New York – Where The Future Comes To Audition

New York – where the future comes to audition, is the topic for today’s Just TypiKel.

I admit it. I had to look up the quote. While I learned it’s attributed to Ed Koch, mayor of New York City, I also learned he described himself as a “liberal with sanity.” Hmmm …

Last week I wrote about how my visit with pals in Connecticut was almost derailed  and how I felt the late Francine nudged me to go. I also teased you about the trip not yet being quite over.

So where did I go after Connecticut?

The Big Apple

I’ve been to NYC once. I was eight. We stayed for a whole night. All I remember about this vibrant city is a magical billboard displaying steaming hot coffee flowing into a white cup.

I’m a NYC neophyte.

Thankfully, a friend suggested booking a hop on, hop off bus tour. I settled on Big Bus New York. At this time of year they offer two days for the price of one. They have two routes: downtown and uptown. While I only purchased the downtown loop, I didn’t find it limiting. After taking the subway to Central Park and touring The Met on the second day, I walked 30 blocks from East 79th Street to East 49th before hopping on a Big Bus which took me to the West 23rd Street drop off.

I’m ridiculously proud of this photo. I am thrilled how it captures both the skaters in Central Park and the stratospheric skyline.  I’ve never seen such skinny skyscrapers. They reminded me of my kids’ Duplo blocks of old. Or dozens of sugar cubes piled one on top of another.

I could go natter on about my stay. However, faced with 2459 words, you’d blanch and likely scroll away to something else. So, Iet’s just look at a few highlights, shall we?

Of course, the late, great, Francine would never forgive me if I didn’t go to a play.

“Oh, Kel, how disappointing. Broadway is where it’s at.”

My research landed on All In: Comedy About Love by Simon Rich. Running from December 11 – February 16, it’s billed as a “series of hilarious short stories about dating heartbreak, marriage, that sort of thing” and is read live by four different groups of actors each week.

New York – Where The Future Comes To Audition.

The actors on my night? Lin Manuel Miranda, Jimmy Fallon, Aidy Bryant, and Nick Kroll.  I suspect none had to audition. Each sat with an oversized book containing the script on their lap. Kroll and Bryant were completely off book while Miranda and Fallon consulted theirs with professional aplomb. It’s a worthy play, rich with imagination and joy.

I soon discovered there are many points from which to view the city from above. The Big Bus stops at the iconic Empire State Building, so I chose it.

Check out what’s playing on Valentine’s Day.

While I didn’t make it to the Brooklyn Bridge, I did manage a glimpse. Can you see it down there to the left?

I took full advantage of as many restaurants and bakeries as possible. Carlo’s Bake Shop, of Food Network fame, didn’t disappoint. Their croissant was far and away the best I’ve ever had. Light, flaky, buttery. Pure heaven.

The Highlight of My Visit To New York?

This guy.

“Ken-from-Rhode-Island” and I are part of an online group which has been Zooming for over four years. The core of regulars is comprised of two Brits, three Americans and one Canadian. The discussions are always lively and entertaining despite only the  Americans having met in person.

Well, when I mentioned I was heading to New York, Ken immediately offered to meet me anywhere in NYC. His commute? Over three hours, each way. What a gem. We met for dinner at Pastis, in the Meatpacking District. Recommended by my sister, it serves, “traditional French fare with a newly invigorated soul.” Delicious.

Our poor server. She must have tried to take our order a half dozen times before we even looked at the menu. It was as if we’d known each other for years. We touched on topics such as his lovely wife and their two daughters, our mutual love of the musical “Oklahoma”, his Swedish studies, our fellow Zoomers, my son and daughter … He even brought his copy of Never, Never, Hardly Ever for me to sign.

Ken, thank you again, for making the effort. May there be a next time very soon. No audition required.

When You Walk Your Feet Off In NYC, It’s Best To Have A Follow Up Plan

My follow up plan? Hanging out in Ontario with my best friend of over 45 years and her husband.

And yes, my poor feet were in dire need of some pampering. Thanks for treating me, Meems, you’re the best.

Thank YOU for hanging out to the end of my blathering on about New York – where the future comes to audition. I so appreciate your support and your comments.