Quick Note

James and I have been very neglectful and have not written our final blog posts for our trip to New York. He is supposed to write one for the Museum of Natural History, whereas I would like to regale you with recollections of "The Lion King".
This will happen eventually. Maybe it will be a special "One Month Later" update.
Until then, take a gander at the photographs I edited of our trip, on my website.
Click here.

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. 

Always Look Up

New York is a city that teaches you to look up. And I'm not just saying that because it is famous for its skyscrapers. 

Whether it is the library, a cathedral, or Grand Central Station, New York knows how to make a good looking ceiling. 

I will be sharing most of my pictures (of ceilings and other things) after I get home and am able to upload and edit the hundreds of photographs. I'm not exaggerating this; I will probably have over 1000 pictures when I'm through. 

James is going to blog later, likely recapping our adventure today. My highlights were:

-Feeling nostalgic towards my time in SE Asia as we explored China Town

-Chatting with a nice Italian man who sold us gelato

-Eating very cheap, delicious Chinese food for lunch (see below)

-People watching on the subway

-Seeing the Statue of Liberty at sunset

There were many special moments today. James will regale you with his version once he returns from his quest for dinner. 

OH YES! You may wonder why we haven't eaten a hot dog yet. Don't worry, faithful readers. Tomorrow we head to Coney Island, the birthplace of the hot dog.

-Kim

On Broadway

Well, I can cross seeing a Broadway musical off my bucket list, and I'm glad that Kim was agreeable to seeing Hedwig and the Angry Inch with me. I've been in love with this musical ever since seeing its movie iteration a few years ago.

(This might turn into a slight/short review of Hedwig)

Somewhat different from the style of the movie, the musical is structured as part rock concert, part "one-woman-show" (plus band). Neil Patrick Harris is not only one of the funniest people I've ever seen on a stage, he's ridiculously energetic (and ripped - I was mucho jealous of his abs!). I've always been a big fan of rock music, and at times the show feels like a lesson in rock music history (without the actual history, but the style of songs spans the genre, from ballads to punk to grunge).

Broadway is certainly an experience that I would recommend. While you can get the same level of theatricality from a travelling Broadway show (as I have many times in the past), many of the theatre spaces here are surprisingly intimate:

Ours had a gorgeous ceiling, to boot

Just be prepared to shell out major $$$ if you want to have a beer at the show. Plus side, the sippy cups double as souvenirs:

I don't know why, but staring at Kim intensely seemed preferable to staring at the camera

Further observations on NYC thus far:

-I have decided that it is impossible to get a good night's rest during a turbulent flight
-I would never want to own a car here. Driving is scary, and requires a lot of patience (including reaching a destination in a reasonable amount of time. It's a huge, densely packed city)
-The cemeteries here are the size of small towns
-"Checking in early" is a concept and not a reality
-That thing where in every movie set in New York cars are honking at each other constantly? Totally true to life.
-Nintendo World should be called Nintendo Two Storeys

Kim has some great first-day pics of some other places we saw, including free exhibits at the Public Library by Bryant Park and St. Patrick's Cathedral (currently under restoration but still quite majestic) but I am signing off for today to go hunt for a late dinner.

Coming up tomorrow: Little Italy, Chinatown and the Circle Line cruise.

--James

The Kim That Never Sleeps

We have mocked up our itinerary. It is a bit insane the amount of things we intend to take in in a matter of a week. I hope that I don't pass out from exhaustion or over stimulation. New York has many people, and many lights. My little small town brain may not be able to take it all in. I'm already excited. I'm hoping adrenaline keeps me going when I am sleep deprived.

Here is our itinerary. I've written it in red, white, and blue to commemorate our american adventure.

Friday, Aug 15 DAY OF NO SLEEP Fly there: 1:42pm Homeà2:18pm Seattle, 6:10pm Seattleà9:10 Salt Lake City,12:35am Salt Lake Cityà6:59am NYC

Saturday, Aug 16 DAY I TRY NOT TO FALL ASLEEP IN PUBLIC PLACES Arrive: 7am  Walk around Midtown, Nintendo World, Bryant Park, NY Library 4pm: Check in 7pm: Hedwig and the Angry Inch Maybe we will meet Neil Patrick Harris!

Sunday, Aug 17 DAY WE TRY NOT TO GET LOST Day: Little Italy and China Town Eat all the Chinese food, ever. 7pm Circle Line Cruise

Monday, Aug 18 DAY WE RISK OUR LIVES ON VERY OLD ROLLER COASTER Coney Island WARRIORS, COME OUT TO PLAYYYYYY!

Tuesday, Aug 19 DAY OF KIM SAYING "THERE'S NO CRYING IN BASEBALL" Day: The Met 7pm Yankee Stadium Baseball Game

Wednesday, Aug 20 DAY WE GET OUR ART ON Morning: Top of the Rock 10:30am Museum of Modern Art Night: Empire State Building

Thursday, Aug 21 DAY OF NERDINESS 10am Museum of Natural History Night: Random Play I had a prophetic dream that I meet Daniel Radcliffe, perhaps we see his play?

Friday, Aug 22 DAY WE GET HOME AND SLEEP FOR SUBSEQUENT THREE DAYS Fly Home: 7:00amà10:07am Seattle 12:20pmà1:07pm Home

-Kim

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

Start Spreadin' the News

Why 'Hot Dog Blog', you ask?

Well, one of the first things Kim and I discussed when we talked about New York was the legendary street food, (I know, there are delis and Italian restaurants too, but bear with me, here). We thought it might be fun to eat a whole swack of hot dogs on the trip, discuss them, photograph them, rate them, digest them, etc. They were invented on Coney Island, after all, which is a part of our itinerary for this journey.

We'll probably keep this travel blog for other adventures, and at some point we'll regret the moniker 'hot dog blog' in a manner similar to the Goo Goo Dolls, but for now we feel like it has a ring to it.

Next question. Why New York? Kim offered some fun suggestions, delving into our similar pasts, but I'd also like to offer the following reasons:

 -It's a cheaper first vacation than somewhere off continent

-We have heard good things

-The American Museum of Natural History



- NEIL PATRICK HARRIS IS PLAYING HEDWIG



-Did I mention Coney Island?

I just found out they have burlesque shows there. Should I try to convince Kim to go to one with me?

I could go on and on but I'll probably just wait until we have a proper itinerary, lest the list become tedious. For now, welcome to the blog and we hope you enjoy how we document our journey through one of the biggest symbols of Americana. (formerly Dutchicana)

--James

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