While this has been one of the shortest Odysseys we’ve taken over the last five years, it’s definitely been one of the most exciting.
Advice to anyone doing a road trip that involves Manhattan: Stay in New Jersey, and take the bus to the city every day. Totally stress-free (depending upon your personality…I loved every minute and could move here tomorrow, while it took the Thriller a bit to grow accustomed to the constant press of humanity — I’m not sure he ever did, haha), and New York City has the most intricate and comprehensive public transit system in the world. There’s almost no place in the five boroughs that cannot be reached by the trains, ferries, cabs and buses. Imagine if I had no car payment, and no auto insurance payment…ah, dreaming…
Anyway. Yesterday began and ended with fun stuff that I simply can’t do when I have my choir with me, although I would love for them to experience it all. OK, our Tuesday:
Late morning, we had coffee with Luke, a former student of mine who schlepped it all the way in from Brooklyn to be with us. Wonderful way to start the day. This man is one talented fellow. Hear (and support him by buying) his music here: http://www.lukewesley.com/media
After saying goodbye to Luke, we walked down 42nd St. to Bryant Park. What a beautiful place in the heart of the city. When corporations build and obscure the sun, they are also expected to provide a place for the public to enjoy for free. Therefore, little (and big) parks like this exist all over the city. Bryant Park has lots to offer — even a carousel!
Places to have lunch, read, meet people, and generally relax.
After walking the park, we had lunch at the restaurant, next to the NY Public Library. We enjoyed our Caesar salads on the patio of the Bryant Park Grill in the perfect, 78-degree day.
After lunch, we walked through the NYPL, after which I had to pose by the iconic lions. Rawr.
While in Midtown, we visited the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and went right to the European paintings section, my favorite. We then unleashed our inner middle schooler.
After the museum, we took a leisurely walk in Central Park. Such a beautiful, peaceful place in the middle of the craziness.
Literally steps away from the peace and quiet is the 72nd St. subway station, where we waited for the train back to Times Square to find some dinner before going to the theater. The main A train had some problems, so everyone (and I do mean everyone) piled on our C train. It was rush hour. My personal space was invaded, defiled, taken hostage, and killed. I couldn’t even snap a picture of the humanity. It was awesome. 
Finally topside again, we grabbed some grub at the Port Authority, and took off down 42nd St. to the New Amsterdam for the final leg of our NYC stay. Far in the distance is the iconic Chrysler Building.
The view from our box at the New Amsterdam, one of the oldest Broadway theaters.
Another view from Box 10.
Our final photo in the city. An usher saw us struggling to take a selfie at intermission, and offered to take it for us. Aladdin was sensational, with really (and surprisingly, given the “poppy” nature of the music) fine singing.
So that’s a sampling of our time in NYC. What a thrill it was! Again, thank you for clicking through the photos and going on the journey with us. After checkout this morning, we hit Atlantic City for a night at Caesar’s Palace (yay for comp offers the Thriller gets in the mail).
See you tomorrow, fiends!
NYC is one of those places that at the end of every day you are tired and exhilarated at the same time. Though not my favorite city to play in (San Francisco is mine), there is so much to see and do…love the New Amsterdam, love the older architecture!
Thanks again for taking us along…enjoyed every pic.
Thanks, Dave! And we have both decided that we need to revisit San Francisco, when we have time to actually get out and snoop around (we didn’t have that chance last time we were there).
Love the pictures and your descriptions. Thank you for sharing your adventure. Sounds like you really enjoyed Aladdin. I’ve seen two “big city” theater productions. Years and years ago (probably in the mid 60s) I saw “Man of La Mancha” at a theater in Chicago. Can’t remember the name of the theater. Just years ago (probably sometime in the 70s) Bonnie and I take a brief road trip to Toronto to see “Phantom of the Opera.” Again, I don’t remember the name of the theater. I really enjoyed both of those productions. Seeing one in NYC is on my bucket list. I’ve also really enjoyed several of your excellent musicals and DT productions at SCHS. Super glad that you and Thriller are having a great time. I hope Atlantic City is kind to you.
You guys would love Broadway theaters! They’re so full of great architecture and history (much like the Pantages, where you likely saw Phantom).
Of course the most corrupt city in the most corrupt state did not treat us well, hahaha — but we had fun! Thanks for “coming along!”
Bryant Park is famous because it’s where Fashion Week is held (Things I only know due to Project Runway). I know I’m saying this about all your food but that salad looks fantastic and an outdoor cafe is always grand. Chicago has become my big city of choice but New York always looks fantastic!
I love Chicago, too, but I haven’t been there in so long, it would feel totally new to me. Maybe that should be our next destination for a long weekend getaway! Thanks for following along, Will. (And that chicken was fall-off-the-bone tender. I stopped short of asking how they did it!)