Wednesday, August 25, 2010

New York, New York

So my time in Virginia was coming to a close and it made my heart want to break. I decided to do something on my last full weekend in Virginia....so with New York being only 4 hours away, how could I NOT go!! I booked a bus ticket on the Washington Deluxe and was on my way to the Big Apple....by myself! Not sure if that was brave or just plumb crazy. But talk about adventure in and of itself.

I got off the bus and had no idea where I was, or where I was going, or even how to get there. But there was no wiping the crazy grin off my face as I grabbed 15 different maps, twisting them this way and that, in a lame attempt to get my bearings. I found a subway and was in the process of trying to figure out which platform I needed to be on....and what with my back pack on, my maps in hand, and the deer-caught-in-the-headlight look in my eyes, I just screamed easy target! Ha I had several people come and offer to help me find my way...and then wouldn't it be so great if I were to 'donate a substantial amount to get them a bus ticket so that they could care for their sick aunt's brother's long lost step child'. Yes, twas an adventure. But I found my way to the Broadway Hostel where I was able to get settled in and drop my stuff off so I could go out to explore. I grabbed my maps and was off once again!


There is just so much to see in New York and I knew I wouldn't be able to fit everything in--so how does one decide what to see and what to leave for another time? I took a very logical approach. I hopped on the Subway, picked a random person, and would get off wherever they did. Then it was just a matter of finding where I was on my handy dandy map and squeezing in the many sights....well at least until my feet went numb and I would have to hop on the nearest subway to do it all over again! I was able to see Times Square, Central Park, the Brooklyn Bridge, Lady Liberty, and much much more. But the absolute highlight of the vacation...WICKED!


I have wanted to see Wicked for as long as I can remember. So check another one off my list of things that I want to see and do before I die! It was fantabulous! I can still feel the goosebumps on my arms.


So I did it. I went to the Big Apple by myself--the only city where people make radio requests like "This is for Tina-I'm sorry I stabbed you" (ok so I saw that on a tshirt and thought it was funny-i doubt my mom will see the same humor--but don't worry! I was safe!)



Here is a picture of Central Park. It is just taken on my phone so not the greatest quality but it'll do!


Yes, Times Square really is as bright and busy as people say!


And it is impossible to go to New York without taking a picture of the Statue Of Liberty!

I haven't blogged in a long time so it is a little overwhelming to try and get caught up. Yes this was kind of pitsy but I am hoping to stay on top of things now...We'll see how that goes!