And My Eyes Were Happy

Yesterday we visited the Metropolitan Museum.

We began our day by getting lost in Central Park like Macaulay Culkin. If we were to point the blame at someone for this, it would be at James. I tried to tell him we were lost and going horizontally across the park instead of vertically up it, but he did not believe me. I won in the end when we ended up at the beginning where we started, however this was not a sweet victory as we were now late getting to the museum. I've forgiven him though, especially since I've now told the world about his directional shortcomings. 

Tip: buy a map of Central Park for 2 dollars. It has helpful pictures, and I believe proceeds go to charity.

One thing about NY in August, everything is under construction. I looked at my map and tried to play tour guide, "on our left, you shall see Cleopatra's Needle" but it was covered in scaffolding, just like St. Paul's Cathedral. But we were not discouraged!

We met with James high school friend who now lives in DC, she had already been to the Met so she left the decision making up to me. Upon looking at the map (I like maps, okay?) I realized we had quite the journey ahead of us. It became clear that we weren't going to see everything in the time that we had. 

Tip for first timers: if you're interested in seeing the paintings, as I am, go to the second floor and do that first. We didn't get to see everything in the 19th and 20th century gallery.

We started in the Egyptian section, which is incredible. They have a whole temple! Egypt gifted it to the United States, which was very generous of them. This is definitely a must see, especially for those people who loved learning about mummies and Pharaohs back in school. 

We spent a good amount of time in the Arms and Armour section, which James certainly enjoyed. This is where one may expect to see full suits of armour and every kind of weapon ever used.

The next section is where I wish we hadn't spent a lot of time. We should have gone straight from Arms and Armour to the Medieval or Greek and Roman art, but instead we meandered through the first floor American wing. This would be cool for some people I'm sure, including the replica of a Frank Lloyd Wright room, but it wasn't the thing I was most interested in. I can't speak to the second floor American Wing (which apparently has Washington Crossing the the Delaware) because there was no time to see it. 

The Greek and Roman statues were really exciting, especially the head of Constantine, a historical figure I teach my grade 8 Socials class about. Hopefully this picture of me posing ridiculously beside it helps them remember facts I put on their tests.

The European Paintings gallery was my favourite. It was amazing seeing Giotto, Raphael, Rembrant and Vermeer, among so many others. I was transported back to my Art History University Class, except instead of it being on a projector it was real, and in front of me. Not even covered in glass or anything.

The 19th and Early 20th Century art was exciting too, displaying heavy hitters like Picasso, Matisse, Monet, Seurat and Van Gogh.

If I were to go back, which I've decided I will, I shall have a better understanding of what is where and what I would like to see.

All in all the Met has been a highlight for me. 

-Kim

Take Me Out to the Ball Game

...and yes, they did play that song between a couple of innings. The Yankees have a lot of history, and although we weren't at the original stadium (which closed in 2008), we still considered going to a Yankees game to be an essential part of the New York experience.

We both grew up loving baseball. I used to go to Calgary Cannons games all the time (until they were traded to Albuquerque). Kim has a more intimate relationship with the game, citing A League of their Own as her favourite movie of all time. Plus she actually used to play competitive ball. So it was a no-brainer that we would make this game a part of the trip.

It really is America's pastime, as evidenced by the wealth of conversations around us which had nothing at all to do with the game. That's not to say that there weren't hardcore fans who boo-ed every call the umpires made in the Astros' favour, but in contrast to faster-paced sports, the action is sporadic, providing for a greater social aspect to being at the ball game. There weren't any runs until the 4th inning anyway, so a lot of people got to chatting. We got down to business.

The business of hot dogs. Hebrew National hot dogs, that is...something that I've never seen in Canada. The dogs are kosher, catering to the very large Jewish community of New York, but more than that, they were delicious. The entire meal together (just two hot dogs plus beer; we didn't even get fries) came to $30, so bring deep pockets if you're going to a game...but that's good advice for any sporting event, really.

Kim's
-Hot dog: Hebrew National
-Ketchup: Yes
-Mustard: Regular type
-Toppings: No
-Rating: 8

James'
-Hot dog: Hebrew National
-Ketchup: No
-Mustard: Brown spicy
-Toppings: Frank's Red Hot Sauce
-Rating: 8

Kim had chosen to pair hers with a malty Guinness Black Lager, while I opted for a refreshing Yuengling Traditional Lager. We both agreed after a single bite that the dogs were damn good. I would recommend them to anyone who can find them in the States. There were even more expensive Italian sausages available, and I was really tempted to try one ($8.50 ea.) but I will wait until next time.

There were some entertaining moments during the game despite the Yankees' loss to the Astros (to be fair though, the Jays are my team so I wasn't that let down) and all in all it was a great evening. If you have the money and the time, I have to say that even up in the 4th level we had a clear, unobstructed view of the action. The packed subway was a little intense on the way back, but those trains are deceptively long and hold a lot of people, so it wasn't as bad as it first appeared.

Coming up tomorrow: The Museum of Modern Art and the Empire State Building, a.k.a. Crowds, Crowds and more Crowds.

--James

Quick Tips

-Don't worry about looking like a stupid tourist. Use a map, it is better than getting lost. 

-The subway isn't scary, it is convenient. Use it. When I thought about it I was nervous because I imagined the subway I had seen in some 80's movies (notably, Ghost) but everyone uses it.

-Be nice to the people serving you food, they are very friendly (maybe because they want your money, but whatever) and they can give you insiders tips. 

-Tip, a lot. Just do it. 

-Use a travel guide. James gave me a Lonely Planet travel guide when we first started dating. We have used it a lot, to the point where we feel naked without it. 

-You can eat cheap in NYC, even in Midtown. Use your travel guide or the internet. James and I have eaten at a bunch of really delicious places (Columian, Cuban, Chinese...Soon Italian) for little money.

-Learn to cross the street, even if the hand is telling you not to. Just be careful. Look both ways!

-See Times Square, but don't make it your hang out. There are better, less crazy busy, places. 

-I'm going to talk about the Met Museum later tonight, but quick tip: start on the second floor if you are more interested in paintings.

-Wear FANTASTIC walking shoes. I have blisters on my blisters and I'm a comfortable shoe wearing kind of girl. 

Okay, that is it for the quick tips section, now I'm going to talk about a restaurant James forgot to mention. 

El Margon is a tiny Cuban diner that was recommended by our Loney Planet Guide. We are kind of working our way through the one dollar sign eateries (as opposed to $$$) due to my monetary restrictions. This has turned out great though, as we get to find places like Nice Green Bo. El Margon is a diner, one side with a counter the other with tables. It is very long and thin and packed with people. We were a bit overwhelmed with the craziness of it all so we decided to go with the Lonely Planet's recommendation of a sandwich called the "Cubano". Pickles, meat, cheese. So yummy. We shared one, and thank goodness because it was enough (it came with rice and beans too) and we were very full by the end of it all. 

The staff was friendly in a genuine way. I'm pretty sure they were laughing at us genially, simply because we look so touristy. They were all bilingual. It seems like most people in this city speak two languages. 

I know this picture doesn't really appear to have appetizing food, but that sandwich was DELICIOUS. 

My Life is a Series of Movie Quotes

Until James and I exit the plane on August 16th, my only real experience of New York is through film and television. The following shows and movies come to mind when I think of certain areas of The Big Apple:

Manhattan: Friends and Seinfeld 

Coney Island: The Warriors (CAN YOU DIG IT?)

The New York Library: Ghostbusters

Brooklyn: Saturday Night Fever

Central Park: Home Alone 2: Lost in New York

Any place fancy: Sex in the City

-Kim

Ladies First

Ladies should always go first, therefore I shall have the honour of composing the first post on "The Hot Dog Blog".

As one might guess from the title, this blog is of the serious variety. Only serious subjects shall be presented.

Hot dogs. What are they? Why do I find them so delicious? Exactly how many hot dogs can I eat on our trip to New York?

I hope to answer all of these questions--and more--on this blog.

It shall chronicle the Adventures of James and Kim. Two young whippersnappers on their first "real" vacation together. Having dated for a year and a half now, J&K have dreamed of their trip to New York since they started calling each other "babe" and "hon". Having both studied theatre in university, the decision of where to go on their first adventure together was easy. NYC. City of Lights. City that Never Sleeps. The. Big. Apple.

I'm going to take a picture, of myself, holding an apple, in New York. Oh yeah, I'm going to be that tourist. Beware New York, we're coming.

-Kim