New York City.
It was everything I thought it would be and more. I was only in the city for one day, but it was the most fabulous day I've ever had. From the broadway show to my beloved Yankee Stadium, the trip to NYC was my dream come true. <3
It was most definitely love at first sight. I saw the skyline from my window seat and I felt like a kid at Christmas time. About 20 minutes after landing at LaGuardia I was sitting in a taxi on my way to the hotel. Let me just say my taxi driver was a very sweet man, but gosh was he crazy! I didn't expect him to be a great driver. Heck I didn't even expect a good driver, but this guy thought he was James Bond. We drove in reverse down Park Ave, he asked me for directions to my hotel, and almost ran over a few pedestrians. The good news is that I survived, and $70 bucks later I was at my hotel.
I stayed at the Crown Plaza in Secaucus, NJ, and was only a 15 minute bus ride from Manhattan. The plan was to check-in, change clothes and head to Times Square. The only problem was that I couldn't find the freaking bus stop. It sounds ridiculous, but this little stop was hidden. After 30 minutes of walking around New Jersey I called it a day and went back to my hotel. I ordered the best room service ever, looked up subway directions to all of my stops, and Myrtle and I went to sleep.
My amazing Tuesday started off at 5:30 AM. I quickly dressed, grabbed a granola bar, and headed outside once more to find the bus stop. I did, and at about 6:15 AM I was on the bus headed to NYC. The second I arrived I just knew it was going to be a great day. I found the subway, and my first thought was "Oh man. The guy singing painfully loud about alligators is freaking me out…I should have bought pepper spray." Lol he was entertaining and creepy all at the same time. Once I found my train everything was fine and dandy.
My first stop was in the Bronx at Yankee Stadium. When I stepped out of the subway and saw that everything was Yankee-fied (that's what I'm calling it) my heart just flew right out of my body. Even the McDonald's had Yankee memorabilia! When I saw the House that Ruth Built my first instinct was to run and hug it. Being the sane person that I am I just stopped and stared. This moment was so bittersweet. To my left, was the old and to my right was the new stadium. *sigh* The stadium tour lasted about an hour and took us onto the field (not grass), Monument Park, the dugout, and the Press Box. All in all this experience was priceless. I am so thankful that I toured the House that Ruth Built during the final season.
My next stop was at Serendipity III, so I grabbed a hot dog, hopped on the subway and headed towards the best ice cream in the whole city! This place did not disappoint me in the least bit. I had a BLT sandwich and a banana split. After lunch I took the ferry to the Statue of Liberty. Once I made it there I sat and looked at Lady Liberty for a long time. I enjoyed my trip to Liberty Island.
My last stop of the day was at The Little Mermaid Broadway Show. Let me just say that I was anxiously awaiting the show all day. It was held in the gorgeous Lunt-Fontanne Theatre and lasted a little over two hours. There are not enough words to explain how amazing it was. The Little Mermaid has always been my favorite Disney movie and seeing it come to life was unbelievable. Disney did a spectacular job with this production. The singing, dancing, lighting, props, music...everything was flawless. I highly recommend that everyone see this show, it was just incredible.
I spent Wednesday morning visiting a college in Nyack, NY and then headed to the airport. Although I was sad to leave NYC, I knew that I'd be back very soon.
Next stop? Charleston, South Carolina. =)
10 Things I learned in New York City
1. Hot dogs for breakfast are cheap and delicious. Woop Woop.
2. The R train will take you to Queens (not the Statue of Liberty) if you aren't paying attention.
3. The trains always sound like they're going to crash. Don't. Worry.
4. New Yorkers are friendly.
5. Once you've tasted NY pizza there's no going back to Domino's, Pizza Hut, or Papa John's.
6. Sitting in the dugout at Yankee Stadium makes you the most bad a double snakes person, ever.
7. Souvenirs are like Lays potato chips. You just can't have one. (Chrissy worded this one)
8. Pepper spray is not necessary. A firm "No! Get away from me jerk!" works just the same.
9. Meeting a man named Jalapeño Jack is not an uncommon occurrence.
10. There will be times where everyone around you is speaking another language. Just enjoy the ride!
