Last night we did something we would not normally do. We went to Times Square. Willingly. And actually had fun.
This is the about the only part of Manhattan that I really hate. Really hate. I know people are just out having fun, looking at the spectacle of it all, but they are ALL IN MY WAY. And by the way, this is NOT REALLY NEW YORK--it's Vegas. And Vegas is about a gazillion times better than Times Square. So would all of you people just go to Vegas already and get out of my way?
Normally if we are going to a show near Times Square, we'll take the subway to a stop 10 blocks from where we are really headed, and make a wide loop around all the hoopla. I will walk 2 miles, in the pouring rain, in stilettos to avoid the throngs here. I mean if I owned stilettos.
But last night was AMC's screening of the season premier of Mad Men, right there in the thick of it all in Times Square. And while it is still not my favorite part of New York, I find it much more bearable now with the new, wide open pedestrian thoroughfare. What more appropriate place is there to watch a show about New York's advertising men than Times Square, with it's mile high Gap billboards and competing video screens with dizzying ads. Really puts you in the spirit.
This topped off several days of totally free activities for us here in the Big Apple. We spent the day exploring Governor's Island. Those of you that live here and haven't gone, go enjoy your tax dollars. A quick ferry ride puts you at Water Taxi Beach for a quick lunch overlooking the fabulous Manhattan skyline. Enjoy art exhibits scattered all over the island, do not miss the zombie movie--I'm serious, a zombie movie. Watch the kids playing miniature golf. And when you're just too pooped to walk another mile, get yourself to a hammock at Picnic Point and gaze at Lady Liberty while you swing under the shade of the cherry trees. But get back to Water Taxi Beach before 6 if you need a beer before heading back, that was our only mistake of the day.
Speaking of tax dollars, the new High Line park over Chelsea is another must see. Wouldn't it be cool to be able to walk the rest of Manhattan up in the air like that, above all the traffic and people? But then again, you would miss all that window-shopping and the chance to check out all the restaurant choices for dinner tonight.
Tonight is Close Encounters at Bryant Park, tomorrow Sex and the City in Central Park. My advice, bring a bottle of wine. Waiting for hours on your picnic blanket to watch a free movie can be hard on the forty-something body. Wine helps.
Sounds like a blast!
Posted by: Judy | August 17, 2009 at 07:42 PM
What a great itinerary you've had!
Posted by: Jules @ Lovely Las Vegas | August 17, 2009 at 08:18 PM