Sunday 20th November 2011

My first real day in New York = WOW. I woke up and made got ready. Ash and I headed out for breakfast earlier than the other girls; I didn’t want to waste any time when I could be seeing the city! We ate at a Crepe Cafe a few blocks from the Hostel. The walk reminded me a lot of London, only some of the building facades were different. The smells of the city are much the same, between sweet and smoky ... mainly. The city itself is an artwork. One that I don’t think too many people actually intend, but with the tourist’s enthusiasm and constant chatter and the locals brisk walk and swagger, the city has a life of its own. After breakfast, we headed into the city and I was happy to wander. After checking out the immense Macy’s and other streets (I can’t tell you which ones because I wasn’t taking any notice, just revelling in the splendour) Ash and I found ourselves in Times Square, completely by accident. I think seeing it first at night would have been more overwhelming and exciting, but it was still a ‘cool’ experience. Speaking of cool, the weather was incredible today; I can only wish that it holds up for the rest of the trip. However, the forecast is for rain.
While we were wandering we happened across the Public Library and three guys were getting a crown together to some street dancing. We sat down to watch and listen. Soaking up the New York vibe on such a wonderful day. They kept making jokes about being black and how not to worry about them running without a policeman behind them, and that ÿou aren't black if you haven't been arrested" etc. I found it distasteful and rascist and the time. But, reflecting on it, it is probably just indicative of the cultural climate here and they were playing the audience. Either way, I tipped them. Figuring that is I was ever a stuggling artist in New York that I would appreciate it, no matter how small the donation.

I then saw Anything Goes at the Sondheim Theatre on 43^rd St between Broadway and 6^th at 2. It was great. It’s not my favourite musical, but the cast was incredible. A lot of really talented people, a few familiar faces from TV shows and other Broadway musicals, including Stephanie J. Block, made the show work. The reason I saw it was because it is a classic Broadway, and American, musical. It was cheesy, corny, had subtle (and not so subtle) sex jokes and paid out on an English guy. It was enjoyable. There were two numbers that really were incredible though. The namesake, Anything Goes, and The Gypsy in Me, which was sung by previously mentioned English man and Block. Their characterisation and natural charisma won me over.

I talked to a lot of different Americans today, trying to make conversation where I could, to get a better feel for the city and its people. Of course, all the people I spoke to in line and inside and Sondheim were American travellers, not New Yorkers. Interesting none-the-less.

After the theatre, I went walking through the darker streets. It was better seeing Times Square without the bright light of day to ruin the effect. I eventually found a subway station, only to get down the stairs and pretty well walk back the way I had come under the ground...

I caught the express to 96^th St and the Broadway Local was there ready for me to get on to finish the journey. After writing this, Ash and I are heading out to the diner that Seinfeld was shot in to eat dinner. I am interested to see what it feels like to be in a place that has been so identifiable on television and is commonly named the best television show.
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Back from Dinner
It was $10 for a HUGE plate of roast turkey and boiled potatoes with gravy, cranberry sauce and a small side of badly boiled vegies. Ash had the chips with melted cheese. The diner is only one stop North on the subway and only a block from that station.
It was smaller than it looks on TV (but that's how TV works) and there were charicatures on the wall of the four Seinfeld characters. It was a good thing to do and I would have regretted not doing it. Not sure if I will go back or not, so many other things I want to do!


One last thought – I now know why no one in New York ever sleeps. It’s because the city is so amazing that no one wants to go home!
Today the city has engaged me, astounded me, educated me and inspired me. I can only hope tomorrow is the same :)