October 10, 2006
New York City (ch. 1)
Just got back from NYC yesterday and rather then begin grading papers, I spent my afternoon uploading and prepping photos. That's how dedicated I am to this blog. As the chapter division in the title indicates, I'll be telling the story of this trip over the course of several entries.
I didn't get to New York until 1:30 pm on Friday. An hour later than expected due to a delay in Atlanta. I was feeling anxious as the plane taxied in to LaGuardia, though, because this was where the adventure really started. I had to contend with public transportation. I had gotten some good advice from friends and New Yorkers about how the system works, so I was prepared. Still, I just get nervous when I have to do something new all by myself. Oh sure, I could've taken the easy way (and probably the faster way) and taken a shuttle or a cab or something, but I somehow felt like I needed to prove myself by taking public transportation. Plus, I just liked the idea of doing it like a real New Yorker (a poor one, at least) and seeing a different part of the city.
It just so happened that the M60 was waiting right out the door when I walked outside. I had been told to have correct change ($2), but I didn't realize that meant change as in quarters. Luckily, there was a change machine nearby and I was able to quickly exchange my dollars for some coins and jump on the bus. We went through Harlem, and I eavesdropped on the conversations of those around me and made funny faces at the most solemn baby I've ever seen. She didn't crack one smile. I also had a friendly conversation with the bus driver who kindly showed me exactly where to catch the subway. I had some cell numbers stashed just in case I got lost, but I didn't. Everything went disappointingly smoothly. I easily found the hotel and a sleepy Tanker slumped over in a chair in the hotel lobby. Poor Tanker had been wandering the streets of the city all night with no place to stay. We quickly checked in and checked out our room. It was nice, but not as luxurious as I pictured. I never did get a picture of the room itself, but here's our view:
Initially I thought we would both need a nap, but there was too much city out there to explore. We got started right away. Before we hopped back on the subway, I took the obligatory picture of myself in Times Square.
We decided to head toward our first venue, which was down near Chelsea. We figured we'd scope it out and see what was around it. I felt like most of our trip was spent walking the streets or riding the subway, which was great. I loved seeing people live in the city just doing everyday things. It's just such a different lifestyle for me. I try to imagine what it would be like as a child to grow up there, and it's unfathomable. I'm a little jealous of people who live in cities. Someday I want to do it. Anyway, we easily found the right building because there was a poster outside. (This picture totally makes me think Lemony Snicket, by the way.)
After we found the venue, we decided to head towards City Hall in search of what Tanker promised was the best cheese steak sandwich I will ever have. We also decided to discreetly take pictures of each other unawares. You know, to give it that spontaneous feeling. So Tanker got a disposable camera (contents still waiting to be developed and may be - at my discretion - added later), but I just used my own. Here are some of the results of my sneakiness while we walked in search of sandwiches.
Here's a pretty fountain at the park:
We never did find that delicious sandwich, but we did find ground zero and the Brooklyn Bridge. But that's next time (which might be later tonight).
Posted by kea at October 10, 2006 03:58 PM