Friday in NYC--fantastic!!!!!

Today was a lovely day, where I didn't try to do so many things in one day.  I have a list of things I want to do and see, based on my "Cheap Bastard's Guide to NYC"--though thanks to Marie, I'm carrying around the much smaller "Not For Tourists Guide" which is concise and to the point and has the maps that keep me from walking in circles more than I do.

To the bus stop.  Today is EVEN HOTTER than yesterday so I'm glad I'm not trying to do tons of things.  Got into the city at around 11:30.  It takes almost an hour to get there on the bus--same as the subway, but much more comfortable, better view, and no one sitting by you and/or touching you.

 One of the things I don't like is being touched by strangers, and that happens a lot on the subway.  This time went into the NYC Public Library and enjoyed the front lobby and the store.  I didn't buy anything, but there were about 100 things I wanted.  I'd better watch it or I'm going to be a pauper by the time I get back to EC, that is, if I ever get back.  I am determined not to be negative in this blog, so I'll just say that I am very, very, very frustrated with work and would LOVE to not have to go back there.

Anyway, after refraining from breaking out the plastic, I walked to Grand Central Station where I partook of the almost two hour free tour (thank you Cheap Bastard's Guide!) of the Station and the neighborhood around it.  The guide is totally in love with the station, and after you know more about the architecture and the way it fit into an entire Grand Central Complex (most of which is torn down now) of many blocks radius (and where all the rich folks lived on Park Avenue for instance), you look at it totally differently.  Most impressive is understanding what an incredible engineering feat it is to sink all the train tracks, create an iron cover on it, and build a city on the iron cover.  It is pretty amazing when you think about it.

Tourist

 Guide was a little over the top:  "Buildings.... (dramatic pause)  TELL YOU THINGS!!!!!!!!!!", so I left directly when the tour was over.  We did get to go into the Chrysler Building which was pretty cool.

Chrysler Building

Walked around the station on my own, and picked Juniors for lunch.  Mushroom and swiss burger and delicious iced tea.  Yum!  Nice wait staff, much better price, and I got to sit inside in airconditioning.  Then, went to the Magnolia Bakery in the food court and got a German Chocolate cake cupcake.  Actually haven't eaten it yet- I think I will when I'm done writing. UPDATE:  That cupcake was GOOD!!!!! and the frosting even better.  Can you say COCONUT!!!!!!!!!

Walked to the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and got in line for a free ticket.  Target Stores sponsor free Fridays from 4-8, and there were SO MANY people there to enjoy the art.  Let me tell you, it is an INCREDIBLE museum.  From Picasso, Degas, Matisse, Kahlo, Rothko (only one on display, though  :(  ) to Warhol, Pollack, Lichtenstein to completely contemporary work- they have it all.  They even have a bowl and spoon covered in fur.

And it isn't overwhelming- it is hung beautifully, and there aren't 20 pieces by each artist (except Picasso who has at least that many) but a number that you can actually absorb.  I made a friend, Jefre, in the bookstore who gave me the address to his blog and sold me four books (gonna ship them home media mail!)- a lovely photography book on Fashion, Rothko, Realism, and the Highlights of the MoMA collection.  YAY!  After chatting for a while, found my way to a different bus stop (after a few false starts having to do with facing the wrong direction!!!!! Arg).  Got home, no problem, and walked directly to Caroline's favorite Chinese restaurant and ordered pot stickers and beef and broccoli.  Food is pretty good, but I'll probably go somewhere else next time.  Now I'm on the couch, blogging and watching the Olympics.  This is the first time since the Opening Ceremony that I've really sat down and watched.  Saw Michael Phelps win his final gold medal, the American teenagers win gold in swimming, and preliminary heats of track and field.  Awesome!

Still so hot- hope I can sleep tonight.

Tomorrow, I am meeting Sara Olson for brunch in Queens, and going to a meeting for volunteers for the FringeFestival (contemporary experimental theatre).  Volunteer an hour, get a free ticket!  Can't wait!  Seeing Seonaid Barngrover for lunch in Hell's Kitchen on Sunday, and may go to Boston next week to hear Caroline's concert for the Boston Lyric Opera.  I might also go to Maine with my friend Wendy for the weekend!  And, my friend Jihae may come to visit on Monday!

Awesome!  I love NYC!
Pics later