Tuesday

Time to catch up!

Yesterday we started out at Ripley’s Believe It or Not. It’s been years since I’ve visited one of these, and it had some really fascinating exhibits. Mostly lighthearted stuff, but the instruments of torture were a bit much. Abraham Lincoln’s portrait painted on a housefly, a chicken that lived four months without a head, and the albino giraffe were great. And the crazy bridge through a rotating cylinder – that was cool!

Next we went around the corner for lunch at Hard Rock. I’m not wild about the whole rock and roll scene, and usually the music is way too loud for me, but I get the appeal. Happily, this location was a real class act. The atmosphere was not “in your face”, our waiter was sharp, and the food was wonderful. I ordered a spicy burger, which elicited a warning of, “Are you sure? It’s really hot.” Yes, I’m sure. Whatever. Lol. On the Texas heat meter I’d give it a 3 for “amusing kick”.

The day was topped off with “Jersey Boys” at the August Wilson Theater. It lived up to its reputation. The language was coarse but the music was excellent. Now I have to go back and listen to the original versions of all those hits!

Central Park Zoo

The fam took in the Central Park Zoo this morning. I claimed a more leisurely start to the day (translation: Every bone in my body hurt and I couldn’t move any faster! Lol) and met them at the Boathouse.

After lunch we meandered north to the Guggenheim. Much of its art is too avant-garde for my taste, however I was thrilled to see works by Picasso, van Gogh, Gauguin, and Monet. I also picked up some inspiring ideas about techniques, textures, and processes. And who can dispute that it is exciting just to experience the unique Frank Lloyd Wright-designed inverted ziggurat gallery?

On the way back to our hotel the cab driver took a route down Park Avenue and through the Helmsley Building’s grand arches. I was not aware of the impressive design of this building. That was a treat to discover, Leona’s notorious excesses notwithstanding.

Turtles II

Turtles Sunning

The Boathouse

Lunch at the Loeb Boathouse, Central Park. Absolutely lovely. Delicious food, delightful view, gracious service.

One challenge in NYC is finding public restrooms. Here’s a website to help with the search.

Tick Tock

Tonight’s show was followed by cheesecake and coffee at the Tick Tock Diner in midtown. The food AND setting hit the spot perfectly.

Before heading to the Village this evening we grabbed a quick bite near our hotel at W Cafe. Fast, healthy, friendly, and convenient.

Poncho II

Blue Man Group is one of the best shows e-v-e-r, with or without a poncho! Third row was close enough to get banana goo on us but it was pretty harmless. I think the ponchos are mostly to heighten the suspense. Lol This show hits a home run in every possible way. We laughed, gasped, cheered, had blue men climbing on our chairs, and got BURIED in crepe paper. Don’t miss a chance to escape into their world of talent and geeky creativity!

George Washington inaugural address site.

New York Stock Exchange