Paris Ballet had preformed in NYC in 15 years. I chose a white floral dress and I am glad I didn't go anymore casual as everyone was dressed very nice. There was a gala going on but that was only for those who bought tickets or were donors. As I waited to be seated, I walked around the beautiful Lincoln Center which is quickly becoming one of my favorite spaces in Manhattan. I stumbled across Mid Summer Night Swing. It appeared to be people who had bought a ticket and were given some swing lessons, then danced the night away. It looked to be a lot of fun!

I know no photography is allowed
but I really couldn't resist.

Gala seating

Finally, they began letting patrons in. I found my seats and was pleasantly surprised that they were pretty good.  I only paid $30 for it but I don't recall if I had a promo code or a student price. I think I just stumbled across a decent deal. It actually ended up being a sold out show, with people outside trying to buy tickets from other patrons. The theater was gorgeous but not in a typical Broadway theater sort of way, more in a simple way. The show was also fabulous. I know nothing about dance except for the ballet lessons I took when I was very very young. The performance I saw was French Masters of the 20th Century and I was blown away and not bored a bit.


I decided to go ahead and head home. I got back around 11:00 because I just barely missed all of my trains. >.< I hate when I get to the platform to see the train pulling away. I REALLY hate when it happens 3 times in a row. 

Once in a Lifetime

I woke up this morning and ran. I am happy and relieved to say that I hadn't regressed in running. I hadn't run in a full week so I was a little worried that I would be behind. There are a lot of runners out here every morning and they are good! I felt like I was dying after 15 minutes but I saw one girl running for about 10 minutes doing high knees. Is that even possible?! It was a nice way to see the neighborhood though. 

I headed home and called a car service for my mom. We then headed to get some brunch at Lobster Place. I had clam chowder and my mom had lobster bisque. They were OK but we agreed we've had better. We headed back to the apartment and waited for the car service. It was right on time and my mom was off. I sat at the apartment for an hour feeling a little depressed. I missed my mom already. 

I had tickets to Once today at 3:00. I headed into the city at 1:00 and on a whim got off the subway at Grand Central Station. I enjoy walking around Grand Central very much so I just wondered around it and came across another street fair. It skimmed through the stalls but it was all the same as the fair the day before. Still, I don't think I will ever tire of running into these. I continued to aimlessly wonder down the street on the way to the show. 

Once was FABULOUS! I booked tickets about 10 minutes after they won the Tony. I had waivered between them and Peter and the Starcatchers but when they both did well at the Tony's I figured my chances of getting rush or lottery tickets was slim. I hurriedly purchased before the discount code got  pulled. Not even 30 minutes later the price for both shows had been raised and the discount code taken down. Phew! I got second level mezzanine tickets on the second row. I had a great view! The show was beautiful and funny. It might have been my favorite so far but they have all be so great, it is hard to pick just one! 

Don't worry, I didn't take this DURING this show.
This is what it looks like before the show.

A tip for anyone who may see this show: You can walk on the stage before the show. The musicians who preform in the show come out and have a jam session and you are allowed to go on the stage and watch them. The music is hard not to dance to! The bar is also on the stage. You can go up during intermission but the band does not play. That is how I walked across my first (and last) Broadway stage. I sang Happy Birthday under my breath so I could say I've sang on a Broadway stage. I guess I'm a little strange. 

After the show I was craving a Papa Johns pizza. I was in the City and I knew there had to be a better option! I used my Yelp! app and found 2 Bros pizza. They supposedly had the best 1$ slice so I had to try it. For $2 I got a slice of cheese and a bottle of water. I carried it over to a public plaza and ate it sitting outside. It was pretty good, better than Papa Johns!

My moms flight had been delayed and then cancelled. They were flying her into DC and she was catching a plane to Cincinnati. I figured I'd head home early so I was one less thing she had top worry about. I arrived back at the apartment around 7:00. I monitored my moms flight carefully online and her first flight to DC was delayed that I was worried she was going to miss her connecting but I believe they held it. My dad had to drive to Cincinnati to pick her up but eventually she was home. I couldn't sleep until I knew she was on the ground. BOOOO US AIRWAYS.

As I type this, I'm waiting on Kelsey to show up. She's supposed to be here at 10:30. Guess what?! Her flights delayed!! UGH!

Super Linda

Yesterday I woke up rather early and still couldn't get up! I had a tour at the Federal Reserve at 11:15 and I wanted to get there 20 minutes early to get through security and check out the other exhibits they have in the waiting room. I love walking around New York City alone. It really feel that it gives me a better feel of the city. Plus, I walk fast. I passed this cute cafe and sent this picture to my mom. He name is Linda. I always feel like I discover cool things when I am walking by myself. I can pay attention to small details and I always uncover hidden gems. 


I got off on the wrong station and ended up having to walk pretty far but I didn't mind because the city was busy and I loved walking around like I had somewhere to be. I finally found my way to the tour and got through security. The security fellows were very nice and they asked me about my solo adventures. I told them they didn't start until next week! 

The inside of the building was beautiful. The cast iron was just amazing. There were not photos allowed so I will have to pull a photo off the internet to show you. I looked around the exhibits a little which included things such as old foreign currency and educational things about how money works and the future of money (debit card, chips, checks, etc). After a while, we checked into our tour and it began. It wasn't really a "tour." It was mainly the guide talking about what the Fed does for the economy and the difference between them and the Treasury. We stood in one spot during these talks. Regardless, it was very interesting and the tour guide was very good at her job. About half way down we went down to the GOLD VAULT! It was so awesome to see that much gold at once. I considered going all Die Hard on the guide and making out with at least 5 bricks. My common sense won out but I did have visions of a beautiful brownstone on Perry St. for a minute. 


After the tour I decided to head up to a building that I had only heard about, The Chelsea Hotel. I read online about its colorful history and the problems it is now facing with contractors kicking out tenants and making their lives hell. It is a beautiful building. In case you are not familiar with it, many great artists have stayed here when Bohemia was popular. To name a few celebrities: Bob Dylan, Virgil Thompson, Janis Joplin, Leonard Cohen (who wrote a song about his stay), Iggy Pop, and of course Sid Vicious and Nancy, who was famously slayed here. More Info

There is a Doughnut Planet downstairs and I had heard great things about. I tried a triple chocolate and it was great. I sat in the shop and ate. I had no idea where to go next so I decided to head to Modells. My brother wants a certain shirt (jersey t-shirt with Anderson on the back). I hiked 5 blocks downtown and they didn't have the shirt. He might have to order it online! I had passed TJ Maxx on the way down so I decided to pop in. I usually don't shop at discount stores but I heart NYC's discount shops carried actual name brands. First thing I saw when I walked in way a beautiful brown and orange Celine canvas tote. Unfortunately, the $1400 price tag was a little to high for me. They had a lot of name brands from Kate Spade to Fendi. I was pretty impressed! 


My mom had taken the ferry into midtown at this point and was texting me to meet her at Macys. She likes to take the Ferry because its a good alternative to the subway which is about 100 degrees on the platform. I hiked up to Macys and found her no problem. There were people streaming in by the hundreds but don't let that put you off if you go. They mainly stay on the ground floor. Find where you want to go and head there! The tourist thin out! She ended up getting two items which were going to be nice and cool. She packed a lot of clothes that aren't great for warm weather. 


Next we headed over to J&M Deli on 15th (I think). We grabbed two sandwiches and mac and cheese and headed to Union Square park. The food was pretty good but a little pricey for a deli I think. Maybe I am just getting used to Brooklyn prices. While we were sitting there a lady came out and started feeding the pigeons. Ugh, they were everywhere. Someone beside us remarked, "Right on schedule." Looks like she does this every day. We were hot by then and we had a show at 7:00 so we decided to grab the L to the G. I didn't even have to consult a map this time. I almost have the system down! One step closer to being a New Yorker. ;)


Once back home we rested and got ready to go to Book of Mormon. My mother had partial view on stage right in the front row. I was second row from the back but I could still see. The lady in front of me moved a LOT. Unfortunately, that's what happens when your mom tells you she wants to go to Book of Mormon 2 months before your trip. We are lucky we had seats at all! I bought mine about 6 days before we left! I checked back every day for 2 months and finally found a few single seats. The show was fabulous and the dance numbers were fun. I decided I prefer musicals to plays. I can see how some would be offended though. Don't go if you're one of those people!


Next we headed to Virgils because I wanted some Trainwreck fries, which are like cheese fries. We had to walk through Times Square. No matter how annoyed I get at the slow walking, I can't help but be amazed by the lights of Times Square. I can't find myself getting mad at tourist when they stop dead to take a picture because I remember when that was me. They are just there to have a good time and vacation. I like to stop and take pictures for people so they can have a group shot. 


At Virgils, me and my mom split Trainwreck fries and a pulled chicken sandwich. They were both pretty good. This is one of the few places in Times Square I like to eat. Afterwards, we headed to Juniors and grabbed a cheesecake slice to go. We has debated getting a cab back to Greenpoint because the subway station is so hot but we decided not to. We only were going to have to transfer once anyways. I'm glad we didn't. I can't justify spending 15$ on cab fare when I can get there for free with my metro card. We were tired tonight so I went to sleep early! 

Twang

Today was one of those days where you don't really do much but you get exhausted in the process. I meant to wake up early and run but it was so quiet out this morning I slept in till 9:00. Whoops. Maybe tomorrow.

We started out by taking the subway to Grand Central. We wondered down into the food court and got a bagel with creme cheese. It was pretty good! We then exited and just decided to stroll around Avenue of the Americas and pop in and out of some shops. We didn't last long. My mom hates shopping so she was done after a few stores. 


I  had to pee at this point so we went back over to Bryant Park because we were close and knew they had public bathrooms. Well there was a lady in there changing into new clothes. No big deal until she stripped off her underwear and was standing stark naked in the bathroom! Just when you think you've seen it all...


We went down to the LES to grab some pizza and head to a fragrance shop I had heard about where you can mix your own fragrance. It was a lot of fun! The sales lady lets you smell a lot of fragrances and asks you what you like and gives you some options. My 1oz bottle of custom perfume was $45. They also put your custom mix on a card so you can call later or stop in at another time to get more! The sales lady asked me to name my fragrance so while I began pondering a good name that wasn't to dorky. Another customer asked us where we were from and remarked on our southern twang. I decided to name my fragrance Twang because it was kind of spicy yet floral so I felt that was a great name for it. 

My mom wanted to check out Alphabet City next. I think because she saw it on Rent but she wouldn't say that was why. I really liked the Lower East Side. It has a more funky artsy feel to it. It wasn't as pretentious as the upper part of Manhattan. We then just hopped on the subway to come home and rest. Its a schorcher out there!


BTW, last night we tried out Bianca as recommend by a poster on TripAdvisor. It was great! We chose it over Don Giovannis because Bianca seemed more authentic italian and we wanted something we couldn't get at home. It was great, loud, and crowded! My mom got the salmon which was AMAZING. It was cooked perfectly. I got the spinach and ricotta ravioli which was awesome as well! Also very reasonably priced. The tables were so close together and it was very dark but it was neat because it was an authentic New York restaurant. By the time we left, there was a considerable wait at the bar next door to get in. 


Now we are headed to Capitol Grill for the pre-fixe theatre dinner and then War Horse!! Cheers!

Save my Feet!

Today we began our day by walking over to Peter Pan doughnuts. This neighborhood doughnut establishment is rumored to have excellent doughnuts. Unfortunately for us, when we got there they didn't have very many choices left. We arrived around 9:00am so I am thinking we need to get there around 7:00 next time. Must be some good doughnuts! After my run tomorrow morning, I'm probably gonna pop in and grab some to bring home with me.

We walked a few more blocks and took the East River Ferry to the Financial District. It was 4$ and they had convenient debit/credit card machines. I don't think they took cash. The ferry didn't have any seating outside which I thought was something that could really add to the experience. Furthermore, the boat rocked a lot so I started to feel a little nauseous and I think outdoor seating would help some people in that aspect. 

After a few more stops we were in the Financial District. We had budgeted more time but since the ferry ride was very quick and we didn't end up eating at Peter Pans we got to the World Trade Center Memorial early. We went and sat in Zuccotti Park for a while and people watched. Eventually it was time to the go the memorial.

WTC Memorial

Memorial Pool

We showed up and showed our passes (we didn't need our I.D's). We then stood in line for about 10 minutes. There was a lot of walking around in lines and weaving in and out of buildings but we didn't mind. The plaza was much bigger than I have pictured. It was beautiful. The pools were very touching because it just so clearly reflected the loss that happened that day. It was difficult looking into the empty space and then looking up at the new buildings. Unfortunately a lot of the visitors at the plaza seemed very out of touch with why the whole thing was there. They were smiling for pictures and I overheard one person asking if they should throw a coin in (NO!). 

Whenever people ask my for top tips for visiting the City I always say wear comfy shoes. Well, I didn't take my own advice. I wore sandals that I have had for years. I thought they were very comfortable but after about 3 hours they were hurting the soles of my feet. We decided to find some Toms because I had been needing a new pair anyways. Whole foods was the closest place. On our way there, we found a Shake Shack so we stopped and had some food. Two shackburgers, one cheese fry, and one chocolate shake had us refueled. We set back off to find my new shoes. We found the shoes and I was very happy! I have to admit it was strange to find shoes in a grocery store!

Next we went down and bought subway passes. Mine was $104 for a 30-day and my moms 7-day was $27. We got on the subway and went up to the New York Public Library. To do this we had to walk through Times Square. My first visit to Times Square was jaw dropping. I loved it. My second visit to Times Square was alright and somewhat nostalgic because I had so much fun there on my first visit. This visit to Times Square was annoying and I don't think I even looked around. I just ducked my head and plowed on through. One step closer to becoming a New Yorker. ;)

Empire State Building from Bryant Park 

We pit stopped in Bryant Park and sat a bit. BEAUTIFUL park. We walked by it a lot last trip but never went in. The bathrooms were very nice for a public park! They are showing Wizard of Oz tonight so we are pondering going. 

We continued on into NYPL and saw the two lions by the steps. We went to the Rose Reading room which had the most gorgeous ceiling. We then went to see the original Winnie the Pooh. We also took in the new lunch exhibit they have. It was really crowded so it was hard to enjoy it.  I am going to do a more in-depth tour later in my trip when I am on my own and can take more time to do things that interest me. So if your interested in that, stay tuned theres more to come!

Rose Reading Room

Next we headed over to MoMA. My boyfriend had gotten me a student membership($60) for Valentines Day. I get free entry and my guests get $5 entry. It is usually $25 for adults so I think it will pay off in the long run. I plan on going more when I am by myself. I liked the MoMA but my mom did not. It was very crowded and it was hard to read the descriptions on the art. I think I will go back during member hours so I can have more space for myself. We did enjoy seeing Starry Night by Van Gogh. Beautiful! 

Paley Park

We were wearing thin on energy at this point and contemplating stopping to get a drink somewhere. We decided that would just make us more tired so we settled on a cupcake from Crumbs. I love Crumbs. I ate them for the first time on my last trip to the City and then again in DC. Delicious. We grabbed our cupcakes and walked over to Paley Park on 53rd to enjoy them. This park was really cool because it was small and because there is a piece of the Berlin Wall in the park. 

Mom at MoMA

5 Pointz

Revitalized, we decided to go ahead and head to PS 1 as we had planned to do originally. After MoMA my mom was a little hesitant to try out MoMAs other exhibits but since it was included in the ticket from earlier and it was on the train route home we decided to give it a go. I'm very glad we did! There was hardly anyone there and the art was very neat! The art was more laid back and fun than some stuffy museums (although I love those too!) It was housed in an old school building which was very cool in itself.  Also I saw 5 Pointz across the street. I cannot wait to check it out! I didn't know if it was opened to the public today. I will have to look and see when it is opened to the public! 

The most beautiful boiler room I have ever seen!

We decided to head on back to the apartment since we were just two stops away. We are now relaxing and wondering where to go for dinner. I am thinking Bianca but my moms thinking Don Giovanni. I'll let you guys know who wins out. I think we also may check out Gantry Park before dinner!