New York City 2008

Saturday, I slept away most of the morning, which was fine because it was pouring down rain! I woke up, showered, and got ready for the day, and it was still pouring and you could have cut the humidity with a knife. I had thought I would head over to Brooklyn for Grimaldi's and views of the new waterfalls at the Brooklyn Bridge... but the weather wasn't having any of that.

I ducked into my old haunt in Times Square, John's Pizzeria, for an easy lunch. I was a little disappointed, but it was still good. It is my favourite old standby. While I was in there, it finally stopped raining, albeit briefly.

I headed downtown to Century 21 for some bargain shopping. Being a holiday weekend, that place was a MADHOUSE. I was hoping to find a deal on ABS evening gowns and cocktail dresses. I've been needing a few to supplement my collection, but it was just too crowded. While I was perusing a rack of DVF dresses, my cell phone rang and it was my brother. He and Chastity were headed to the hospital, because she was going into labor! I cannot believe I missed it. I knew that's how it would happen.

From Century 21, I headed back uptown to Chelsea Market. I know I've mentioned this before, but this is my FAVOURITE place in New York! I spent quite a bit at Ciao Italia on cheap olive oils and tasty treats. I LOVE that place so much! I was still feeling really tired from my night out, so I decided to take a short nap before getting ready to see Legally Blonde that evening.

Legally Blonde the second time was GREAT, although I was sitting under the mezzanine in orchestra, so at times, it felt as if the sound was muffled. Nikki Snelson had already left, but much of the original cast was still intact, including Laura Bell Bundy. I also was able to see the lovely Kate Shindle as Vivienne! Legally Blonde is SUCH a fun show. Laura Bell Bundy almost brought me to tears at the end of the first act, she was so powerful. I had a great conversation with the man next to me, who seriously could not believe that I attended the theater alone.

After Legally Blonde, I wandered down to the Chrysler Building to take pictures of it at night. The Chrysler Building is one of my favourite architectural work in NYC. I love the gargoyles that keep watch over it. I love the way the light reflects off of it. It's absolutely beautiful. It has become the new symbol of NYC to me, since the Twin Towers are gone. It is just a marvel, and I get a little excited every single time I see it lighting up the sky.


I also decided to nip into Grand Central Station while I was down there. I spent some time trying to catch action shots of the quintessential New York yellow cab. I had a little success. Around midnight, I decided to duck into Cafe Metro for a light, late dinner. I meandered my way back to the Marriott Marquis, stopping to buy some art to take back to Texas from a street vendor. I thought I was getting a good deal until I stumbled upon another vendor, selling the same thing for $3 in Times Square. Who knew?

Times Square was still bustling, and I managed to grab a few more pictures of the taxis and the street vendors with their incredible smells wafting through the air. Once I got back to my room, I got on the phone with Continental, and I was able to change my flight for $50. I had planned to leave NYC later in the day on Sunday, but with the arrival of new baby Summer, I wanted to get home and see her!

What is there not to love about my favourite US city?????