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!