Or at least....that's what the benches say. I don't necessarily agree with that, but I do love Baltimore. But it's not for the city itself, but a few of it's inhabitants. I've spent a lot of time there in the last year. In fact, I just got back from my fifth trip there....second one in just this month!
Baltimore is the school year home of my best friend Joe. It's because of him that Baltimore has become such a wonderful place for me. He makes sure I always have an amazing time while I'm there.
Most of the time, my trips to Baltimore are just a pit stop on the way to and/or from a bigger destination.... for example, earlier this month, I flew to Baltimore, and we road tripped up to NYC where we met up with another friend, and spent a few days exploring what I have decided really IS the Greatest City in America. This trip was different though. This trip was all about Joe (although he somehow made me feel like it was all about ME).
Tuesday and Wednesday
This past Wednesday was his senior recital (he's a clarinetist). I flew in early Tuesday afternoon. We spent Tuesday night and Wednesday morning preparing everything for the reception that was to be held after the recital. In typical Joe fashion, the plan was for it to be the best reception of the year. We ran around getting ingredients for dips and desserts, drinks and more. Oh, and don't forget the sushi platter (who could!?)
The recital itself marked the first time I'd ever heard Joe perform...though I've listened to him practice many times...it never gets old for me, either. Present in the audience were several of his friends, his roomies, and his aunt and uncle, who video taped it for Joe's parents (who unfortunately couldn't be there, due to reasons beyond anyone's control) I thought he sounded wonderful, though he'll tell you he was disappointed. He'd gotten sick the night before, and it's not exactly easy to play a wind instrument when you have no wind.
The reception, as planned, was awesome. We thought we'd bought an over-abundance of food....but there wasn't a scrap left by the time all was said and done! Good food, good drink, and a damn good group of people, in my opinion! I felt a bit....out of place, at first....I didn't really know anyone, and those I did know, I didn't really know WELL. And I was the only non-musical person of the whole bunch, so it was hard to join in on a lot of the conversation. After a while though, things got better, and I really enjoyed talking to everyone.
Thursday and Friday
Aaaaand it's time to relax. After the stress of the days before, Joe took the day off from class. Instead, we hung out and did so many fun things I can't remember what we did on what day....so much of the rest of this entry is going to be a bit choppy!
The weather was absolutely beautiful. As photographers that have been holed up inside, aching to get out all winter, there was no way we were staying inside and bumming around. We walked down to Baltimore's inner Harbor, and over to Federal Hill. Joe taught me how to take panoramic photos....you can see my first attempt here. I'm fairly happy with it. :)
We went to Little Italy and split a huuuuge apple strudel sundae at Vaccaro's (no way either of us could eat it alone) It was DELICIOUS! I will make SURE we go back there again next time I'm there! We had dinner with Joe's roommates, Jon and Becca, at PF Chang's on Friday night....again, delicious and OH so filling! I felt like my stomach was going to explode by the time we were done! 'Course...it doesn't help that we all eat off of each others plates, too....so you're eating more than just your own meal!
Oh, can't forget the paddle boats! I've never been paddle boating before...I've mentioned it everytime we've gone to the harbor every time I visit....so finally, this time, I was determined. We did that Friday before PF Chang's....we couldn't go very far into the harbor, but it was still a lot of fun! And more importantly, it provided us with new angles of the harbor to shoot! Overall, it was a very relaxing, yet at the same time, activity filled couple of days.
Oh, almost forgot! Thursday night we went to the recital of one of Joe's friends, and to the reception afterwards. I guess I have to admit that Steve's reception one-upped Joe's....but he cheated...he rented out the top floor of a hotel and had it catered. :P I still think Joe's was better....Steve's just had a better view. Hehe.
Saturday and Sunday
Saturday we decided to check out the Walter's Art Museum near Joe's apartment. It was free, after all. ;) I must say, I was quite impressed with the quality of the museum, because I was expecting a lot less from a free museum.
We were starting to run out of things to do...as we were a tad bit limited as to how far away we could go, due to Joe having a concert that night. So, we hopped in the car, and drove out in the country to a nice farm area, full of horse pastures and rolling hills and winding roads. It was BEAUTIFUL! It was also a great place to practice panos!
Saturday night was Joe's concert with the Peabody Symphony Orchestra. I feel it's part of Joe's plan to expose me to as much musical culture as he possibly can. :P I'm not complaining. I thoroughly enjoyed the performance.
Afterwards, it was time for another kind of culture.....appreciation of fine beers at Max's on Broadway. And yes...I actually drank beer. Two of them, in fact. Me!!! Beer! And I didn't hate it!!!! It was loud, but the music for the most part was good...and I think we all had a good time.
Sunday....Joe had another concert in the afternoon. This time it was for the Peabody Camerata. This was a bit different than the others...Camerata is pretty much all new music...only one of the four pieces played wasn't exactly new. The other three were new enough that the composers for each of them were in the audience! I thought that was pretty cool.
The conductor seemed like a very interesting man, too. You've gotta be, to have the guts to wear a cream colored pin striped suit!
That night was dinner at Olive Garden with Joe's roomies and one of their friends. After a looooooooong wait, we were finally seated. We ordered right away...and after another LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONG wait, we finally got our food. It's a damn good thing that food was ABSOLUTELY AMAZING....or I might have been annoyed with that restaurant! I now know what alfredo sauce is SUPPOSED to taste like! And I'm addicted. Joe and I also got Tiramisu for dessert...I'd never had it before.....but I WILL have it again! (I'm noticing this whole post is about music and food!)
Monday
My last day. :( Joe actually had things to do on Monday, too. I was alone for about 4 hours of that day...but I made the most of it. I did some exploring of Baltimore on my own....didn't really go to any new places, but I still enjoyed it. I walked down to the harbor and stalked some ducks...shot some more panos that I REALLY home come out....and started packing to go home.
It was a gorgeous day out, so when Joe got home from class, we heated up our leftovers from Olive Garden and ate out on the deck...and spent the remainder of my time there relaxing, watching really bad 90's music videos on youtube, winding the dog up, and just goofing around.
So, as you can see, I had a pretty full week. And this post only highlighted the bigger things we did. I said very little about some of the parts I liked the most....the times where we just hung out, watching stupid videos on the internet...watching Scrubs....seeing what silly things we could make the dog do (I totally almost got him to sit down on Joe's face....it was cool....good BOY Oliver!)
I tried to describe above what a great time I had...but honestly, it's un-describable.
And I swear I didn't cry at the airport. Not one bit.
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Home sweet home?
At approximately 1 o'clock this morning, I stuck my key in the door to my apartment here in Smalltown, Illinois. Home, after spending a week in Baltimore visiting my best friend. I was greeted by my two mischievous felines (the canine was still at the sitters..) .....and not much of anything else. A floor that needs to be vacuumed. Two litter boxes that need to be cleaned. A whole lot of junk that needs to be organized. A computer that is awaiting parts before it can once again be a productive part of my household.
...and what awaits me in this town beyond the apartment? A job I hate. A family that hasn't exactly been supportive in my life. And.....well nothing.
I've spent several days of the last month LIVING LIFE. Here, I'm simply in hibernation....just doing what I need to get by. I've gotten too much of a taste of real life now to continue to hibernate. I want out. Now.
Unfortunately, I'm not sure that's in the cards just yet. But at least it gives me the motivation to start working towards finding that winning hand.
This fall, I plan to start college. I'll be 25 by then....and I'm finally starting college. At the moment, I intend to go through a 2 year program, but I may change my mind and go for 4 years. We'll see. As I'm finding out....things change...so you just never know. After I graduate, and hopefully find a job, I will work for a year and save all my money...unless I find a way to make it happen sooner, of course....after that, I'm out of here. I'm going to live life. Not just a week here and a week there, when I can escape hibernation for a tiny period of time.....but for good.
I just don't fit here anymore. When I leave, I feel like new life is being breathed into me....and when I come back, it gets sucked back out.
So that's my plan. And I fully intend to carry it out. I just wish I could make it happen sooner.
...and what awaits me in this town beyond the apartment? A job I hate. A family that hasn't exactly been supportive in my life. And.....well nothing.
I've spent several days of the last month LIVING LIFE. Here, I'm simply in hibernation....just doing what I need to get by. I've gotten too much of a taste of real life now to continue to hibernate. I want out. Now.
Unfortunately, I'm not sure that's in the cards just yet. But at least it gives me the motivation to start working towards finding that winning hand.
This fall, I plan to start college. I'll be 25 by then....and I'm finally starting college. At the moment, I intend to go through a 2 year program, but I may change my mind and go for 4 years. We'll see. As I'm finding out....things change...so you just never know. After I graduate, and hopefully find a job, I will work for a year and save all my money...unless I find a way to make it happen sooner, of course....after that, I'm out of here. I'm going to live life. Not just a week here and a week there, when I can escape hibernation for a tiny period of time.....but for good.
I just don't fit here anymore. When I leave, I feel like new life is being breathed into me....and when I come back, it gets sucked back out.
So that's my plan. And I fully intend to carry it out. I just wish I could make it happen sooner.
Saturday, March 24, 2007
BULLSEYE!
To say I've traveled a lot in the past year, is a bit of an understatement. Since April 2006, I have gone on 6 trips, and in 3 days, I'll have gone on 7. I have been to Washington DC (twice), Baltimore (four times, soon to be 5), Philadelphia, Houston and Galveston (twice), San Antonio, Boston, Dallas, and New York City. It has been an amazing journey...truly. I don't regret it a bit.
However, it has taken it's toll on my wallet. Since January, I've been looking for a 3rd part time job to help alleviate the costs of traveling. Unfortunately, not many people want to hire someone that has 2 jobs already, and isn't available 24 hours out of the day....so I haven't been very successful. And besides....it isn't exactly the time of year that is busy in retail, and I figure retail is the best bet for fitting the hours I am available.
I thought I finally was going to get a break about a month ago...I had an interview with Bath and Body Works. I was very confident about it....I have good experience in retail, I felt I interviewed well, and I felt I did well on the floor test, where they put me on the floor to interact with customers. However, I did not get a call back.
I decided that if I didn't get a job soon, I was going to start applying at the places I didn't prefer to work at.
Then I remembered I hadn't applied at Target yet. It wasn't my first choice, as I don't have experience in bigger stores...I'd been applying at smaller stores with smaller staffs. A week or so ago, I was in Target, and asked for an application at customer service....they said they didn't have paper applications...nor could you apply online. So, I planned to come back when I had the time.
Yesterday, a friend told me Target was hiring....so that put my butt in gear. I got up this morning, drove to town, and applied. When I finished filling out the application, they gave me my first interview.....and then my second interview.....I believe the exact words that came out of the mouth of the director of HR, who gave me my second interview, were, "I'm loving you! I'd like to extend you a conditional job offer right now!".
...already went to the hospital for my drug screening...they'll run the background check on the day of orientation (those are the 'conditions'...of which I'm not worried about!)....and I start April 4th! :D
I'M GONNA HAVE TRAVEL MONEY!!!!!
However, it has taken it's toll on my wallet. Since January, I've been looking for a 3rd part time job to help alleviate the costs of traveling. Unfortunately, not many people want to hire someone that has 2 jobs already, and isn't available 24 hours out of the day....so I haven't been very successful. And besides....it isn't exactly the time of year that is busy in retail, and I figure retail is the best bet for fitting the hours I am available.
I thought I finally was going to get a break about a month ago...I had an interview with Bath and Body Works. I was very confident about it....I have good experience in retail, I felt I interviewed well, and I felt I did well on the floor test, where they put me on the floor to interact with customers. However, I did not get a call back.
I decided that if I didn't get a job soon, I was going to start applying at the places I didn't prefer to work at.
Then I remembered I hadn't applied at Target yet. It wasn't my first choice, as I don't have experience in bigger stores...I'd been applying at smaller stores with smaller staffs. A week or so ago, I was in Target, and asked for an application at customer service....they said they didn't have paper applications...nor could you apply online. So, I planned to come back when I had the time.
Yesterday, a friend told me Target was hiring....so that put my butt in gear. I got up this morning, drove to town, and applied. When I finished filling out the application, they gave me my first interview.....and then my second interview.....I believe the exact words that came out of the mouth of the director of HR, who gave me my second interview, were, "I'm loving you! I'd like to extend you a conditional job offer right now!".
...already went to the hospital for my drug screening...they'll run the background check on the day of orientation (those are the 'conditions'...of which I'm not worried about!)....and I start April 4th! :D
I'M GONNA HAVE TRAVEL MONEY!!!!!
Thursday, March 22, 2007
The Diagnosis
The verdict is in......my baby has suffered hard drive failure, and needs a transplant. I really hoped it wouldn't have to come to this. I prayed this would be a simple outpatient procedure.
The Doc is in the process of attempting a file transfusion from the old hard drive to the new one, in hopes of saving precious files. (i.e. 24GB of un-backed up photos). The next step in recovery involves me rushing the temporary hard drive to Baltimore with me so Doc Joe can work his magic and preserve the files on DVDs.
...and the search for a hard drive donor is on. Thankfully, Doc Joe is an expert at locating vital PC organs on the cheap.
With luck, and a little cash pulled out of thin air, we'll be on the road to recovery in few weeks. :)
The Doc is in the process of attempting a file transfusion from the old hard drive to the new one, in hopes of saving precious files. (i.e. 24GB of un-backed up photos). The next step in recovery involves me rushing the temporary hard drive to Baltimore with me so Doc Joe can work his magic and preserve the files on DVDs.
...and the search for a hard drive donor is on. Thankfully, Doc Joe is an expert at locating vital PC organs on the cheap.
With luck, and a little cash pulled out of thin air, we'll be on the road to recovery in few weeks. :)
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
I NEED 50 CC'S OF RAM, STAT!
Today is officially day 2 of my computer being in intensive care. I came home from work yesterday to my beautiful electronic baby repeatedly trying to boot up, then starting over, trying to boot up, starting over.....and this time, even with Chase attempting to talk me through it over the phone, I couldn't resuscitate him. I'm supposed to get the diagnosis from the doc sometime tomorrow. I'm not sure what I'm going to do if there is no hope! I'm not exactly in a financial position to adopt a new baby right now....but I also can't live without one! For the moment, I'm borrowing a laptop so I don't feel so alone at home....but it's just not the same. I feel like I'm cheating on my PC. Hopefully he'll understand.
I feel almost sinful though...because I'm finding myself stealing glances at those cute Macbooks....My PC is still alive, and I'm already 'shopping'. Not sure how'd I'd be able to snag me one anyway...but I still feel sinful.
What I need to be doing right now is praying. Praying that he pulls through, and that his medical bills aren't astronomical. It's hard saying right now....it's possible he may need a transplant of somesort. Depending on the specific ailment, that COULD get pricey....at least for those like me that don't have insurance.
So, if you would, please keep my dear PC in your prayers tonight....pray for a quick and cheap recovery!
I feel almost sinful though...because I'm finding myself stealing glances at those cute Macbooks....My PC is still alive, and I'm already 'shopping'. Not sure how'd I'd be able to snag me one anyway...but I still feel sinful.
What I need to be doing right now is praying. Praying that he pulls through, and that his medical bills aren't astronomical. It's hard saying right now....it's possible he may need a transplant of somesort. Depending on the specific ailment, that COULD get pricey....at least for those like me that don't have insurance.
So, if you would, please keep my dear PC in your prayers tonight....pray for a quick and cheap recovery!
Friday, March 16, 2007
Sleep deprivation is good for the soul....or..something like that.
Sleep deprivation: one of nature's many ways of keeping you humble.
How can you be cocky when you tell the bank teller you're tired because you were up til after '2:30 o'clock' last night, when she asks how you are?
How can you be arrogant when you answer the phone at work by saying, "Hi..er..uh..I mean...Davidson Home Improvement, how can I help you?"
Is it possible to remain cavalier after stumbling into the door frame because you haven't figured out the art of walking in a straight line?
And can you get fired from your job for acting drunk, if there isn't a trace of alcohol in your system?
Yeah, I'd say I'm a bit sleep deprived. Take a nap, you say? I can't. I have to finish out this work day.
I can sleep after I clock out, right? No. Sorry bub. Not happenin'. Gotta walk the dog. And clean the apartment. And go work out at the Y. And catch up on the last few weeks with a good friend.
Who needs sleep anyway?
The Barenaked Ladies know what I'm talkin' about....sorta....
Who Needs Sleep
Now I lay me down not to sleep
I just get tangled in the sheets
I swim in sweat three inches deep
I just lay back and claim defeat
Chapter read and lesson learned
I turned the lights off while she burned
So while shes three hundred degrees
I throw the sheets off and I freeze
Lids down, I count sheep
I count heartbeats
The only thing that counts is
That I wont sleep
I countdown, I look around
Who needs sleep?
(well youre never gonna get it)
Who needs sleep?
(tell me whats that for)
Who needs sleep?
(be happy with what youre getting
Theres a guy whos been awake
Since the second world war)
My hands are locked up tight in fists
My mind is racing filled with lists
Of things to do and things Ive done
Another sleepless nights begun
Lids down, I count sheep
I count heartbeats
The only thing that counts is
That I wont sleep
I countdown, I look around
Who needs sleep?
(well youre never gonna get it)
Who needs sleep?
(tell me whats that for)
Who needs sleep?
(be happy with what youre getting
Theres a guy whos been awake
Since the second world war)
Who needs sleep?
(well youre never gonna get it)
Who needs sleep?
(tell me whats that for)
Who needs sleep?
(be happy with what youre getting
Theres a guy whos been awake
Since the second world war)
Theres so much joy in life,
So many pleasures all around
But the pleasure of insomnia
Is one Ive never found
With all life has to offer,
Theres so much to be enjoyed
But the pleasures of insomnia
Are ones I cant avoid
Lids down, I count sheep
I count heartbeats
The only thing that counts is
That I wont sleep
I countdown, I look around
Hala hala hala...
Who needs sleep?
(well youre never gonna get it)
Who needs sleep?
(tell me whats that for)
Who needs sleep?
(be happy with what youre getting
Theres a guy whos been awake
Since the second world war)
And tomorrow, after I finally have had a chance to sleep, I'll come back and read this post, and wonder what the hell I was talking about.
How can you be cocky when you tell the bank teller you're tired because you were up til after '2:30 o'clock' last night, when she asks how you are?
How can you be arrogant when you answer the phone at work by saying, "Hi..er..uh..I mean...Davidson Home Improvement, how can I help you?"
Is it possible to remain cavalier after stumbling into the door frame because you haven't figured out the art of walking in a straight line?
And can you get fired from your job for acting drunk, if there isn't a trace of alcohol in your system?
Yeah, I'd say I'm a bit sleep deprived. Take a nap, you say? I can't. I have to finish out this work day.
I can sleep after I clock out, right? No. Sorry bub. Not happenin'. Gotta walk the dog. And clean the apartment. And go work out at the Y. And catch up on the last few weeks with a good friend.
Who needs sleep anyway?
The Barenaked Ladies know what I'm talkin' about....sorta....
Who Needs Sleep
Now I lay me down not to sleep
I just get tangled in the sheets
I swim in sweat three inches deep
I just lay back and claim defeat
Chapter read and lesson learned
I turned the lights off while she burned
So while shes three hundred degrees
I throw the sheets off and I freeze
Lids down, I count sheep
I count heartbeats
The only thing that counts is
That I wont sleep
I countdown, I look around
Who needs sleep?
(well youre never gonna get it)
Who needs sleep?
(tell me whats that for)
Who needs sleep?
(be happy with what youre getting
Theres a guy whos been awake
Since the second world war)
My hands are locked up tight in fists
My mind is racing filled with lists
Of things to do and things Ive done
Another sleepless nights begun
Lids down, I count sheep
I count heartbeats
The only thing that counts is
That I wont sleep
I countdown, I look around
Who needs sleep?
(well youre never gonna get it)
Who needs sleep?
(tell me whats that for)
Who needs sleep?
(be happy with what youre getting
Theres a guy whos been awake
Since the second world war)
Who needs sleep?
(well youre never gonna get it)
Who needs sleep?
(tell me whats that for)
Who needs sleep?
(be happy with what youre getting
Theres a guy whos been awake
Since the second world war)
Theres so much joy in life,
So many pleasures all around
But the pleasure of insomnia
Is one Ive never found
With all life has to offer,
Theres so much to be enjoyed
But the pleasures of insomnia
Are ones I cant avoid
Lids down, I count sheep
I count heartbeats
The only thing that counts is
That I wont sleep
I countdown, I look around
Hala hala hala...
Who needs sleep?
(well youre never gonna get it)
Who needs sleep?
(tell me whats that for)
Who needs sleep?
(be happy with what youre getting
Theres a guy whos been awake
Since the second world war)
And tomorrow, after I finally have had a chance to sleep, I'll come back and read this post, and wonder what the hell I was talking about.
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
New York City, March of 2007
I already posted my New York City travel log on The Photo Forum so I'm just going to copy and paste it into here....
Well, I'm home (and back at work :grumpy: ) from my first trip to NYC. From the beginning right to the very end it was a truly wonderful experience, despite getting into town several hours late, and not being able to find where we were going to park. (we left for NYC several hours late due to things beyond our control....and then Joe wrote down the address of where we were parking wrong. :P ) We were also accompanied by Joe's two roommates, Jon and Becca.
Our parking place was on the street of TPF's own very own Torus34, on Staten Island. Let me tell you, after 3 hours of driving, and at least a 1/2 hour of being lost, Jim was a welcome site. We were welcomed in by 3 generations of Jim's incredibly friendly and hospitable family. Before this trip, none of us really even knew anything about Jim himself, and instantly we each felt like one of the family.
And I want to take this time right now to say thank you again, to Jim, for going so far out of his way to make our journey a wonderful experience. He not only walked us to the train that took us to the Staten Island Ferry, but he also rode with us the whole 40 minutes there....AND the 25 minute ride across to Manhattan...and was fully prepared to make sure we made it all the way to our hotel, but since Sky was there to meet us on the other side of the Ferry, and he'd already been to our hotel, Jim parted ways with us for the first night then. So he basically went more than an hour out of his way, each way, just to make sure we made it ok. So, Jim...on behalf of all of us, I want to thank you for the generosity you showed us. Please know that it was not taken for granted by anyone.
The ferry ride was fun....Joe and I walked up and outside, and were both met with a sense of awe when we saw that gorgeous NYC skyline lighting up the horizon (it was 9ish by this time).
I've been to a lot of cities now....but nothing is like New York. The atmosphere is totally different, and it's a thick atmosphere...we could feel it change as we entered into it.
After parting ways with Jim, meeting up with Sky, and getting checked into our hotel, it was time to find somewhere to eat...we were famished. Our hotel was in Lower Manhattan, in the Financial District....not exactly anywhere to eat after 9pm in that area....so we headed off, cameras in tow, to Times Square. Times Square....after 10 on a Friday night....wow. So lively and exciting. We found a little Mexican Restaurant to have some dinner there...wasn't too bad, but not phenomenal....I don't think any of us cared though....I mean...we were in Times Square....in New York City! We finished eating around midnight or so, and decided it was time for night shooting! Not an easy thing to manage in Times Square! :lol: At this time Joe's roomies parted with us, as they aren't photographers and standing around looking through a viewfinder wasn't as appealing to them as it was to us. :P Somehow we managed to spend an hour and a half or so there (Sky already has some pictures up...they can be found [URL="http://thephotoforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=74863"]HERE[/URL] ) We then headed back to our hotel (got there around 2 or so, I think) to go to sleep for the night. Oh wait...I meant goof around for another hour and a half watching You Tube videos. THEN it was bedtime.
....only to get up again around 8. :P
Saturday was the actual 'meetup' day. Joe's roommates were doing their own thing for most of the day while we did our thing. So Joe, Sky, and I grabbed a quick bagel at the place around the corner from our hotel and scarfed 'em down as we walked towards our meeting place near Ground Zero. There we met up with Jim again, along with Digital Flower and NYBrit. (Chris and Dave). I must say, we certainly did have a good little group....all of the above were great people, and I know that I enjoyed meeting them very much.
So, our starting point was the World Trade Center area...Ground Zero. From there we made our way to the South Seaport where we stalked seagulls for a while. Then we decided to make our way up to China Town, and passed through some of Tribeca on the way. It was my first time in any sort of Chinatown area, so I thought it was incredible. CROWDED...but incredible. At this point Jim had to leave us again....and let me tell you, it was incredibly difficult to find somewhere in Chinatown to take a group photo before he left! But...don't worry...we did it! :P I'll try to get it posted up tonight. :) So...after Jim made sure we knew where we were and how to get where we needed to be next, he left us.
Our group, minus Jim, decided it was time to head further North. We hopped on a Subway and went up near Central Park. We went into the park just a bit, but not much, as it's not really the time of year for good Central Park photos. And besides....we were starved. Our original plan was to find a Deli and eat there....I mean...after all...we were in New York City!!! You can't go to NYC and not eat at a Deli.
But somehow....we...couldn't...find one. :shock: So we ate at a nice Pizza place instead. Can't go to NYC without New York Pizza, either. :-P
After that it was off to Times Square again, to see it in the daylight. After a little time there, NYBrit/Dave said his goodbyes to us.
Dave, it was great meeting you! I'm looking forward to seeing your pictures! :D
And so we were down to four: Joe, Sky, Digital Flower/Chris, and me.
Digital Flower had to go soon, too, so we slowly meandered our way towards Grand Central Station. (for some reason I feel like I'm skipping something here, so meetup folks, let me know if I did). After taking some photos and resting a bit at Grand Central Station, Chris caught his train home, and we hopped on the subway to Calumet Photographic to return the lens Sky had rented.
And if you know us at all....you know that the three of us can't go to a city and NOT search out a Gelato place. We'd done our research, too. Sky found what looked to be one of the best in the city. It's call the [URL="http://www.laboratoriodelgelato.com/"]il laboratorio del gelato
[/URL] and it was AMAZING! It was certainly worth the walk to get there! I highly recommend it! But don't expect to sit down there and eat it, unless you're lucky enough that the bench against the window that seats three, is free. When we got there, the line was so long, it was out the door....which means there were about 6 people in front of us! :lol: It's very very small....but good things come in small packages, right? It's certainly true in this case!
By this time we needed to start heading back to our hotel to meet back up with Jon and Becca, and get ready to go to the Broadway Show we had tickets too. If you are ever in New York....and you aren't easily offended...and you have the time for it...DO NOT MISS 'AVENUE Q'!!!! I don't for one second question the 'Best Musical' Tony award that the show received a few years ago. I had to massage my cheeks afterwards, because they were so sore from laughing. That show is GENIUS!!!! :lol:
Once the show was over, we were pretty hungry, and it was starting to rain, so we ducked into a delicious Chinese place called Ollie's for some more Times Square nourishment. :-P
By this time, I had 3 blisters on one foot, and one on the other! :lol: Never have blisters been so worth it!
Back to the hotel on our second night...attempted to watch a movie but it didn't work out so well....1/4 of the way through it and all three of us were nodding off. Joe's roomies had the right idea by going to bed right away rather than trying to watch a movie. :lol:
Sunday we woke up to beautiful blue skies and fairly warm weather, but with a bit of a cold wind. Not that weather has ever stopped us before anyway (refer back to the original Big DC meetup).
Again, for a decent part of the day, we parted ways with Joe's roomies so we could be photo geeks. First stop: B&H Photo and Video!!!!! OH MY GAWD THAT PLACE IS AWESOME!!! I am totally in love. I'm still not sure how I got my fair share of oxygen, with it being so crowded in there, but I survived it. Joe bought a nice ball tripod head to attach to his new Gorillapod that he bought last week (works quite nicely, btw....we highly recommend the gorillapod/ball head combo). We walked around, played with cameras we can only dream of owning, and did our best not to empty our bank accounts right then and there.
By then it was time to meet back up with Joe's roomies again. We had planned to have a sushi lunch at [URL="http://www.morimotonyc.com/"]Morimoto
[/URL]. Unfortunately, we were unaware that they only did lunch on weekdays, so when we got there they were closed.
However, not all was lost. We still had yet to eat at a deli. And what better NYC deli to fill our stomachs than the world famous Carnegie Deli!?
So, off we went in search of that. When we got there, and I ordered a turkey club sandwich that cost me $21....I was wondering what in the hell I'd gotten myself into. $21 for some meet and lettuce between some bread?
Then the sandwich came. If you can call that thing a sandwich. I'm pretty sure I could have fed a third world country for about a week with that thing. I couldn't even eat a FOURTH of it! It was cut in half and each half was around 6-7 inches tall. It was delicious, too! After eating all that, you'd think we'd never want to eat again, right? Wrong. We had to have dessert, of course! Joe and I both wanted to try a slice of New York Cheesecake....I was dumb enough to ask the waiter how big the slices were because I somehow wasn't sure weather or not it would be big enough that we should just split a piece. :er: Yes, I fully admit that I occasionally have periods of time in which my brain isn't exactly working correctly. The waiter said the slices are 'generous' in size. Hah! Generous! Generous is a size that makes you loosen your belt up slightly. Generous is just enough to make you feel like you got your money's worth. This was MASSIVE. If I'd have eaten that entire thing, even without eating the sandwich beforehand, I've have split open my stomach lining. Between the five of us, we ordered three things (all of equally ginormous size), and shared it between everyone. That cheesecake was phenomenal!!!! I will never EVER look at cheesecake the same way again, because nothing will ever measure up!!! And no, even with multiple people eating, we were not able to finish any of it. We may have missed out on Morimoto, but I don't think any of us were too upset after finding out what the Carnegie Deli had to offer.
Unfortunately, by this point, our time was getting short, and we didn't have much time left to do very much. Becca really wanted to go to the huge Toys 'R' Us in Times Square, so we headed back that way. It's not like any of us act our age anyway. :-P Oh, to be a kid again, and get the chance to wander around in a toy store like that! If I were about 12 years younger, I totally would have rode the ferris wheel they had. After a little while of walking around and admiring the giant Lego sculptures of the Statue of Liberty and the anatomically correct dog, it was unfortunately getting time for Sky to catch his train. Joe and I left his roomies at the store and headed back to the hotel with Sky to get his bags. We got there and Sky called Amtrak to buy a ticket, and hooray for us....his train didn't leave for a while, so we had a little over an hour more with him! :D We headed across the street over to the waterfront to get some pictures of the sun going down behind what I believe is Jersey City...took some pics of that, and I finagled my way into getting Sky to let me practice my portraiture on him a bit before he had to go.
By the time Sky needed to start heading to the Subway to get to Penn Station, Joe's roomies were back with us, and we started collecting our baggage to head home, as well. We all walked together until we got to Sky's subway stop, at which point we said goodbye....and I bawled for the approximately 8 blocks to our Subway stop...and for half of the subway ride.
...er...I mean uh....I didn't cry. At all. I'm not an emotional girl, I swear!
(....how many of you buy that?)
So, Joe, Jon, Becca, and I started to make our way back to the Ferry, back to Staten Island, and back to Jim's house.
Jim had told us we could stop in if we wanted to on our way home....we were worried we'd be getting back to late, though, so he told us to knock so long as the porch light was on. It was around 10pm when we got off the train and walked up the street to Jim's house, and where our car was parked....boy were we glad to see that light still on! Jim and his lovely wife, yet again, welcomed us in to their home, offered us tea, coffee, and water, and some absolutely delicious cake. Jim made certain that we began our journey on a good foot, and that we ended it equally as good. I hope he enjoyed our company as much as we enjoyed his.
....and so began our 3 hour drive home.
Yes, I know this was a long post, with a lot of reading....but 'New York was amazing' just doesn't cut it.
Picture can be found HERE!
Well, I'm home (and back at work :grumpy: ) from my first trip to NYC. From the beginning right to the very end it was a truly wonderful experience, despite getting into town several hours late, and not being able to find where we were going to park. (we left for NYC several hours late due to things beyond our control....and then Joe wrote down the address of where we were parking wrong. :P ) We were also accompanied by Joe's two roommates, Jon and Becca.
Our parking place was on the street of TPF's own very own Torus34, on Staten Island. Let me tell you, after 3 hours of driving, and at least a 1/2 hour of being lost, Jim was a welcome site. We were welcomed in by 3 generations of Jim's incredibly friendly and hospitable family. Before this trip, none of us really even knew anything about Jim himself, and instantly we each felt like one of the family.
And I want to take this time right now to say thank you again, to Jim, for going so far out of his way to make our journey a wonderful experience. He not only walked us to the train that took us to the Staten Island Ferry, but he also rode with us the whole 40 minutes there....AND the 25 minute ride across to Manhattan...and was fully prepared to make sure we made it all the way to our hotel, but since Sky was there to meet us on the other side of the Ferry, and he'd already been to our hotel, Jim parted ways with us for the first night then. So he basically went more than an hour out of his way, each way, just to make sure we made it ok. So, Jim...on behalf of all of us, I want to thank you for the generosity you showed us. Please know that it was not taken for granted by anyone.
The ferry ride was fun....Joe and I walked up and outside, and were both met with a sense of awe when we saw that gorgeous NYC skyline lighting up the horizon (it was 9ish by this time).
I've been to a lot of cities now....but nothing is like New York. The atmosphere is totally different, and it's a thick atmosphere...we could feel it change as we entered into it.
After parting ways with Jim, meeting up with Sky, and getting checked into our hotel, it was time to find somewhere to eat...we were famished. Our hotel was in Lower Manhattan, in the Financial District....not exactly anywhere to eat after 9pm in that area....so we headed off, cameras in tow, to Times Square. Times Square....after 10 on a Friday night....wow. So lively and exciting. We found a little Mexican Restaurant to have some dinner there...wasn't too bad, but not phenomenal....I don't think any of us cared though....I mean...we were in Times Square....in New York City! We finished eating around midnight or so, and decided it was time for night shooting! Not an easy thing to manage in Times Square! :lol: At this time Joe's roomies parted with us, as they aren't photographers and standing around looking through a viewfinder wasn't as appealing to them as it was to us. :P Somehow we managed to spend an hour and a half or so there (Sky already has some pictures up...they can be found [URL="http://thephotoforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=74863"]HERE[/URL] ) We then headed back to our hotel (got there around 2 or so, I think) to go to sleep for the night. Oh wait...I meant goof around for another hour and a half watching You Tube videos. THEN it was bedtime.
....only to get up again around 8. :P
Saturday was the actual 'meetup' day. Joe's roommates were doing their own thing for most of the day while we did our thing. So Joe, Sky, and I grabbed a quick bagel at the place around the corner from our hotel and scarfed 'em down as we walked towards our meeting place near Ground Zero. There we met up with Jim again, along with Digital Flower and NYBrit. (Chris and Dave). I must say, we certainly did have a good little group....all of the above were great people, and I know that I enjoyed meeting them very much.
So, our starting point was the World Trade Center area...Ground Zero. From there we made our way to the South Seaport where we stalked seagulls for a while. Then we decided to make our way up to China Town, and passed through some of Tribeca on the way. It was my first time in any sort of Chinatown area, so I thought it was incredible. CROWDED...but incredible. At this point Jim had to leave us again....and let me tell you, it was incredibly difficult to find somewhere in Chinatown to take a group photo before he left! But...don't worry...we did it! :P I'll try to get it posted up tonight. :) So...after Jim made sure we knew where we were and how to get where we needed to be next, he left us.
Our group, minus Jim, decided it was time to head further North. We hopped on a Subway and went up near Central Park. We went into the park just a bit, but not much, as it's not really the time of year for good Central Park photos. And besides....we were starved. Our original plan was to find a Deli and eat there....I mean...after all...we were in New York City!!! You can't go to NYC and not eat at a Deli.
But somehow....we...couldn't...find one. :shock: So we ate at a nice Pizza place instead. Can't go to NYC without New York Pizza, either. :-P
After that it was off to Times Square again, to see it in the daylight. After a little time there, NYBrit/Dave said his goodbyes to us.
Dave, it was great meeting you! I'm looking forward to seeing your pictures! :D
And so we were down to four: Joe, Sky, Digital Flower/Chris, and me.
Digital Flower had to go soon, too, so we slowly meandered our way towards Grand Central Station. (for some reason I feel like I'm skipping something here, so meetup folks, let me know if I did). After taking some photos and resting a bit at Grand Central Station, Chris caught his train home, and we hopped on the subway to Calumet Photographic to return the lens Sky had rented.
And if you know us at all....you know that the three of us can't go to a city and NOT search out a Gelato place. We'd done our research, too. Sky found what looked to be one of the best in the city. It's call the [URL="http://www.laboratoriodelgelato.com/"]il laboratorio del gelato
[/URL] and it was AMAZING! It was certainly worth the walk to get there! I highly recommend it! But don't expect to sit down there and eat it, unless you're lucky enough that the bench against the window that seats three, is free. When we got there, the line was so long, it was out the door....which means there were about 6 people in front of us! :lol: It's very very small....but good things come in small packages, right? It's certainly true in this case!
By this time we needed to start heading back to our hotel to meet back up with Jon and Becca, and get ready to go to the Broadway Show we had tickets too. If you are ever in New York....and you aren't easily offended...and you have the time for it...DO NOT MISS 'AVENUE Q'!!!! I don't for one second question the 'Best Musical' Tony award that the show received a few years ago. I had to massage my cheeks afterwards, because they were so sore from laughing. That show is GENIUS!!!! :lol:
Once the show was over, we were pretty hungry, and it was starting to rain, so we ducked into a delicious Chinese place called Ollie's for some more Times Square nourishment. :-P
By this time, I had 3 blisters on one foot, and one on the other! :lol: Never have blisters been so worth it!
Back to the hotel on our second night...attempted to watch a movie but it didn't work out so well....1/4 of the way through it and all three of us were nodding off. Joe's roomies had the right idea by going to bed right away rather than trying to watch a movie. :lol:
Sunday we woke up to beautiful blue skies and fairly warm weather, but with a bit of a cold wind. Not that weather has ever stopped us before anyway (refer back to the original Big DC meetup).
Again, for a decent part of the day, we parted ways with Joe's roomies so we could be photo geeks. First stop: B&H Photo and Video!!!!! OH MY GAWD THAT PLACE IS AWESOME!!! I am totally in love. I'm still not sure how I got my fair share of oxygen, with it being so crowded in there, but I survived it. Joe bought a nice ball tripod head to attach to his new Gorillapod that he bought last week (works quite nicely, btw....we highly recommend the gorillapod/ball head combo). We walked around, played with cameras we can only dream of owning, and did our best not to empty our bank accounts right then and there.
By then it was time to meet back up with Joe's roomies again. We had planned to have a sushi lunch at [URL="http://www.morimotonyc.com/"]Morimoto
[/URL]. Unfortunately, we were unaware that they only did lunch on weekdays, so when we got there they were closed.
However, not all was lost. We still had yet to eat at a deli. And what better NYC deli to fill our stomachs than the world famous Carnegie Deli!?
So, off we went in search of that. When we got there, and I ordered a turkey club sandwich that cost me $21....I was wondering what in the hell I'd gotten myself into. $21 for some meet and lettuce between some bread?
Then the sandwich came. If you can call that thing a sandwich. I'm pretty sure I could have fed a third world country for about a week with that thing. I couldn't even eat a FOURTH of it! It was cut in half and each half was around 6-7 inches tall. It was delicious, too! After eating all that, you'd think we'd never want to eat again, right? Wrong. We had to have dessert, of course! Joe and I both wanted to try a slice of New York Cheesecake....I was dumb enough to ask the waiter how big the slices were because I somehow wasn't sure weather or not it would be big enough that we should just split a piece. :er: Yes, I fully admit that I occasionally have periods of time in which my brain isn't exactly working correctly. The waiter said the slices are 'generous' in size. Hah! Generous! Generous is a size that makes you loosen your belt up slightly. Generous is just enough to make you feel like you got your money's worth. This was MASSIVE. If I'd have eaten that entire thing, even without eating the sandwich beforehand, I've have split open my stomach lining. Between the five of us, we ordered three things (all of equally ginormous size), and shared it between everyone. That cheesecake was phenomenal!!!! I will never EVER look at cheesecake the same way again, because nothing will ever measure up!!! And no, even with multiple people eating, we were not able to finish any of it. We may have missed out on Morimoto, but I don't think any of us were too upset after finding out what the Carnegie Deli had to offer.
Unfortunately, by this point, our time was getting short, and we didn't have much time left to do very much. Becca really wanted to go to the huge Toys 'R' Us in Times Square, so we headed back that way. It's not like any of us act our age anyway. :-P Oh, to be a kid again, and get the chance to wander around in a toy store like that! If I were about 12 years younger, I totally would have rode the ferris wheel they had. After a little while of walking around and admiring the giant Lego sculptures of the Statue of Liberty and the anatomically correct dog, it was unfortunately getting time for Sky to catch his train. Joe and I left his roomies at the store and headed back to the hotel with Sky to get his bags. We got there and Sky called Amtrak to buy a ticket, and hooray for us....his train didn't leave for a while, so we had a little over an hour more with him! :D We headed across the street over to the waterfront to get some pictures of the sun going down behind what I believe is Jersey City...took some pics of that, and I finagled my way into getting Sky to let me practice my portraiture on him a bit before he had to go.
By the time Sky needed to start heading to the Subway to get to Penn Station, Joe's roomies were back with us, and we started collecting our baggage to head home, as well. We all walked together until we got to Sky's subway stop, at which point we said goodbye....and I bawled for the approximately 8 blocks to our Subway stop...and for half of the subway ride.
...er...I mean uh....I didn't cry. At all. I'm not an emotional girl, I swear!
(....how many of you buy that?)
So, Joe, Jon, Becca, and I started to make our way back to the Ferry, back to Staten Island, and back to Jim's house.
Jim had told us we could stop in if we wanted to on our way home....we were worried we'd be getting back to late, though, so he told us to knock so long as the porch light was on. It was around 10pm when we got off the train and walked up the street to Jim's house, and where our car was parked....boy were we glad to see that light still on! Jim and his lovely wife, yet again, welcomed us in to their home, offered us tea, coffee, and water, and some absolutely delicious cake. Jim made certain that we began our journey on a good foot, and that we ended it equally as good. I hope he enjoyed our company as much as we enjoyed his.
....and so began our 3 hour drive home.
Yes, I know this was a long post, with a lot of reading....but 'New York was amazing' just doesn't cut it.
Picture can be found HERE!
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