Change in Plans

Originally, I had planned to check out the Met & MOMA museums to see a talk by a fashion blogger and a handful of Charlie Chaplin films. My endeavours the night before, however, led me to a bar playing his films as a backdrop to some tasty food & drink, so I decided to forego the museums and spend the day flying by the seat of my pants. I think that’s what I do best; I’m learning to follow my gut; I’m also learning how to use semicolons. #workinprogress. 

By the time I was ready to have breakfast, it was lunch time, so I thought it appropriate to type gluten-free into yelp and head to the nearest location. I ended up at Little Beet, and I wanted to eat everything. I took advantage of their seasonal menu and forego the gluten-free doughnut that was calling, nay - screaming my name from behind the glass display. But only because the place was packed to the max and I couldn’t figure out how the line worked. It makes me sound like an idiot but really, you order and pay at one end, and the doughnuts are on display at the very other end! How was I supposed to know those were there? Am I seriously going to wait in that line up again for a doughnut? Nope. Though I’ll probably dream about it’s sugary exterior layer for weeks to come. 

Next on the docket, The High Line. And no, it in fact did not involve lines of cocaine at two in the afternoon. It did however lead down to the freedom tower as well as the staten island ferry docks where it was decided that some of NYC’s mystery would be kept alive by admiring the statue of liberty from afar. 

I seem to have made a habit of this. Not doing the touristy stuff you’re “supposed” to. I think it’s mostly because I’d rather try to live like a local while experiencing some of the unique aspects of the city. It may also be because I’d like to leave a bit of the city to my imagination. The big tourist attractions come with high expectations. Expecting to see the most breathtaking view, eat the tastiest food, or if you’re right in Time’s Square - be entertained by the sexiest women. It’s often slightly underwhelming compared to the image you had in mind. Then again, maybe I just want an excuse to visit again! I mean, I feel like I only did 75% of the things I wanted to do, and now that I’ve been to NYC, there are even more things I want to see and do. Who am I kidding? It’s probably just cause I’m broke as fuck.

Sleepless Eyes

So here we are, it’s my last night in the city, I’ve just toured around central park after dark (don’t worry mom, I had a body guard), strolled through grand central station, basically galavanting in the streets - you would think my legs would have been Jell-O by the this point, but I was determined to finish the trip with a bang. So, I took some time to freshen up, change out of the workout clothes I’d been wearing all day*, and hit the town in search of more jazz. As it turned out, Thursday was not the best night for live jazz unless I had money to spend or the gumption to head to Brooklyn. Neither of which were sounding very appealing at 11pm on my last night in town. So back to Fat Cat we went! Jazz is so much more enjoyable when it’s shared. The music was perfection, the cover and drinks were cheap, the seating was comfortable and the company was second to none. It was the most perfect way to end an educational, inspirational, and eye opening visit to the city that never sleeps. 

*Look, my vans were still soaked from the downpour, and I wasn’t about to spend the day walking about in heels. My only option was the sneakers I’d brought with the intention of running in central park. That didn't happen, but the shoes came in handy. When it comes to fashion, I commit, so with the runners came the lululemon getup. You’re just lucky I wasn’t wearing UGGs.

Beauty on Broadway

Eventually, I decided it was time to go and check out some broadway.

I got absolutely drenched walking from the garment district to Time’s Square to buy some cheap* broadway tickets. I couldn't help but laugh and smile the whole time thinking, I specifically chose not to go to Vancouver this week because of the rain, and here I am. There must have been holes in my umbrella because I was still getting big ‘ol droplets of NYC rainwater right smack dab in the middle of my face. My sneakers we’re soaked, hair a mess, but I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face. 

After stopping off at the AirBnb to freshen up, I headed to the show. Peep toe black heels, skin tight black leather pants, soft as silk v-neck tee, fitted black blazer, lavender floppy felt hat, a creme coloured clutch tucked under my left arm, and a camel crush silver gripped like a joint in my right hand. Hey! I had to protect the little gem from what had now become a slight drizzle in comparison to the downpour I trudged through earlier. With my hat pulled down over my face, to fight against the wicked breeze which would have taken it for a spin, I felt like this city was home; like this is where I was always meant to end up.

Beautiful (the broadway show) was… words don’t describe it. Albeit this was my first broadway show - so I have nothing to really compare it to, but it filled me up with immense joy and enough inspiration to last a lifetime. 

*And by “cheap” I mean, half price don't mean shit when tickets still cost a hundred bucks. But it was SO worth every pretty penny!