City Love, John Mayer

Earlier this year I was deciding on what to do for spring break. I talked to my friend Jon and he mentioned the incredible flight deals for New York. Several hours later we booked our seats (less than $230 round trip) and were all set for the big apple! Double the points because it was through Jet Blue (my favorite air provider)!

We decided that it would be best to take a red eye flight, that way we have a full day the following day. I have never been on a flight that took off in the just before midnight, that eventually landed in the early morning. It was quite the experience.

Usually I can sleep anywhere, but for whatever reason once we boarded the plane, I could not sleep on the flight. I took a sleeping aid, had a pillow, and a seat next to the window but could not fully fall asleep. At one point I almost passed out, but had heard the steward asking if people needed drinks. I raised my hand and asked for a water because I was thirsty. Several minutes went by and he brought various drinks to the other passengers. I thought he had run out of space on his tray, so I was expecting him to come back to bring me water. Alas 20 min had passed and I never got the water. So I continued to wrestle comfort all night while trying to fall asleep. The morning came fast, and soon enough we were landing at 5:30 A.M Friday morning.

The dark city greets us!

Jon and I collected our belongings and proceeded to the line of taxis. For whatever reason I thought a taxi ride would be more exciting than what it was. I expected speeded blurs with near misses of other cars. Only the latter seemed to be true. Seat belts were needed! As we drove through the city to our hotel, I was amazed at how close the tall buildings were. It really was a city, and not a small segment of a downtown metropolis.

We landed at our 4 star hotel (Doubletree Metropolitan), and decided to freshen up a bit since we couldn't check into our hotel. After checking in our luggage at the hotel, we decided to venture out into the city of wonder.

Our first destination was to see the Statue of Liberty. Thanks to a hot app on Jon's iPod touch (and his good navigational skills), we were able to navigate the subways very well. We landed at the bottom of the island, and rather than waiting to take a ferry out to see the historic monument, we decided to chill on a bench while taking in the sight. For whatever reason, I thought the Statue of Liberty would be bigger than what it was. I was expecting it to be the size of a multi-tiered skyscraper. I think that movies and television lie about it's size. :(

The national treasure from France

After stopping at the statue, we decided to hit the pavement to find Ground Zero. We walked several blocks until we got to the site of the terror that occurred on September 11th, 2001. I didn't know what to expect, but it was just a huge construction site with signs designating the arrival of the memorial that was going to be built. I think perhaps they should have built the memorial first, then the new skyscraper, 1 World Trade Center. (I recently saw a 60 Minutes piece on how numerous problems are delaying the building, and many are wondering if it will even be accomplished).

What WTC currently looks like.

We then continued northward, and stopped to eat at a little shop called 'Wichcraft. The restaurant was created by one of the judges from Bravo's Top Chef. I had one of their fried egg sandwich with bacon, gorgonzola & frisée sandwich on ciabatta roll. It was quite tasty and the perfect pick me up! As we sat in the cafe, I loved looking at all the business people venturing around. It seemed that many were in their 20s or 30s and all seemed driven. Also we saw several dog walkers and kids going to school. I think it would be extremely difficult to be in high school in the city. It seems like so many distractions would get in the way, that I would never make it to class.

No black magic involved in making my 'wichcraft breakfast!

After a late breakfast we took off to see little Italy and little China. Both of which felt unique because it was like we were transported to a foreign country. At one point we got tired and found this little plaza in the middle of little China. It was fun to sit and watch the people.

The guy in the statue helped stop the drug trade in Chinatown.


The view as we sat in China Town

By this time it was the afternoon. We decided to go to Brooklyn Bridge to walk across. A while later, we were so tired and I was somewhat grumpy that we decided not to. Instead we walked to the discount tickets booth near the bridge. We waited an hour and once the booth opened we got tickets to two shows. Fuerza Bruta that night, and Chicago the next day. Because we were tired we decided to go back to the hotel and try to take a nap in their lobby. Once we got there we noticed several people were checking in, and sure enough we were able to (total miracle for two tired travelers)! We got our bags and checked out our hotel room. Instead of two full beds, there was a single queen. We tried to work out a solution, but the Doubletree had issues on fulfilling their promises, but when you are tired you can sleep anywhere.

Hours later we woke up in just enough time to hit the streets for taping of Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. We walked to Rockefeller Center and looked around. We ventured into St. Patricks cathedral, which had recently celebrated St. Patricks Day. It was very cool to see the high ceilings and the hundreds of candles honoring different saints. Also we sat in the pews and I discovered that when you are long-legged there is no need for for the knee rest, because I can sit on the bench and still have my knees touch the ground. :)

St. Patricks

Candles lit for one of the Saints.

30 Rock minus Kenneth

We saw where they filmed the Today show, the ice skating rink, and even Felicity's Dean and Delucca! Also while were walking around I noticed a guy on his cell phone. I did a double take and noticed it was the guy from "Take Home Chef" and the current season of Celebrity Apprentice. I pointed this out to Jon, and as we tried to remember his name, he walked back inside the nearby building. Turns out it was Curtis Stone... he also is the chef on the Biggest Loser.

Mr. Stone Himself



Waiting for Felicity and Ben... But they were a no show.

It came time to line up for the tv taping. I love going to TV shows and seeing how they film the show, the celebrities, and the free swag they give. Jimmy's show didn't disappoint. Since his SNL days I have thought he was hilarious and is a personal favorite of mine. From watching his show, I think it's a blended cocktail of daytime talk show (cool games, celebs), and late night (different feel of show, crazy jokes). We got to see funny and bleeping Ted Danson, greatest songwriter of the past decade Kara Dioguardi, and the electro band The XX. We also got free shirts since it was March Madness for Siena College (funny because they had already lost before the taping but we had to pretend that they hadn't played yet).


After Jimmy we raced to our show for the night. Rather than taking a taxi we decided to hit the pavement. I am glad we did because we saw several art installations in buildings. In one there was a touch screen wall. I decided it was perfect for a photo shoot so we took some photos.



When Jon and I had heard about this show, it sounded crazy so we knew we would love it. It's an interactive performance art piece that starts with a guy on a treadmill, which then goes to a giant clear slip and slide feet above your head (tall people duck), and ends with a dance party. On America's Next Top Model, they did a photo shoot of the slip and slide part so I was familiar with that element. The show was somewhat spiritual and had a liberating message, although that message is entirely interpretive as there is no story line. It was a really fun show where the actors interact with you, and you become part of the show. Not to be missed.

This is the fun-hot-mess that was on the floor as we danced! Ke$ha would have bathed in all the confetti glitter!

This was a highlight of the show... Dance party with glitter and confetti!

The worlds largest slip and slide!

After the show we took off for some dinner, and eventually decided for some Italian food at the nearby Osso Buco. It was a small and inviting restaurant with unique Italian food. I had the delizioso meat ravioli. We drank so much water with our food that our waiter must have thought we were crazy. After eating we took the subway back to our hotel, and fell asleep.