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Evening.
Today was day 1 of New York City. I had grand ambitions going into the day, and, although I made a couple of mistakes, I still left the city feeling accomplished, enlightened, and very tired.
Day 1 started out in Wilton, took a quick swim in the pool house here, it felt remarkably cottage-like. Bill took me to the Wilton Train station, and I proceeded to train into NYC.
I arrived at Grand Central (which has far cleaner bathrooms, and a much friendlier atmosphere than its' reputation suggests) and proceeded to walk onto the streets, and have absolutely no clue where I was, which direction I was facing, and where I needed to go.
Luckily, I have a phone now, and can use Google maps to some good effect. I managed to make my way to the south eastern entrance of Central Park at (I believe) 49th and 5th, and spent about an hour just marvelling at the park itself. I was honestly really surprised at the community-like feel of the place, everyone was friendly, directions to various sections of the park were easily obtained, and I proceeded to take more pictures in one hour than I think I have in the past year and a half.
The second part of my goal for the day was to see the Museum of Modern art. I, having mastered the art of reading at the age of three, believed I knew that it was at the eastern side of the middle of central park, and proceeded to pay and enter the Metropolitan Museum of Art without actually realizing that it wasn't the MOMA.
It was a happy accident, however, as I was flabbergasted at the amazing size, breadth and wealth of amazing art, artifacts and special displays there. I must have spent twenty minutes in the Picasso room alone. Indeed, although I wouldn't have chosen to visit it, I was very glad I did.
I left the Met at around 4:20, and motored around to see the reservoir from 89th(I think) street. My next stop was the American Museum of Natural History, and I was a little underwhelmed at first, since it was a very different museum than the Met. It really grew on me as I spent more time there, until the exhibits closed at 5:45. Tracing the roots of early civilization was fascinating, and although the AMNH is more of a Diorama museum than an exhibit museum, I was thoroughly entertained and educated. I was only disappointed that I didn't get up to see the Dinosaur exhibits until 5 minutes to close, and thus I was refused entrance. All in all, however, a very positive experience.
Leaving the museum, I skedaddled down the western side of Central Park, and, when the park ended, down 7th avenue. I stopped to eat at a TGI Fridays, a restaurant I'd never tried before, and was unimpressed with the food, but the atmposphere was very relaxing, just what I needed after a long day of walking. As the time to take the last train back to Wilton approached, I hurried to get a look at Times Square, snapped a couple of photos, and motored my way down 42nd to get back to Grand Central for the 8:07. Missed it by 3 minutes.
So for my first day in NYC, I'm happy, very hot, quite tired, and pretty sore. All in all, a great start to my trip.
Tomorrow, I try for the Highline, the MOMA, get some souvenirs, and see what else entices me.
Cheers!
-Graham
- comments
Jon If you get a chance to the ToysRus in Times square is also quite incredible. Mostly because it's got a ferris-wheel in the middle of the shop. Classic NY, remind me of the toy store from Home Alone 2
Amber Graham, I have been to New York city twice. The first time was a drive through..and not nearly as exciting as your visit. The 2nd time was during college, (my part time day with you) and again not anywhere near as exciting. I didn't bring a camera, because I didn't want to be seen as a "tourist". Little did I know how my visit to the WTC will only live on in my mind. And when I went out to the statue of Liberty, it was a quick tour. It was too crowded for me. Did I mention I turned 21 in NYC, and was disappointed that I spent the evening alone? You my friend have made NYC come alive in ways that make me wish I was with you. You know how to play tourist to the max. Thank you, for sharing.
John Great pics, Gray. I haven't been in NY in years, but you've taken me back. I never got as much out of Central Park as you did. Sheep mean Settlers of Manhattan!