Crowds Crowds Crowds

Alright, let's talk about the Empire State Building.

The expectation:



The reality:



Granted, there were some spectacular nighttime views:

...but even though we got up there at midnight, the crowds were still pretty intense. If you're accustomed to that sort of thing, not a big deal. If you're not, bring a lot of patience. You can pay a paltry $20 (per person) extra to skip the main line (which we did not pay) and another $20 (per person, again) to go to the upper observation deck. We had no idea if the upper deck was worth it, or if it was just as crowded up there, so we just enjoyed the view from where we were.

All in all, I'm glad we went because it was a part of the City Pass, but although the view was really great, I don't know if it lived up to all the hype from the movies. If you have to choose one, I'd recommend the harbour tour for a view of the city. It's more relaxing, you get anecdotes about New York from a friendly captain/tour guide, and everyone gets their own seat from which to enjoy the view (so long as everyone on the boat obeys the sit down so everyone can enjoy the view rule).

Hint: not everyone obeyed the rule.

Tomorrow, my review of the American Museum of Natural History promises to be lengthier and more positive.

--James

On the metaphorical road

So! Here we go. On our way. First leg of the race. 

James has already written about his feelings towards airports. I agree with him on some aspects, and have found if you develop a positive somewhat laissez-faire attitude, it can be a relatively painless. I tend to smile as much as possible, even when I don't feel like it. Another method of keeping positive is to imagine how much more difficult everything would be if I was trying to do it all with a small child. I don't envy mothers in airports. 

What I don't like about travel is packing. I can never shrug the feeling that I've forgotten something. No matter how many lists I make or how many times I repack, I still feel like I'm going to get to my destination, walk through the door and realize I forgot my deodorant. 

But as long as I have my passport and my credit card I should be fine. 

This is the first time both James and I are leaving Chewie for a week with other people. Granted, our dog will be perfectly well taken care of by my brother and his girlfriend, but it is still difficult for me. I love the furry butthead, even though he sometimes tries to hump my leg or eat my cereal off the counter. 

Alright, I suppose that is a sufficient enough check in for now, unless something insanely exciting happens on our journey. 

The biggest dilemma in my life currently is whether or not to buy a neck pillow for 20.00. 

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

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