Gypsy Soul: Adventures in NYC...Part2

The next morning, we met Mr. Pardon at the Chelsea Market. I learned about the Chelsea Market from one of Pardon's NYC German tourist guides and it is easily one of my favorite places ever. It is a collection of Fresh/Organic food-court style cafes, thrift, and artisan shops. Plus it resides in the former factory building that invented Oreos. I shouldn't have to tell you that this fact makes it even more awesome, since oreo cake balls are an amazing recent discovery.

The Chelsea Market is next to two awesome things: first an abandoned old space someone converted into their art show:

And second, the Highline. The Highline is now a 1-mile elevated "scenic walk." In the 1930's, it was New York's version of an above ground delivery train, with tracks designed to bring meat, dairy and manufactured goods directly into factories. This system was killed in the 50's once people started transporting goods with trucks. Now it just has a nice view of the Chelsea and Meatpacking areas. And, like everywhere in New York, it also boasts a little bit of crazy. Our trip to the highline included a street performer. Except this guy was legit, not some creep in a cartoon costume or a werido painted silver who licks you. He was posed on the side in a baby costume, not moving. Mr. Pardon, who likes weird things, puts a dollar in his bucket. And that's when he came to life....

"ARE YOU ALIVEEEE?!?!" Questions Babyman, who leaps at Mr. Pardon and starts running around him in circles.

You would understand the extreme hilarity of this situation if you knew the incredibly awkward personality that is Mr. Pardon. Babyman continued to speak from the heart about the beauty of being alive to anyone who passed by. He was actually a great actor and made some valid points. Most importantly, Pardon was a good sport and the Babyman lightened our mood considerably.

The rest of the highline...

Pardon had bought two New York Passes and gave me his extra one. (I assume he originally had planned to travel with someone, as the 7 day passes he bought cost $195each.) This is awesome because the pass gets you into everything for free (museums, attractions, sightseeing tours) and for any attractions that are already free, it gets you to the front of the line. We cashed in on this next by going up to the top of Rockefeller Center.

Going up....

Equally Stunning by Night

Next, at the Met, I was able to identify my taste in art, and that is Greek Sculpture. I can't get over how incredibly accurate these rock people are.

At the end of the Met, Pardon went home and Elaina and I sat down to rest our weary tourist bodies. We whipped out our map (which I think, is a flashing red light to any New Yorker to come to our rescue. Any time we opened it up, a flock of helpful New Yorkers just started giving us directions.) (New Yorkers might be my favorite people in the world.) and we started plotting the route home. That's when an absolute caricature of a New York woman next to us piped in. She was a woman in her late 50's, dressed beautifully but simply in black with leopard print accents. Please read her parts with a New York accent. (And please excuse my idiotic attempt at writing one, but it's just not the same if you don't do it!)

New York Lady: So where'ya girls tryin' tah go. Do ya need some help. (Stated as facts, not questions.)

Us: Thanks, that's so nice of you! We are just trying to find the best way to get home on the metro.

NYL: Where'ya stayin?

Us: The Bronx.

NYL: "Thuh Brooonnnxxxx?! I thought you wuh gunna say somewheh nice!

Us: haha. no.

NYL: That's just crahzay. It's Satuhday night! Ya didn't come ta Noo Yawk ta go home!

Us: So where would you recommend?

The NYL tells us without a doubt where we should go. Shakeshack. Right on the way to our metro. When we say we haven't heard of it..."well then ya haven' been readin' ya books, have ya?" Apparently it's a thing. And oh, it was...

Best. Burger. Ever. (Take that, In-n-Out!!) For dessert, I asked the very friendly counter guy what his preference was. (Again, I LOVE New Yorkers!) It was some kind of amazing mix of ice cream and chunks of yummy stuff. Asking people that work in restaurants what to order has never failed me.

This meal was only trumped by our Katz's Deli Experience the next day. Go here. Wait in the line, (lines in restaurants mean it's worth it!) Get the Pastrami on Rye. You won't be sorry. (FYI it's cash only...)

That night, Pardon and I went to see Lion King and Elaina went to The Book of Mormon. When the Lion King opened, the set and design were so beautiful, I dorkily had to hold back tears. What an incredible way to bring that story to life on stage. I resolved then and there I would search for ways to do theater in Reunion, regardless of whether or not I can speak perfect French.

Elaina left the next day, and I took the opportunity to go to all the places I could get in to for free with Pardon's pass--the Museum of Modern Art, the Harry Potter exhibit (embarrassing to go alone but still necessary), the Museum of Art and Design. I spent the night with Paris Ben, which is always a life-affirming time. We bought the best bubble-blowing bubble gum and had bubble contests all night. We caught each other up on life, and I left his apartment feeling re-energized. Ben really is one of the most creative, inspiring people I know. Talking through things with Ben is therapeutic. He has the most interesting insights to your story, and he always offers the perfect sentiments to make you feel validated. Besides that, he is an excellent story-teller.

New York was random, spontaneous, weird and crawling with life. I got on the plane completely recharged.