So here's another multi-day-in-one update again, but it prob won't be as long as previous, coz am slowing down the visiting-eating-touristy engine. Am ready to go home.
Tue II
The bus ride from NJ back to NY was shorter and I was back at Big Apple in time for a full day of programme. Just wanna say a big, sincere 'Thanks' to uncle James for so generously hosting me and frens. Such delectable spread of italian, american, thai and home-cooked food. And the understanding of girly shopping needs. Thanks a gazillion. I'd return the favor when u return to S'pore.
Anyways, on tue, managed:
1) World Trade Centre Site (Ground Zero)
The pics hung on fence were intensely poignant, and the timeline of events unfolding on 9-11 was goosebumps-inducing. The actual site itself was a buzz of normal construction activities - cranes, wires, workmen and all.. of little significance to the otherwise ignorant. Freedom Tower - Remember, Rebuild, Renew. The world has, however, changed.
2) American Museum of Natural History
This was not on my original 'to-do' list but following several pallies' strong recommendation, a visit was made. Not too bad, esp the Ocean, Biodiversity and Dinosaurs galleries. Did not have time to finish viewing everything in the 2+ hrs spent there. Anyways, Met is still tops. =). It (together with Broadway) will perhaps be the only reason, if I ever ever (actually never) consider, becoming a New Yorker.
3) "Phantom of the Opera"
2nd musical caught on this trip. Liked it much more than the 1st one, with its powerful Phantom lead, elaborate costumes and amazing set changes. Very colorful, very dramatic. Nice! (Not to say that 'The Producers' is lousy, just that it's of a different genre and presentation style - more comedy, more everyday-like, more subdued)
4) Iridium Jazz Bar
D wanted to check out this place, so we went. Not too cheap. Plus all the cover charge and drinks, cost ~USD40+++ easily. Thought the performers were a little too casual tho - a few of them actually looked bored on stage. =P But the Bass (who kept nodding and smiling to his band mates), Flute and Saxophone players, I like.
Wed II
Wet wet day. First time it rained since I touched down in Big Apple. Took the subway all the way to Bronx. Can sense the change in 'atmosphere' as buildings become increasingly slapped on with graffiti and blacks increasingly outnumbered the whites on pavements. Wasn't a super safe feeling.
1) Bronx Zoo
Important advice - Do NOT visit the zoo during winter time. Many animals will be kept away in their winter enclosures, not for public viewing and photo-taking. So it was quite a deserted place. Only a few lonely visitors and a few equally lonely but still exotic animals. What I like are the wide pavements and intuitive orienteering. Should have gone in summer time, would have been a lively playground.
2) Nap Time (zzzz to fight off the headache, but not too successful)
3) Supper Time (went beck to Tom's restaurant for a late night fix. Thick slabs of pork chop with creamy mash potatoes. Actually, thinking abt it now makes me real guilt-ridden and wanna puke.. =P. The diet shall begin now)
Thurs II
Slow and easy day.
1) Central Park
Went for a stroll in (a small part of) Central Park - beautiful, vast space with many other life-forms around. Very peaceful. Only wished I have more hours to spend in there, just sit and do nothing but read more chapters of my storybook while facing the lake. Perhaps I'd visit it again before I return.
2) Last day with Fish in Big Apple
Then went to meet Fish for vietnamese lunch and chat before she flies home. Indeed, we may not be the most compatible travel mates, but we are still the best of pals. Take care back in fishy land.
3) Les Miz
A deep musical with thick, passion-stirring storyline that would surely need more than one/two sit-throughs to grasp it all. I like the story much. It's perhaps one of the most meaningful and realistic musicals I've ever watched. But I thought the set changes, props and costumes could have been more awe-inspiring and dramatic, then it'd be perfect. Pity it wouldn't be my favorite as the before- and after- happenings of that night have become associated with it. If it ever comes back to S'pore again, i'd catch it once more.
That night, slept at 4am.
Thurs II
Shopping day! Big-time money spending.
1) Woodbury Common Premium Outlets
With over 200+ brand name outlets hawking their wares at factory outlet prices, who can resist? Surely not us. M, D and myself trawled the (dunno how many acres) fashion land from 10am till 5pm and came back lugging bulging bags of wonder buys. That's it, no trip to NY will be complete with Met, Broadway AND Woodbury (forget abt Fifth Avenue shopping).
2) New York Philharmonic Orchestra
Y passed me 2 complimentary tickets to this performance featuring David Robertson (Conductor) and Patricia Bardon (Mezzo-Soprano). Was really quite tired by then, and not as atuned to the prim-and-properness of such performances, so wasn't able to appreciate it as much as M. Liked the portions when I wasn't dozing off though. =P
Here's the pieces (in case anyone is interested to know):
I)CLAUDE DEBUSSY (1862-1918)
'Le martyre de Saint Sebastien Suite' (1911)
II)Kaija SAARIAHO (born 1952)
'Adriana Songs' (2006)
III) JEAN SIBELIUS (1865-1957)
'Night Ride and Sunrise' (1907)
IV) CLAUDE DEBUSSY (1862-1918)
'La Mer' (1905)
Just 2 more days now before going home. I'm in need of some warmth.
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