a 3-in-1 update

My god, and I thought today's pretty nice and relaxed, until.... I got stuck (alone) in an ancient lift at Columbia Uni's Teachers College, alternating between the 2nd, 3rd and 4th floors like some invisible hands are pulling the cords. Throw in the non-stop wobbly clickety sounds enamating from within, it all seemed like I'm playing the main lead in some horror movie.. lucky thing, there were some nice souls who talked to me from outside the lift and assured me that help is on the way. Was in there for abt 15min. Lucky there was no cut-off of electricity (so there's still light and ventilation). Anyways, for a second, I did plan for the worst - that is if the whole lift somehow plunged all the way to the bottom, at least I've already bought my travel insurance and papa will be taken care of financially. =)

So it's fortunate that I can still sit here in Russell's Library and type this entry to you. No worries, all good. In fact, believe me, I was amazingly calm throughout. Talk about having been through big things.

Alrighties, before the pics for the past 2 days come in, let me talk a little abt today. It was (like I said earlier) a nice, relaxing day. Had a long, slow, yummy brunch with M in some nearby, cosy cafe (the cherry scone there is delicious!), then went over to the Columbus Circle X'mas Holiday Market where we got some framed prints of NY. After that, met up with a dear old JC pal - YS who moved over earlier in Aug for his Permanant Head Damage studies. It was really nice to see him again. Spent an hr+ catching up. I can't believe it had already been 10 donkey years since our paths crossed, and to think he's now a daddy! After that, I went for a leisurely browse in a mall's bookstore before heading back to Columbia U and getting right into THE lift incident.


X'mas Market


Me and YS


The Library

I'd hang out in the library for a while, look at so many other ppl frantically studying for their end-year's exams and try not to snigger while I read my storybook. =P Later on, I'd go with M and her fren for a movie + check out a cosy pub. Alrights, lift or not, it's still a nice wind-down day following the hurricane of the past 3 days.

Okies, here's some pics from the past 2 days:

Tue
1st stop: Inside CNN tour, where we got to hear about the news-gathering process and look at newsrooms and studios.

2nd stop: Carnegie Hall - beautiful grand old dame built in 1932. Felt a sense of majestic awe as I stepped into the semi-circular concert Hall. Our Durian may be efficient and modern, but it surely doesn't feel as warm and welcoming.


Carnegie Hall


Monstrous tuna salad sandwich for lunch


And a equally monstrous-sized true-blue cheesecake

3rd stop: Rockefeller Centre - the stories behind each piece of artwork, building and space are inspiring. You should join the tour offered and you'd feel like you'd have somehow stood by the sides and watched it all as the drama unfolded in the 1930s.




The HUGE and real (of coz) x'mas tree in front of main plaza

After sushi dinner with M and frens, I walked back to Times Square to burn off the calories and "feel the NY night mood" and then back to Columbus Circle before heading to a dessert place where "You've got mail" was filmed - so hello there, Tom Hanks, I've done it too.


Times Square at night


The dizzying array of pastries and cakes



Wed
1st stop: Madison Square Garden - wanted to join the tour and learn more about this famous sports and entertainment arena where basketball legends, artists and politicians make their presence felt. Too bad, timing's off so no chance.

2nd stop: St Patrick's Cathedral - beautiful, beautiful cathedral... a sense of calm and tranquility will soothe the nerves of all who enter. Wished I had the time/chance to sit in for one of their choral sessions.



3rd stop: Radio City Music Hall Stage Door Tour - went backstage to learn more about the musical world of the world-famous Rockettes. One thing here about attractions, they are all richly steeped in history. Listen to the stories and you cannot help but feel for them a little more.

4th stop: Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum - I'm frankly not a super classy arty person who slabs on art like 2nd skin, but this is one cool place with a novice-friendly collection of 20th century modern art. Beautiful architecture (too bad the exterior is undergoing renovation) with a treasured collection of masterpieces from Picasso, van Gogh etc. I like Francisco de Goya.



5th stop: Yeps, it's been a long day. And what better way to round it all off with a musical! My first one back at NY after 6 long yrs (my virgin one's Miss Saigon). This time, me and Fish watched "The Producers" - a comedy. It's not too bad. I like the catchy songs and the way simple sets were made use of so effectively. Not bad for a half-price ticket at USD 55 bucks (orchestra seats). Will very likely be catching "The Phantom of the Opera" and "Les Miz" too. =)




A terribly long limo that we see along Times Square...

Okies, have to get up to stretch the muscles now. U take care pallies. Till the next update (will surely be a much shorter one compared to this 3-in-1).