Monday, December 8, 2014

"Welcome To New York" by Taylor Swift on Music Monday

Well, yes!  It's that time again.  Music Monday.
Since I just returned from the always vibrant city of New York, of course I had to chose the song from Taylor Swift's 1989 CD, "Welcome To New York".


I tagged along with my husband, who had some business there last week.  But together, we turned all that business into pleasure!

We stayed at a new little hotel called Hotel Hugo, in SOHO, right off the Hudson River... There's an awesome running/biking/walking trail that runs along side it that I walked several miles on each day. (Note to self, walking 5+ miles in old Uggs = bottom of foot blister.  Do not do that again, please.)
Along the Hudson River in SOHO

It's NYC and it's the holiday season, so there was lots of hustle and bustle... and I mean that in the best way. 

Besides the walking, we saw Cinderella,
Cinderella on Broadway, the aftermath...
 and a play of a book that I just loved called "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time". 
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time in NYC-- even better than the book!
Michael J. Fox and his wife, Tracy Pollan were also in attendance.  I saw him during the intermission, and it being NY, no one seemed floored to see a big star like that.  I was though.  But I didn't do anything weird, I just said hi and smiled, and he did the same back at me. 

We also ate a great meal at every restaurant we went to... a delicious brunch at The Cupping House, a couple of great Italian meals at Ciccio (gnocchi-- yum!) and Giorgione (the best risotto I've ever tasted!)...just to name a few.

On the only fully open day we had there, we went to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum.  It was actually pretty amazing.  Eerie as well.  And so well done.  We had no idea how much there would be to look at, and so towards the end of our time there, we were losing steam.  And by the time we left, it was pouring down rain, which we hadn't expected or planned on.  But the dreary, rain drenched walk to dinner seemed appropriate and somehow perfect.  I will write another post this week more about the 9/11 Museum, but for now, I'll just tell you that we went and that, of course, it was overwhelming.
One World Trade Center NYC... reaching up into the heavens
I got to see my best friend in the world- my girl, Kelly, that I've known since the 4th grade.  We went to breakfast and then she took me to the office where she works, which happens to be TED.  It's always funny to see a friend in their professional life.  Especially, in my case, the one I've known since we were both ten years old!
  
We happened to be down in Times Square during the protests when the grand jury verdict came out about the choke hold death of Eric Garner.  It all seemed relatively controlled and peaceful.  But, a highly trafficked area became a big mess for several hours...

While there,we used Uber a lot. Not a single taxi or subway ride this time.

As always, our trip to New York went by in a New York Minute...  I'm not sure I could live there, but it's one of my absolute favorite places to visit.

2 comments:

Valerie said...

Great post! So glad you had such a good time. Two Christmases ago we went to what was the precursor to the 9/11 memorial (this was as the tower was still under construction). We went through a gift shop and were able to see the park and water fountains. It was a miserable rainy day and so cold. I was very moved by it all, but it was so emotionally draining, I don't think I can go again this year. Maybe in another year or two. In any case, welcome home!!!

Kerri said...

Yes, Valerie. I certainly can't say, oh yes, we really enjoyed it. But it's definitely thought provoking and such a reminder. Those two pools u mention are really cool. And huge. There is a room with all walls FULL of pictures of those that lost their lives that day. Although I've heard the numbers, and I think I've even seen pictures in a paper before, seeing it in that room is just painful beyond belief. So many very young people at the prime of their lives....

So yes, go eventually. And realize it's a big chunk of time. But it warrants that time, it's all so meaningful.