FREE in NYC: DAY 3 – SUMMER STAGES – West Side View

The following is Part 3 of a documentary about a week I am spending in NYC.  I have a free place to stay in exchange for watching a couple of pleasant kitty cats.  With almost no money (literally) and enough food to last for about three more days, I am set on having a great week by working through these obstacles.  It’s not going to be easy, but if it works out, it could be fun…  Check out the official page of this NYC journal to get a better understanding of the factors going into this week.  NYCBLOG[portal]

*side note- my phone, which also functions as my camera, decided to jump ship after an extensive Day 4 of photos and great moments.  In the meantime, I enlist some downloaded pics from the web and some older, previously uploaded photos, to substitute for this  technological obstacle.

Day 3: Catchin up, gettin’ it down!

So on the third day of this adventure, you would think I would get  out of the apartment  and venture  into the big city right away?  Well, that would have been ideal, but being as it is that I am broke, coupled with the fact that it was 90 degrees outside most of the day, I decided to be productive inside.  Today was, CATCH UP DAY, and by catch up, I mean writing and tweaking this blog so as to make it a more presentable read.  How does it look so far?

Rise and shine sleepy cat.

In order to participate in catch up day, I needed to be online. The internet connection in this place however, is awful. It will work for a while and then suddenly stop for a few hours.  So when it is finally on, you have to take advantage of its presence.  I decided to start cleaning up my WordPress pages and create a better, more pleasant-looking layout.

The template I had before, I liked, but it wasn’t giving me the flexibility that I was looking for.  I randomly selected another template which was fine, but it still wasn’t strong enough compared to the image I had in my head.  The next template I randomly selected was the one that you see here.  It has been wonderful from the start and has allowed me to be creative in both its layout and its functionality.

Once I had established the new look for the site, it was time to start writing and developing the story line for this week here in NYC.  The night before, knowing I would be creating such things, I wrote a description of Day 1 and some of Day 2, in a file I created in WORD.  I just figured that when I was ready to post this, it would be somewhat written and all I would have to do is upload photos and tweak my English.  Well as it turns out, I am a bit rusty.  It took me several hours just to get one article finished.  Some writer I have become, huh?

But I did finish it and then started the writing for Day 2.  This journal was easier to transcribe as I had a template already in the process of being shaped… but then the internet STOPPED.  And it stopped for a while.  So I took a nap, a long nap.

Eventually, after my nap, the internet started  up and I started to dabble again, achieving a semi completed version of both articles.  By now, however, it was almost 7:00 p.m. and I hadn’t done a fuckin thing to include in my writing for Day 3,at least  in relation to doing things  in NYC for free.  Granted, the work I was doing was productive and efficient, but still, I needed something to talk about here (I mean, do you really want to hear about how I used a computer all day and then get a description of how I wrote about using that computer.)  So I ate an avocado, an egg and some crackers (big meal huh?) and by 8:00 I was out the door.

The options on this night weren’t really juicing me up anyway.  I suppose that is another reason I hadn’t been in a hurry to get outside.  There was the Hudson River Film Festival playing “DISTRICT 9,” which I had already seen and didn’t have a fix to see again.  Shakespeare in the park was performing “THE MERCHANT OF VENICE,” which had a similar cast as “THE WINTER’S TALE,” plus a few other actors, including Al Pacino.  Uptown on the West side, there was a free jazz concert at a park along the river, but it was Wayyyy uptown, like 125^th st, and my energy levels weren’t exactly soaring.  And there was also a free show at the park by Madison Square Garden, but since I am going that way today, I didn’t have much interest in that.  None of these were totally appealing for one reason or another, which left me with a feeling of indecision.

So I left the apartment with no real destination.  I strolled up 79^th street and found my way to 5^th avenue, which is of course adjacent to Central Park, and started walking downtown.  In the distance, I began to hear a rumbling of drums.  I though that it could have been from a vehicle, but it kept pounding, and getting louder.  I then thought, well maybe they have a free show at the Bandshell?  As I got closer, I realized that this was too loud and too large for the Bandshell.  So I entered the park at 72^nd street, and was amazed at just how loud it was and how many people were strolling around.  This was no small show.

As I turned in, I saw ample amounts of young NYC hipsters lined up on a lawn, either picnicking or talking, or just sitting there, listening to what was at this time, a very distinct and loud concert taking place across the street.  And on that street, was The Summer Stage area.

Throughout the summer, NYC puts on a series of shows, some of them FREE others with a charge, and the series  features a very diverse selection of music stars from across the country and the world.  Tonight’s show, unfortunately, was not free, otherwise I am sure I would have gone there to begin with.  $35 for a large show like that is normally a value, but when $0.35 is about your budget, well, you enjoy what you can, in a way that is accessible.

My dinner set to the backdrop of NYC SUMMER STAGE!

So, why not join the others?  I found a spot on the lawn just across from the arena and took in some sounds.  I finished my lovely dinner consisting of 1 egg, 1/3^rd of an apple and some veggie crackers (boy am I must be getting fat!)  The music was loud, and very detectable, but I didn’t know who was playing.

So I sat there for half an hour, experiencing NYC in the summer for free once again.  Eventually, I got bored.  Although the band was sounding good, I wasn’t familiar with them, and they weren’t really my sound.  I got up and strolled over onto a path into the park, which maneuvered around the stage.  Here was where the true hipsters  were;  hovering in small dense pockets of friendship, taking advantage of the free music that was just inside the monetarily guarded pearly gates.  This was a great moment to be part of. If only the band was someone I knew more of or enjoyed on a different level.

I found a bench on the other side of the concert area.  It is located in an area of central park known as “The Mall.“

Scene from The Mall. These two "lovebirds" had just made lust!

I decided to catch up on some family calling while I was here, so that I could share the moment with them.  The music was a nice backdrop to my call which lasted for about 15 minutes.  After the call and few minutes of music, I got up and walked deeper into the park.  ‘Let’s go to the west side for a few minutes and then come back.”

So I got up and walked on through the park.  I was generally bored with this seemingly endless path, when suddenly, the trees in the park began to dissolve, and all that remained, was a view of the city skyline, from inside the walls of Central Park.  I had never seen this view, and I have to be honest, this may be my new favorite of all.  Bright, older marquis of established corporations emanating crystal clear lights; creating a boundary of color for those strolling through the park.  Never before in one place have I felt nature and technology combine so eloquently. Unfortunately,  it was too dark for my camera to really capture the essence, but for what its worth, I haven’t been this floored visually in quite some time.

So I made it to the west side and found a pocket of singers and guitarists playing Saturday Night Fever under a tree.  I like this sort of thing; simple, fun, entertaining, and of course, free.  I didn’t hang with them but I grooved with them along my walk, as if they were playing a soundtrack for my stride through the park.  Their music took me to the corner of 67^th street and Central Park West.  I took a couple of photos here of random settings.  I found the ambiance here exciting, and completely different than the portion of the Upper East where I am staying.  Another day, I should come back here.  I especially enjoyed offering directions to a  nice young couple who asked me where Columbus Circle was.  I was pleased to have the answer ready and waiting for them.  It gives me great pleasure to give directions to people in NYC and in Boston as it makes me feel that I am home as a local, and it happens so often to me that  I have come to expect it.

After only a few short minutes here, it was  back towards the east side.  I passed the same musical folks from before.  This time, they were throwing a glow in the dark Red Frisbee.  The musicians were providing a fitting backdrop with “Roxanne, you don’t have to put on the red light!”  I laughed and smiled as another passerby sang along.  By this time, the Summer Stage concert had ended and hundreds of people were swarming in my direction…  I didn’t mind.  I stopped to take pictures of the city skyline here, and I certainly wasn’t the only one amazed.

Back through the park, past the now finished show, I took in the energy of this satisfied crowd.  Once again, however, even though it was fun and unique, I found this experience to be a very lonely one; good music experiences, as well as most other events are generally much more enjoyable when you have someone to share it with. Most everyone here was with at least one other person, and most of them seemed pleased.  I don’t mind doing things on my own, but many times it feels as if you don’t get complete satisfaction unless someone else acknowledges a shared experience.

Back up 5^th, passed hordes of good looking people, I eventually arrived back in the apartment.  I immediately began writing and tweaking.  By 2:00, I had finished the ascetics of the site, and had uploaded my first entry, Day 1, into the site.  I was very pleased with this moment.

I took a rest and fought through what is now an ongoing tooth ache in the back of my mouth.  It forced me to get up and brush a couple of times, and then it created all sorts of bizarre dreams.  I awoke, fed the kitties, had a banana and some crackers and started immediately typing this entry, on WORD, as the internet is once again, off the grid!

After an amazing Day 4, I came back here, tweaked and published Day 2 and then transferred Day 3 onto this platform.  I look forward to sharing my stories of Day 4 as it was eventful and full of positivity.  I understand much of this may come off as boring so far, but its real experiences in a real town, from a real person, who is real broke!  I welcome comments and suggestions.

>the dayscribber<

• Day 1: Uptown via Port Authority
• Day 2: Shakespeare in the Park

FREE in NYC: DAY 2 – SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK – “A SUMMER’S TALE”

The following is Part 2 of a documentary about a week I am spending in NYC.  I have a free place to stay in exchange for watching a couple of pleasant kitty cats.  With almost no money (literally) and enough food to last for about three more days, I am set on having a great week by working through these obstacles.  It’s not going to be easy, but if it works out, it could be fun…  Check out the official page of this NYC journal to get a better understanding of the factors going into this week.  NYCBLOG[portal]

Day 2: “A SUMMER’S TALE”

Today began with a feeding of the cats and for me, a large bowl of oatmeal with banana and apple.  Also included were a small glass of soy milk and a couple of crackers, to help fill me up.  I then took a shower, cleaned up my beard, and it was time to browse the interwebs for things to do.

This is Sarah at the office!

Wi-Fi in this building is almost unattainable.  The person that I am house-sitting for has a cable modem, but it wouldn’t connect to my laptop.  I managed to get her computer to work and I sent a brief email to her telling her that all was ok.

I then spent a couple of hours trying to figure out how to get the internet from her router to my Ethernet port.  After experimenting with a couple of installations and some reboots, I got it to work. YAY ME!  I went online for a bit and searched for things to do in the city for free.

I came up with a large list and I plan on doing something for free everyday that I am here.  But, I am also trying to get work.  So Craigslist Gigs section for an hour, but not many prospects.  What am I looking for you ask?  Well, although I have been attempting to be a writer, I have other tangible skills.  I have been a landscaper and have also painted.  I have helped several people move and have organized peoples homs.  In addition, I have an  extensive background in customer service.  But what about acting?  I see a lot of casting calls on there.  Am I even remotely qualified for such things?

I have done two shows in my adult life.  The first was for a Community Center and was filled with characters straight out of  WAITING FOR GUFFMAN.  It was a great experience, but I was AWFUL. That is the TRUTH.  No one would tell me that, but I knew it to be true.

The other show I did was for a Jewish temple and it was for Rosh Hashana.  I got “rave” reviews for this performance.  The other people in the show were also very good.  Some were actors, others were just members of the congregation helping out with the production.  I had a large part with an extensive monologue and I must say, I did a decent job of it.

However great that show may have been for me and my confidence,  my minor portfolio isn’t gonna have an exec from Mirimax barging in my door, begging for a multi-million dollar contract anytime soon.  But when you get so many compliments from so many people, regardless of their experiences, you can’t help but question the thought.  Will I proceed in trying again?  Check later in this blog entry to find out!

OK, so back to my NYC trip.  To be honest with you, Day two was on its way to becoming as lame as Day 1.  I stayed indoors for much of the day.  And although I researched out things to do for the week, I didn’t make any real effort to get out the house.  So when I looked at the clock and noticed it was 7:00 p.m., I figured it was time to do something.

I checked in with my free things to do list and found two options.  The first, was a Jazz show featuring the music of CHARLES MINGUS.  I am a fan of jazz and Mingus was one of the first I had been tuned into.  A free show featuring his music would be the perfect exercise in social activity that I could ask for.  Unfortunately for me, this festival was down in Washington Square Park, which for you non New Yorkers is way down in the village around 4th street, in the area near NYU.  I love that area, but since I have no funds, walking is my transport.  And while walking nearly 80 blocks is something I have done and would do again, walking 160 blocks including the return trip was not something I wanted to do.  So I checked the list again.

Shakespeare in the Park is an ongoing event which has taken place in the city every year since 1954.  I have seen but one show here, “TWELFTH NIGHT,” which had a great cast and was a great time.  This year, they are performing two different shows.  The one on this night is called “THE WINTER’S TALE.”

In order to get tickets to a performance, one has two choices.  They could get to the park and wait on a long line early in the a.m. for a couple of hours or more, in hopes of scoring a ticket.  Once those tickets are gone along with your hopes of an easy score, one has another option of standing on a “standby” line for a couple of hours and see if people are no shows.  When I came here for Twelfth Night, we chose the standby line option.  We stayed there for nearly two hours.  It was loads of fun.  We met some other folks and played word games with them to entertain ourselves.  The interaction helped ease the time and eventually, we got in.  It was a great show and worth every effort we made to get there.

So back to now, it was already 7:40 when I left the apartment.  The trek over to the BELVEDERE CASTLE and then to the DELACORTE THEATER where the show takes place is about a 15 minute walk or so.  I made a decision that I would walk it, with an understanding that I would probably not get into the show, but  that it would still be a nice stroll through the park.  If I didn’t get in, at least I would be strolling through Central Park.

My trek over featured unique sights.  This one here, although not uncommon, was not expected.

Music in the Park.

The splendor that is NYC lies in the fact that this scene has no element of surprise here.  Yet how often does one see a bagpipe player on the street in the U.S.? But here he ways, most people paying subtle glances, the others poking fun,  but all of the viewers satisfied knowing that they have a story to tell about the guy who plays bagpipes in Central Park.  Thank you kind sir for being there when you were.

After this point in the park, I crossed over a street which had high-speed bike traffic.  Even though they had a red light, not one of them stopped for me to cross over.  Again, an understanding that phases only those in a hurry.  I was on my own pace and these hurried cyclists couldn’t take away my mood.

The next site was Belvedere Castle, located a few short steps away from  the theater that awaited my arrival.  There’s  a spectacular perspective of the city from here, so it was no wonder that I would stop here for a few minutes, knowing that I had very little time to get in to the show.  But I didn’t suspect that I would be able to get a ticket anyway, so why not enjoy the scenery.  This is a recommended spot to see if you are visiting NYC and would like an alternate landscape to lay your eyes on.

Arriving at Belvedere Castle.

A view of Upper East Side from the castle.

After spending a few minutes staring off into the distance, I glanced over and saw the theater and the patrons that had already arrived.  Now I felt some excitement, knowing that the theater was so close.

The Delacorte Theater from Belvedere Castle.

It reminded me of the one time I had seen the show.  It’s a spectacular theater and I imagine you could watch the show from this spot, although very obstructed.  But ideally, getting inside this theater to see a performance is something that would be difficult to rival.  Having seen plenty of Broadway growing up, the experience of being outdoors, in Central Park, watching top actors of our generation perform top shows from an entirely different generation, is an experience that makes you question how we have become so much of a society based on technological media, and less on outdoor performance art.  I love film, I am fascinated by technology, but a true connoisseur of the theater, nor do I particularly love all of it,  I am in true awe of quality live performances of this nature.  That is why this type of show has been in production since the 1950′s and this style of performance has been in consistent existence since the time of its inception; the energy emitted by live acting in a public forum is difficult to emulate in any other entertainment medium.

So it was now time to do battle with the ticket lords in hopes of getting in.  When I went down the stairs of the castle and turned the corner, I was pleased to notice that a line was still there.  This of course was the standby line and the fact that it was still there, meant there was still some hope.  In addition, it was much shorter than the last time I was here and that gave me a good sense.

The standby line. Not very long, and a sax solo to keep us entertained.

The gentlemen to the right of us provided smooth sax to keep our senses at ease.  I felt bad as to not support him, but hey, what could I do?  While on the line, I chatted with the fellow in front of me who was reading a book.  I made sure this was the proper place, and he confirmed, and also informed me that the line was much longer earlier and that people had just plain given up… Amateurs!

A nice couple arrived behind me and they seemed to find great value in the scene as well.  We spoke for a few and we bonded over the fact the line was moving and tickets were being handed out.

After about 20 or 30 tickets, they stopped handing them out.  A hush fell over us, but hope still managed to shine a light.  We kidded around about how we were last-minute and would feel bad if we got seats and all of the folks that left didn’t.  That however, is the beauty of chance.

The line began to move again, and we were probably a good 75 seats back.  I kept thinking, “what if I get a ticket and only one member of the couple I was talking with gets in.”  I really felt that this was going to happen.  I also knew, that if it did, I would probably have given up my seat for them because I know what that show feels like with a partner, and it’s not the same with just yourself, even if it is a nice time.

As we got closer, my nerves were shaking.  Part of me sensed that the tickets were dwindling, yet another said, “hey wait, you just might get in.”  The line moved quickly but time moved ever so slowly.  The anticipation was mounting.  Doubts and hopes colliding in a whirlpool of emotions until… I got a ticket!  So did both of the folks behind me.  YAY!!  I am going in, dilemma free.

I figured on my seat being the worst in the house.  I didn’t care.  When the usher directed me to my seat, I was surprised to find this view.

It was the first row of the second level, maybe 8 rows back.  Mostly to the left of center stage, but in clear view.

What a seat. Could you ask for a better view?

This was about to become a highlight of a night for me.  Within a minute of arriving, the lights dimmed and the show began.  I was in.  I was a part of a NY tradition.  I was excited.  I took a chance and it payed off.  This my friends, is a real NYC Experience!

Due to restrictions on taking photos during the performance, I do not have pictures to show you from the show, but this ought to give you an idea of the view at least.

As far as the performance goes, most everyone was spot on.  The play tells the story of two kings whose friendship is marred by a paranoia that the other king has had intimacy with his pregnant wife.  The paranoid king instructs his cohorts to imprison the wife and be rid of her baby.  Unknown to him, the loyal servants send the baby off  in the style of Moses, to another land, to be cared for by whomever should find it.  Accompanying the baby is gold and other goods.  The baby is discovered and cared for by a fellow who watches her grow to  become\a beautiful young woman who falls in love with a Sheppard. As it turns out, this Sheppard is actually the son of the king, pretending to be poor so that he may find his true love.  A brief and flawed description, but you get the idea…

All chaos takes place and is portrayed as both tragedy and comedy. With such drama, and comedic intervals, it set the tone for an enjoyable performance and a beautiful night.

Several roles stood out of this performance.  Max Wright, who has had a significant career in both film, tv and theater, was terrific comedy and an ice breaker at a time when it was needed.  Hamish Linklater, whom I had only known of as being on a tv show with Julia-Louis-Dryfus, was brilliant comedy and a true performer who thoroughly brought the other characters of the play together utilizing his wit and flair for timing.   The role of Paulina, played by Marianne Jean-Baptiste, a person of whom I had no familiarity with, was captivating.  Every scene she was in demanded great attention and she got that from me for sure.  I mention these individual performances as they were highlights for me and do not mean to take away any compliment from all of the other roles.  I try to keep my journals to the point, and I wanted to point out what caught my attention in this show.

So, I certainly left there feeling that I had gotten my money’s worth.  The fellow sitting to my left was responsible for me having this seat;  he had given it away to the theater prior to the show.  I thanked him and he explained to me the significance of the performance and shared with me his love for Shakespeare.  If you sir should ever read this article, thank you again for allowing me the opportunity and for your insights into the show itself.

So it was time to exit, amongst the 2,000 or so other patrons who also seemed generally pleased.  It was a slow pace at first, but when it opened up, I was back in the park and noticed this skyline…

The moon over the castle. Looks better in person!

This was a spectacular moment; to emerge from the theater, turn the corner, go up the stairs, and WOW!  The full moon shining just above the towers of the castle.  A perfect visual to close out a perfect night.

The remainder of the walk home was filled with other show patrons and a full moon lighting up Central Park.  I arrived back at the apartment, ate a bit of food, checked a few emails and then it was nap time.  It was wonderful to take a chance like that and have it pay off.  My recommendation to other broke visitors to the city is to try and see one of these shows when they run.  You may not love Shakespeare, you may not even understand the meaning and context of the performance, but you may just learn to love what has become a NY tradition, and what was surely a Midsummer Night’s Reality for me! See you tomorrow.

>the dayscribber<

• Day 1: Uptown via Port Authority
• Day 3: SUMMER STAGE

FREE in NYC: DAY 1 – UPTOWN – via PORT AUTHORITY

The following is  Part 1 of a documentary about the week I am spending in NYC.  I have a free place to stay in exchange for watching a couple of pleasant kitty cats.  With almost no money (literally) and enough food to last for about three more days, I am set on having a great week by working through these obstacles.  It’s not going to be easy, but if it works out, it could be fun…  Check out the official page of this NYC journal to get a better understanding of the factors going into this week.  NYCBLOG[portal]

DAY 1: The arrival

The journey started last night, Monday July26th, 2010.  I arrived at Port Authority from New Jersey at around 7:30. I decided on the bus that the first thing I see when I exit the station, I will snap a photo and post it here.

The first thing I saw when exiting the Port Authority.

Ok, for what its worth, I have no interest in becoming a journalist for a publication like the New York Times, but I found it ironic that this would be the photo I would take first and post to an article that I would be writing, for my own publication.  Well NY Times, I may not know what goes on  inside your offices, but may I say that you do have a uniquely beautiful looking building from the outside…

So, uptown is where I am heading.  Upper East to be precise.  The apartment is in a nice neighborhood and is close to the MET and of course, Central Park.  I am going to be spending some ample time in the park this week, so I figured that instead of strolling through the park, I would walk a bit further west instead, to maybe catch some scenery that was less familiar to me.  8^th avenue was not providing me with such thrills. I suppose that I grew up going to this area, especially when we would go to Broadway shows, so I had seen these storefronts before, none of which struck me as too exciting.  So I ventured a bit further west.

Passing Broadway, I looked to the right and saw Times Square.  Ok, yeah, its way touristy, but no matter how many times I have seen it, it never stops amazing me.  And the energy that exists in this area is unrivaled.  People from all over the world, flock to this familiar looking area.  Can you imagine if you were from some tiny European city and this was your first trip to anywhere, can you even estimate what it would feel like to see all of these brightly lit marquis and fast moving people?  Can you grasp how intimidating that would be for someone from such a place?  We take it for granted, and even though I am a person who tends to be attracted to the less mainstream arts, there is no denying the enormity of Times Square, and I am glad I chose that route to be reminded of its grandeur.

However excited I was to see this area, I was not about to walk up Broadway at this time of day with a backpack and rolling luggage; just way too crowded and I wanted my pace to be faster than slow.  So I continued up 50^th street and ended up passing 6^th avenue, 5^th avenue, and eventually I arrived at Madison.

I am a strange person with peculiar habits.  One of these habits is to walk in the direction that the flow of traffic is moving.   If it’s a one-way street heading downtown, I wasn’t going to get on it and walk uptown.  So even though 5^th avenue was ideal for where I was going, Madison was the one heading uptown.  And since I hadn’t really ever explored this part of Madison Ave, I figured, why not.

So left on Madison and uptown we go.  To be honest with you, I liked the energy here, but there really isn’t much scenery to absorb.  Its mostly shops, many of which are out of my means, and considering that my funds are really limited even for the dollar store, seeing places to purchase goods here is a waste of time.  However, it was less crowded and easier to maneuver here than 8^th so I would stay on this route until I got to the neighborhood.

At certain intersections, you could see way east or west down the adjoining streets.  So it was here, on maybe 65^th street or so that I caught this view.

Around 65th and Madison.

I don’t know what struck me about it, but it did.  Maybe the concoction of generational architectures meeting in one unified location.  Or maybe it was just different looking.  Needless to say, I took the photo, and I am sharing it with you.

Continuing  on up Madison, I couldn’t help but wonder where it was that they filmed that scene in the movie “SPLASH” staring Tom Hanks and Darryl Hannah.  It is the scene where she climbs to the top of the street pole and sees the sign that reads: MADISON AVE.  Because of this moment, Tom Hanks’ character names the charming Mermaid Madison and thus a legend was born.  So what street is this filmed on, or should I say, what intersection?  Well, I haven’t found out yet, but it is a goal of mine I intend on achieving by the conclusion of this documentary.

As I continued uptown, all I could do was observe the area, and notice the distinct personality, focusing more on high end clothing and food, and less on mainstream or abstract subjects.  I notice a distinct look on the people who roam here, and although I did not feel unwelcome, I didn’t feel quite at home.  The city is plush full of unique areas; each with its own feeling.  I myself enjoy areas like the village and chelsea, but have an appreciation for all of it.  I felt as if this was a good introduction to the varied week I was about to journey on, but not an area I would be spending much of my time in.

So I eventually arrived at the apartment, I greeted the kitties, I fed them some food, fed myself some leftover pizza from Jersey and a few other tidbits, and then I relaxed on the patio.  An hour later, I was asleep.  It was a long trek uptown and a long trip just to get into the city.  I for one am glad to be here again and I look forward to Day 2.  Day 1, complete.

ONE LINE OBSERVATION: In NYC, even a lame day can be filled with beauty and excitement.

this story continues with DAY 2: Shakespeare in the park…