In A New York Minute...

So I had all of these great intentions to write every day I was in New York. Since my last, posted I landed, lived it, and returned with out any commentary to document the trip. I have to say I am very disappointed in myself; however, the time that I did not spend writing was, if I do say so myself, very well spent. I have stories of rainstorms, Russian mafia, and Chinatown black-markets to tell in detail at a later date, but tonight is about the moments and memories I will never forget.
* The heat - We arrived into New York on the hottest day of the heatwave that they had this year. It's funny because even though I grew up in south Louisiana I forgot that it could still be 98 degrees at 9:30 at night. Southern California rarely has a night that you don't need to throw on a sweatshirt if you sit outside in the evening.
* The subway - (I constantly tried to call it the Tube.) The subway was just one of the many aspects of New York that reminded me of London. The best moment was the first time we rode the train. When it took off, McKenna was nearly knocked of her feet by the unexpected departure. She busted out laughing as if she was riding a roller coster.
* Definition of a walk up -  There is really no elevator in a walk up. Regardless if you are on the 4th story, and there are 10 flights of stairs to make it to your door. Nor does it matter if you have 3 large suitcases, purses, bag, and 2 cases of water to tow .
* New York city block- There are two types. There is a big difference between the 3 blocks from 42nd street to 39th street and 9th ave to Broadway. North to south blocks are short and manageable. East to west are a completely different story, especially in a sudden rain storm.
* Big Nick's ROCKS - Anyone who knows me knows, I can take or leave pizza, but New York's Big Nick's Pizza is in a world of of it's own. I actually went back for pizza 4 times! I think it has something to do with the thin crust and not an overemphasis on cheese. 
* Empire State Building - Enough said. We see it on movies. It is an icon and just is fulfilling to see it in person.
* Lady Liberty -  It was so impressive just to be seeing her in person, but I must admit my first thought was .... I thought she would be bigger. 
* Times Square and Broadway - It was crazy, chaotic, and marvelous all at once. I loved the lights, the crowds, and the energy! 
* World Trade Center Site - September 11th is my generation's Pearl Harbor. Everyone knows where they were and what they were doing when the planes hit and the buildings fell. To be at the site of such devastation and loss was heart-wrenching. 
* People - The New Yorkers were so nice. People  would stop to ask if we needed directions. One gentleman with an umbrella hailed a cab for McKenna and me in a rainstorm, so that we could stay under the awning. People were very polite. 
* Cupcake tasting - Karen and I made it our goal to compare as many red velvet cupcakes as possible. For each tasting, we would critique the cake and frosting as if we were tasting a fine wine. 
* Karen and Sami - I could not have asked for better partners to share this trip with. The girls had a great time together  They loved watching Toddlers and Tiaras at night. (Don't ask, I have not idea why). Karen and I spent our days exploring New York and chatting about everything under the sun. I miss them both. 
* The shows -Somehow I managed to see five absolutely amazing shows. Catch Me if You Can, How to Succeed, Sister Act, Billy Elliot and Book of Mormon. Each one was fantastic. My favorite part was seeing the musical numbers I had ooh'ed and ahh'ed over during the Tony's "Live and in Living Color"!


I know that this was a once in a lifetime experience. To me, what made this trip magical is that it even with all of the touristy adventures we took, I was, for those three weeks, living in New York. Not on a vacation, but actually living this alternate New York life style. When I return, and I know I will, I am sure it will be a quick trip. I will staying in a hotel that could just as easily be in Anycity, USA. Next time I will be a tourist...but I can always remember the three short weeks from this summer when I was a "New Yorker."