NYC observations

Watching the shuffling crowds of people cram into a New York subway doesn’t seem like anyone’s idea of beauty, but then I am a little odd. I stood there today watching thousands of people climb in a train car that located dozens of feet below the city’s surface and I couldn’t help but be a little impressed with man’s ingenuity. I know its not exactly like creating the human eye, or a body with enough blood vessels that would stretch around the world or anything, but it is slightly impressive. The subway wasn’t here. A bunch of buildings were built, people needed a fast way around, and then the subway was here. Without completely destroying the city above it, people managed to dig out hundreds of miles of underground train tunnels. There are trains that take you from one end of the city to the other with minimal stops, some that stop at every stop, and others still that run 24 hours a day. Its really quite miraculous in its simplicity. I couldn’t find the number of how many people die each year on subway accidents, but I’d wager it’s a whole lot less than in cars. Maybe we should just have subways through the whole country and do away with cars altogether. I think that’s the sensible thing to do.

Yesterday we also went to the Yankee’s game. I went in wanting to cheer for anyone but the Yankees, but during the ride there and the walk around before the game, I couldn’t help but caught up in the spirit of Yankee baseball. I’m still not a fan. I still will avidly cheer against them, but there was something about sitting there with all those people who genuinely care for their team; fathers there with their sons, people in from out of town, Yankee inspired tattoos on old men. . . .this club has history. They have true fans. . . they have fanatics. One thing that was impossible to ignore were all the great players who have donned a Yankee uniform. During every inning, some multiple choice question posed to a lucky fan was nearly always concerning one of the greats. You could still picture Babe Ruth or Mickey Mantle rounding the bases after game winning shot to center field. It was impossible to not appreciate the New York culture.

Adam came in for the day and along with his former roommate, Drew, attended the game with us. It was so nice to get to catch up with Adam and hear a little about his trip. It was just nice to see someone familiar with “home” (Phoenix) here.

Before the game, I had another slice of pizza as well. I think that brings my total pizza count up to 8. I know that eight slices of pizza isn’t all that many for a week’s time, but I don’t know that any of those were a meal. I think that nearly all of the pizza I’ve consumed so far might fall in between meals or in the “snack” realm. Its just so good though! Even when the pizza has been sitting there, probably all day, they warm it up and its. . . just so . . .wonderful!

After the game, Suzy and I got smarted up and went downtown. We ate at a Mexican place that was sub par (they brought our food super fast though because Suzy batted her eyes and asked nicely for our food quickly.) We needed to hurry though because we were going to see Spamalot. It was so funny. It was just like the movie yet there were extra scenes so it was a little like Search for the Holy Grail part 2. It was well worth the $38 per ticket (by far the cheapest tickets around.) We sat up box seats along the side. I like to call them the Abraham Lincoln seats because it’s where I think he would sit if he were alive and going to see Spamalot. I felt very special (and they were the cheapest seats in the house).

Right after Spamalot, we went for cocktails at the BBQ place we were at the night before. They had mammoth margaritas for only $8. On our way home, we happened to see that “Get Smart” was opening for the midnight show. We didn’t have anything else to do so we caught that to top off the night. Total expenditures for the day for the two of us: $199. I can’t stay here long.

WTC

NYC is pretty fun. The other night we went to see Shakespeare in the Park. They did Hamlet. Everyone died. Then three hours later, the end of the play arrived. I slept through a good portion of the first half, while Suzie slept through most of the second. We had pretzels and wine. Anyway, the play, Hamlet, was three and half hours long and it ended up being very entertaining. The best part was that it was free.

The next day, went to the Staton Island Ferry. That also was very cool. We got to see the Statue of Liberty and all the stuff that goes with it. One very touching aspect of the day was seeing the WTC site. We also walked around the churches nearby and took plenty of pictures. This one of the things that I’ve heard many people talk about, but until you experience it, its just not the same. Seeing all the picture that everyone drew, and reading about the events that happened that day and the days following was very emotional. It evokes a sense of pride in the one’s country and the people here. It’s the great equalizer and all of the sudden, everyone is in the same boat. Everyone is affected by this; maybe not directly, but because everyone around them is affected, it touches the people’s lives who didn’t know anyone who died.

We also got some pizza for lunch (so delicious). The pizza is fantastic here. It looks like they make it and it’s a couple hours old and then they warm it up in the oven and its soooooo good. I love it.

After the ferry, we went up to the Late Show with David Letterman. It was quite a long line and they had us do all these things when we laughed. They told us we couldn’t make any high pitched sounds and we were supposed to laugh at everything. The show was ok. I think Dennis Leary was the guest the musical guest some crazy band that I never heard of. I think I fell asleep during the musical guest though. (surprise)

Finally, after the Late Show, we went to see “The Happening.” It was fairly good. This was not M. Night’s best work, but I was entertained. Suzie didn’t like it. I definitely understand why many people did not like it, but eh, whatever. I think he might have peaked with 6th sense.

By the time the movie got over, it was very late and we got some Chinese and then some Cold Stone for dessert. I couldn’t believe it was nearly 1am and it was bright as the noon-day sun outside.

I felt a little bad for “Snooze” (he’s the foreigner that doesn’t do anything but drift in and out of sleep all day. . . and I don't know his real name). His traveling companion, “Mess” (he told us to call him that because we couldn’t pronounce his name properly, is very courteous. He is a loud sleeper though as his bed squeaks all night, but at least he goes out and does things. Suzie and I are out most the whole day (well, after noon anyways) and usually don’t get back till very late. I don’t think I’ve ever seen “Snooze” away from his bed though. He may even have a cup to pee in because I’m not sure I’ve seen him go to the bathroom.

ESB

Yesterday we went to The Empire State Building. I told Suzie that this is why I hate NYC. She was very confused and I told her that almost no where else in America are you charged $19 for riding up an elevator. After that, they wanted another $12 if we wanted to go the top 102^nd) floor. We could only get to the 86^th floor for $19. On top of that, we had to wait in 3 different lines to get our picture taken, ride up one elevator, and then since that was only to the 80^th floor, we had wait in line again to take the next elevator. Suzie said she felt right at home since we had to “queue” so much.

Four times in less than a minute my ears popped. The view was amazing from the “top” of the Empire State Building. I couldn’t imagine what else you would see if you went up another 16 floors and then I figured it out, that $12 was just so you could feel superior to all the puny people who only paid $19 ride an elevator; its kind of like first class on an airplane. We spent nearly 10 minutes on each side trying to figure out what each park was, every interesting building, the bridges, etc. It was well worth the price of admission (if there HAS to be an admission price.) The only downside was that because of the smog, we could barely see the Statue of Liberty. It was quite depressing to me that there was so much smog. I told Suzie how clear Phoenix becomes and how you can see for miles after the rain. Its like someone finally cleans a window that has not been cleaned in several months. You could see out of it before and you may not have noticed what you’ve been missing, but once someone DOES clean the window, you feel as though you’d only been getting have the picture before. I told her I wished it had just rained.

After waiting in 3 lines to get back down from the 86^th floor, we passed up the $27 picture of us standing in front of the green screened shot of the ESB. Again, I was made bitter by the commercialism that would cause someone who has a total of 31 cents (there was a CD with the picture too) invested to turn an 8600% profit. I left unsatisfied.

Once arriving outside, we saw that the hour it took to get back down the EBS had been enough time to bring in rain clouds. Being from Phoenix, I was very excited at the prospect of walking in the rain. This particular storm reminded me of the monsoons in Phoenix, as the Heavens opened up and were relentless with the amount of water that was emptied on the city in such a short time. We walked a few blocks in the rain, jumping in puddles, slashing around, causing quite a spectacle. Many of the patrons were huddled under store fronts or large table umbrellas were quite entertained at the two foreigners who didn’t have enough sense to get out of the rain. We got many smiles and “thumbs up” from people who had the desire to be where we were, but too much responsibility to let loose and enjoy God’s shower with us.

After a couple miles though, Suzie and I were properly cold and soaked to the bone. The appeal of taking a shower (that didn’t smell like a toilet) had worn off and now we just wanted to get back to the hostel. The subway was an option, but since we had come so far, it seemed like 2 more miles wouldn’t hurt and we had become quite stubborn during the 2 miles of rain walking already. The total trip yesterday was 11 miles walking (almost ½ of it in the rain).

A warm shower later and we were ready to go for dinner. The problem was that it was still raining and we didn’t want to get wet. We waited an hour or so for the rain to lighten up a bit and then set off to find dinner. A Chinese restaurant filled our stomachs while the comedy club we attended afterwards emptied our wallets. They told us it was a 2 drink minimum and we were happy to oblige, afterall, it was still relatively cheap to be there. We waited in the bar and when we went to sit down, we were told that drinks purchased at the bar did not count towards the 2 drinks. This was slightly upsetting because the Crown and Seven I had at the bar was very stiff and 2 more like that and I would not find my way back to the Hostel.

I found a nice girly drink while Suzie drank wine (every drink was at least $10). I also got made fun of properly because of my “Love” shirt I was wearing while drinking such a girly drink. I was comfortable enough though to laugh it off. The comedians were all fairly good, not amazing. We came home and slept in till 11:30 the next day.

First day in NYC

I arrived in New York City today. I already don't like it. Its just too big and it smells like urine. Well, not everywhere smells like urine; I did get a fresh cut grass smell by Central Park, a whiff of fecal matter near the showers in the hostel we're staying, and the B.O. smell of congested people in the airport was less than desirous. Its amazing how strong the sense the smell is with memories. As I smelled the grass clippings today, I recalled the summers spent mowing grass and how much satisfaction I took in the sight and smell of a freshly manicured lawn. Also, when I'm fortunate enough to sense a hint of lilac, I'm instantly transported back to a riding mower, age 9, edging my around the lilac bush so carefully, yet always managing to clip one of the weaker branches that didn't move out of my way fast enough. I guess I have mom and dad to blame for all my olfactory memories involving lawn mowing. I hope to not think of the New York subway every time I go to the bathroom now.

The Hostel we're staying at it is a typical Hostel. Suzie says its quite nice for a hostel which makes me less than motivated to visit any others ever again. I feel like I'm in another country here. The different nationalities and cultures all here under one roof are a little overwhelming at times. I really enjoyed the hour we spent in Central Park away from people. This is just another reminder that God did not intend for me to live in the city. I enjoy visiting, but my heart isn't here.

This evening Suzie and I decided to explore the neighborhood around the hostel. We walked out the door, turned left, and started walking. After 20 minutes of just people watching and meandering down the street we found ourselves in surrounded by fried chicken restaurants and $.99 stores. We chose one and took our mediocre dinner back to the park to eat (It sure wasn't the Colonel). I don't plan on going back. I really want to find one of these hot dog stands that I've heard so much about.

Mostly today though, I read. I've been reading "Economic Hitman" while postponing "Pedagogy of the Oppressed." I also may have slipped in a nerd book called "The Wheel of Time" (thanks Jared). I finished that one yesterday and got 200 pages into the second book of the series, "The Great Hunt."

Photobucket Album

Last day in Denver

So far, Denver has been wonderful. I have had such a wonderful time spending time with everyone that was here for the wedding. There were many people I haven't seen in nearly 4 years, but I guess that's the great about weddings. Steve and Keah's wedding was fantastic. It was up in the mountains overlooking a valley and it seemed very low key compared to other weddings I've been a part of. (You're going to have to get used to prepositions at the end of sentences because I like them there).

The wedding was so much and I got to film the whole thing. It would be nice to have a professional, but I'm so much cheaper and I probably had way more fun anyway. They asked me to go around and get well wishes and advice from everyone. One piece of advice that I hope to not forget: “Always fight naked." I thought that was pretty funny. . . and well thought out. By the way, the food was delicious. There wasn’t a main course per say, but the cheeses, hummus, and sandwiches were so good. The wine, Barefoot, was just as good as well. I probably went back for seconds and second and halves.

After the wedding, everyone went to Woody’s across the street for some drinks. I think we put nearly 30 people around the table that was meant for 12 when it was all said and done. Mr. Redder ended up picking up the tab too which was pretty fantastic. We began taking pictures, the people on the end of the table, and eventually it turned into, “The Worst Face Ever” contest. At first, Chrissy Hotwig (Hellwig) seemed to have the winner, but in the end Taryn came out on top. Even the adults got in on this, and they were able to put together some pretty horrific faces.

Last night, I made dinner for Abby and her roommates. We had pasta with a white sauce, broccoli, Italian sausage, and cheesecake for dessert. It turns out I can cook. (Ok, so the cheesecake was bought, but I still thawed it.)

Oh and tonight we are going to Casa Bonita's to see the cliff divers, go through Black Bart's Cave, and eat sopapillas.

First blog

This is the first leg of my trip and the first entry in my blog. I've already realized things that I've forgotten to bring, but nothing so important that I can't live without. The one pair of shorts I brought will probably be worn through by the time I arrive back home since the other three didn't make the trip. I'm trusting that it will be slightly chilly and pants will suffice most of the time in Uganda.

Since arriving in Colorado though, I've been able to spend time with Brandon Casburn and Abby Herreman. We've been out to eat a couple times, went several parties and just had a lot of fun playing, "Remember when?" Speaking of eating out: Yesterday, we all went to church and then lunch. We were going to come right home as we were very tired, but someone suggested we go to a place called "The Snooze" for brunch. They said there would a little bit of a wait, but it was the best place in town. Well, after an hour and forty minute wait, we got to sit down. Then 50 minutes after we put our order in, they finally brought our food. Needless to say, we were a little bothered. The waitress came over and told us that she talked to the manager and the manager was going to take 30% off our bill. That was a nice gesture, but . . . .really? I mean, we wasted nearly 3 hours of our day there. 30%? That meant that my $10 eggs benedict was only $7.50 now. I feel like I was betrayed. . . only fitting considering my order. We didn't compain about the wait and our waitress just did that for us without us asking, but. . . .I've been to places where the manager comes out and apologizes for the slow service. .. . not the waitress. And the meal is free . . . .not 30% off. When she came out and started telling us that she's so sorry we had to wait a long time and she worked something out with her manager and whatnot. . . I figured it would be a least 50% off. I know I sound very ungrateful, but it just seemed like poor management. The food was pretty good though and cudos to Casburn for picking up the tab.