6/19/2011
Sunday started with a bang! Ella, one of the other Winants, showed me around Oxford Circus. There are tons of shops and stores and we were in desperate need of a few things. I had to stop by the apple store for a converter for my Mac, plus -- I love the apple store and wanted to visit. (I wish they had a stamp book or punch card for apple stores. I would be very far into the collection at this point!)
We got there around 10:30 am and found that many stores did not open until 11:00 or even later. The apple store didn't open until 12! We were both hungry and decided to stop in to a small cafe' that was serving breakfast and coffee. I got the most delicious bagel with cream cheese and smoked salmon.
There are tons of street vendors for food and other tourist-y items. I ended up buying two scarves and a cute bag at one of them.
Ella and I went to several stores in search of different items. One store we entered was called Boots. It is basically a three story Walgreens/CVS. Everything was pretty reasonably priced, so I was pretty pleased. Not to mention, riding on escalators is always fun!
Ella and I had planned on meeting up with the other girls in Trafalgar Square for West End Live. Several shows would send their actors out to perform musical numbers from the shows running. Ella decided to go back to her room...especially since her oyster does not cover the Tube system. I caught the tube and went in search of the group.
We all bought little top-off phones, but none of us are used to using them. This meant that it took a bit to finally communicate. During this time of finding the group, I walked up to the theater district to see where Much Ado About Nothing was playing -- I REALLY want to see this show. (David Tennant, need I say more.) Molly, one of the Winant girls, called me to tell me they were headed toward Buckingham Palace. I left to join them.
The walk to Buckingham Palace was beautiful. All the old buildings, the brick streets, double decker busses, English accents wafting in the air....the weather was cooperating as well! The poles lining the roadway to the palace were decked with golden ropes and royal crowns! I'm not sure if they are always this way or if it was a left over decoration from the wedding. Some of the poles were missing their crown embellishments. This left me wondering if they had fallen off or if they were stolen. 0_0
I finally made it to the palace and it was amazing to finally see it in person! The guards were finishing up chaining, so I got to see them, but not take a picture. I will go back to document that. I found the girls relaxing at the fountain steps and was glad to see them all. It was liking seeing family! I am so happy to be having this experience with them. It is very comforting to have a pocket of people to go to and spend time with. And these girls are the BEST!
We walked back to the tube station near Trafalgar Square and parted ways in smaller groups. Molly, Roni, Rebecca, Kyra, and I all went back to Oxford Circus because the girls needed to purchase a few things as well. I was glad I was there earlier in the day so I could point them in the right direction. I had to break down and buy some fish and chips -- mainly because I was starving. I was; however, a bit disappointed with my purchase. It was not as delicious as I had hoped, but think I can find a place with better eats.
There was a scheduled strike for the public transportation system, so we headed back before it got too late. The tubes were so crowded!
I made it back to my home for the summer and was greeted with a hug by little Aleia. She kept me company in my room and asked me about the spots on my arms. I told her they were freckles -- she had never heard of such a thing. :) Gwen fixed the most delicious cod with spinach, rice, and roasted potatoes. Aleia went to sleep in my lap after dinner as we all watched TV.
I showered and hit the hay. I tried to call home to tell my Daddo happy fathers day, but had to leave a message instead. I do miss talking to my family members daily. I hope I can get something worked out, even if I have to purchase a dongle.
Monday, June 20, 2011
I love your accent!
6/18/2011
It is very strange for me to be the one with an accent. I have heard the phrase, “I love your accent” so many times on this trip. lol
It started in NY. I had a few people comment here and there. One of the security guards at Rockefeller Plaza even asked me where I was from. He was amazed I was on my own and all the way from GA. The rest of the Winants commented on my dialect when we first met.
Now that I am in London, it has happened more than once a day. The girl that ran the cash register at the market was in awe. She just looked and me and kept saying, “I just love how you talk!” Two of the former Claytons at the meeting today said my voice was like music. HAHAHAHA!
The next day, a nice chap named Daniel sat down next to me in Trafalgar Square and talked to me for 10 minutes asking me about the South and "just wanted to hear me talk".
I just think that some of these people have never been introduced to a REAL southern accent. The ones in hollywood and on television are more often than not fake and extremely exaggerated. I am more than happy to introduce London to a true Southern accent! :)
That's so Posh
6/18/2011
Let me first say that I have went around all day today and thought it was Friday. I lost a day in there somewhere!
I actually navigated myself quite well for the first time I had used the train and tube all on my own! Not getting turned around or lost yet, but there is still time!
We had our orientation this morning at Canary Warf. It’s quite posh over there! :) We were in the tallest building in board room that has a fantastic view of the river and London. We were provided lunch complete with tea. I am LOVING the tea.
Orientation was good. We were given some good information, but, like most orientations, they last a bit too long and one gets a little weary from sitting so long. We met a few Claytons (Londoners who have traveled to volunteer in the States before). They gave us some great tips on what to do in London. They were all very nice.
At the end of the session, we were taken to the shopping center downstairs and those of us who needed them got phones. They were referred to as top-off phones -- in the states we would call them, pay-as-you-go phones. This will be so helpful when trying to coordinated with my Winant buddies of in case of emergency -- or if I get lost in tranist!
They then took us to a pub. That was quite a fun experience!
Pub 101 :
- When you sit at your table, do not expect someone to come to you to take your order....you go to the bar and order it yourself. (food or beverage)
- Items you order will be brought to you, so remember your table number.
- Pay for your items when you order them.
- Do not fear drunk Englishmen...they are quite funny.
I left the pub a bit earlier than the rest of the group with one of the other girls to go to the market and pick up a few odds and ends. Nearly everything was closed. I mean it was 8 o’clock on a Saturday night! Not even Dalton, GA does that! --We will just have to finish tomorrow!
I some how made my way back to my home-stay with no problem! The girls were happy to see me and I them. I took a shower and the family fed me pizza and chips (fries).
Tonight Aliyah was fascinated with my hair. Since I had taken a shower, my hair was still wet. (You have to imagine her voice in a sweet little Birttish accent.)
“Your hair is black now.”
“It’s just wet. Lighter hair looks darker when it is wet sometimes.”
“Will it change back?”
“Yes, when it dries.”
“Will you go dry it, please?”
Later she was showing me the barbies in a catalogue.
“I like Barbies.”
“Barbies are nice.”
“I like your hair.”
“I like your hair, too.”
“Your hair is like Barbie hair!”
LOL, she played with my hair for 30 minutes tonight. :)
Another great day in the UK -- I’m sure tomorrow will be even better!
Planes, trains, and tubes....Oh My!
The flight from JFK to Heathrow went pretty well. I did not get much sleep; however, but it’s all a part of international flights. There were several movies to watch on the plane, but I kept nodding off too much to really be able to watch them. We were given a meal on board this flight which was not too bad. I had a cesura salad and beef with potatoes, veggies, and gravy. They gave us a small breakfast of either a cheese danish or lemon cake.
The flight landed around 8am London time (3am EST) and we went through border patrol with no problem. We then met up with Carla, our kind of point person with WCV, and had a short orientation. She handed out our oyster cards (what we use for the trains, tubes (subways), and buses) and told us that we would be taking public transport to the WCV office. I have to admit, this threw me. Here I was standing with a laptop bag, duffle bag weighing about 20lbs and a suitcase that weighed 50lbs. I was freaking out just a bit at the idea of lugging this around all of London. We then found out that the American intern’s mother was also arriving and was held up in customs. Carla took three girls on and left the rest of us with the intern. We ended up waiting about an hour to an hour and a half for the poor mother to finally meet up with us.
Our journey on the underground began, and let me just say, it has been the hardest thing I have yet to do on this trip. I was already pretty tired from my 3 day whirlwind in NY. Then we just had a 7 hour flight across the ocean. I had had about 4 hours of sleep in the past 36 hours and had not had a proper meal since the food we were given at the beginning of the flight. I then had to drag 80lbs of luggage on and off a train, 2 tubes, and up and down several different flights of stairs. I then had to drag my things 2 blocks to the WCV office where I had to again drag my items through the building, down more stairs, through a garden, and into a room where we waited for Carla to come take us to our home stays. I dozed a bit here, but we were given a bit of food to snack on.
A couple of hours later, Carla made it back and took one of the girls and me to our placements. This involved much dragging of the luggage. At this point I was so exhausted, I was almost ready to cry, Praise the Lord, my host came and picked me up in her car from the station. :) The room they were setting up for me was not quite ready, so her daughters entertained me for a while.
They definitely have a house full! There is Gwen and Ali (mom and dad), Ali’s mother, Gwen’s son Chris (24), Leila (11), and Aliyah (4). They have been so sweet and have welcomed me into their home. The first thing Aliyah asked me was, “Are you here to take my trucks?” I looked at her and said, “What trucks?” “The one’s have in the garden under that bush.” (pointing out the window) “No dear, I would not take your trucks.” Leila is fascinated with all things American. She asked me, “So, in America, you say pants instead of trousers, right?” or “In America, you say hamburger instead of burger, right?” :)
They have given me the biggest room in the house -- the front parlor. I have a bed, two couches, a fireplace, and they even put up a door with a lock. :)
I fell asleep shortly after 7:30 and did not wake up until 9:30. Nothing like 14 hours of sleep!
Thursday, June 16, 2011
The pitter-patter of little -- oh no!
*Sorry for not posting yesterday...I was a bit too exhausted to type. :)
Wednesday was absolutely gorgeous in the big apple. I slept in a little longer than I had intended, but I think it was my body’s way of telling me I was really tired. I had hoped to try and get some cheap tickets for a show, but the more I thought about it, the less I wanted to spend my fleeting moments left in NY standing in line with no guarantee of getting tickets. The shows I REALLY wanted to see were nearly impossible to get tickets to. AND I did not want fork over a large amount of cash right before I go to London. It’s all good -- I WILL be back soon.
I got ready in my hot room, (one of the german girls likes to turn the air off in the middle of the night) and went to Starbucks for one of the most delicious breakfast sandwiches I have ever had! The ham, egg and cheddar with a sparkling blackberry juice. YUM!! Thanks again to my hoard of gift cards from my students. It was so gorgeous, I decided to eat my breakfast in Central Park.
The park was filled with bikes, runners, and strollers. As I settled on my park bench to enjoy the morning and my food, I noticed a small camera crew and a woman dressed like a news reporter. I do not think it was a real news crew, but rather a movie or television set up. Whatever the case, they successfully documented my breakfast. :)
I then headed toward the subway and found my way to the American Museum of Natural History. I’ve got to tell you, I was a bit disappointed. I mean, it was informative and I had a few things I wanted to see, but all in all, it was basically just full of stuffed animals and mannequins. The Teddy Roosevelt exhibit was closed, which was a major bummer. On top of that, there were TONS of school groups there. I have no problem with school groups when I am with them, but was not enjoying the massive amounts of craziness every where I went. I took that a cue to find the exit and head to my next step.
I decided to make my way to the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art. I know it might be hard to believe, but I, once again, got turned around on the subway...again. About halfway through this ordeal, the extreme pace of the past couple of days finally hit me. I changed course and determined the best course of action was a couple of hours of rest.
I went back to the room to rest, try to get my things collected and get ready for orientation at the Church of the Epiphany. I took my first cab ride ever to get to the church. YIKES! I mean, it wasn’t too expensive, but it would be if one relied on that as the only source of transportation.
I finally got to meet my fellow Winants and let me just tell you they are fantastic! I am so excited to be traveling with this group of gals. We gained some great insight from some former Winants and their experiences during the meeting. They even fed us!
Molly, one of the Winants, was staying at the same Hostel as I, so we took the subway together. We headed toward Times Square. I then met up with a couple of other Winant girls, Lorena and Ella, for a little snack. Lorena wanted to head back to Times Square for some photo ops, but my exhausted-ness caught up with me again. I said my goodnights, went back to my room and passed out on my bed. :)
All in all, a great day!
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Two steps forward and two steps back gets you absolutely nowhere!
I hit the ground running today after spending some of last night planning. My first order of business was to get ready and gather my things to check out. (With the way that I booked my room, I had to move rooms one night.) There are two showers for 12 people. You might be thinking...Yikes! two showers for 12 women! Oh my goodness!! -- What you may or may not have realized is that I am staying in a hostel. Not a HOTEL, but a HOSTEL. (Cap-locks for demonstration purposes only. I promise I am not screaming at you.) You take one part hostel and two parts New York City and you get -- foreigners. What I am learning from these people from beyond our borders is that many either shower at night or do not shower at all. (I have also learned that their Mommas must not have taught them that some clothing is NOT optional as well.) All this to say, showering was not a problem.
It took me a bit longer to gather my thing and get ready, but if you know me we enough, you are probably not surprised by that statement. I stowed my valuables in the locker and dropped off my big bag at the luggage storage room and was off!
First order of business: Jimmy Fallon
Conan O'Brien will always be my number one late night man, but I do enjoy Mr. Fallon immensely. Stand by tickets are available at 9:00am out side the NBC experience store -- I'm thinking of the nice man from Yonkers who so helpfully answered my question yesterday. Well, little miss self-confident me thought all it took was one afternoon of riding the subway to have it mastered...WRONG. I took the wrong train and had to get off and get on the right one. I finally made it at 9:15. Luckily, the 'Fallon Girls' were still there and I secured a stand-by not-quite-a-ticket. I had to come back at 3:15 for the next step in the process.
Almost-ticket secured, I grabbed a quick bite to eat and headed off to try and secure a RUSH ticket for How to Succeed at Business Without Really Trying. The box office opened at 10am, so I should have a decent place in line if I can get there soon. This is where I learned that my trusted iPhone was not so trustworthy. I typed in my locations, --
(Before I get into this, I must tell you that I typically have a great sense of direction. I mean I get turned around every once in a while, but I figure it out quickly. I am also very good at reading maps...which is why I do well with my iPhone GPS, for the most part.)
-- looked at my directions, looked around to establish my starting point, double check the next street I should run into, and off I went. I am trucking it down the block when all of a sudden, I notice that the 45th Street sign that I should have been seeing read 43rd Street. I had walked the wrong way!! I checked my phone and sure enough, my little blue dot telling me my current location is nowhere to be found on the path given on my GPS screen. Rolling my eyes at my stupidity, I turned around and rewalked the block I had just completed.
(Again, I need to clarify...some of these blocks are 5 skyscrapers long.)
I finally found my way to the dot on the map on my GPS. The trouble was, it was not the right theater. I checked the information again and even copied and pasted the address from the website into the phone. It still brought me to the same spot. A light bulb then went off as I realized I could just read the address and figure out where I was. I figured out that I was a block away from where I should have been. I kept walking and found I was still in the wrong place. I ended up circling the entire block 1.75 times. I say 1.75 because I did complete that last quarter of a rotation because it finally dawned on me that I should look to the next block behind me. Sure enough, I turn around and there is a HUGE marque with what I am looking for. All that made me too late to have a prayer of a RUSH ticket, but I tried it anyway.
With all that behind me, I decided to go to the Empire State Building as a part of my City Pass Ticket Book. (You should really get this if it is your first trip to NY.) I find the subway station, find the truing I need, and start walking the direction I think I should walk. Once again, even though I had checked and rechecked, I had walked the wrong direction again. Grumbling to myself, I double-backed and headed the right direction. I happened across and CVS and stopped in to get a bottle of water. I had the sense to ask the cashier which direction to go.
The ESB is massive! I had no idea! It felt a bit like six flags having to walked around roped off line corrals. Thankfully my little City Pass book let me skip line and get a free audio tour. I had a little device that I could hold to my ear and listen as Tony the Cab Driver told me about that particular section. It was very informative and interesting and I liked it! It was pretty windy up there, but so beautiful!
I then caught the Subway to Battery Park to take the Liberty Cruise line to The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. (Again, part of the city pass book.) I was a bit nervous to get on when I got there because it was past 1:00 and I really wanted to leave in time to get to see LNwJF. Once I boarded the ferry, I decided to stay on the ferry and not get off to see Lady Liberty and Ellis Island up close. I took some good pics that I would not have had the chance to otherwise. The boat ride was nice and still learned a few things from the pre-recorded lady on the boat.
I then hustled back to the subway, got on the right train, then started studying the map. My phone died as soon as I got to the subway station, but had already looked at my options. I had this brilliant idea to get off one train and go to the next to try and save time. Surprise, surprise...I was wrong. I had to get back on the train and was now running behind. Not to mention, that I had to walk 3 blocks once I left the station.
Thankfully, I walked the right direction and was only a few minutes late to check in. I was still not guaranteed a seat, only the probability of filling one. The first group I was with was whittled down to 45. We then went upstairs and were whittled down again to 28. I made the cut!!! I was 25th in line! :)
The taping was very cool. The warm-up guy was pretty good, the Roots played a number for us -- with a Susaphone!! -- Steve spoke to us and made us "practice" using the applause sign, lol. Then Jimmy came out! I was really excited. Listen and you might be able to hear me cheer or laugh. Betty White was the guest and Jimmy played Password with her. Jeff Gordon was next -- apparently he is doing a voice in cars -- Jeff Gorvettte. They debuted a new video game -- neither Jimmy or the game guy could play it well. Then, to end the show, Jimmy came out into the crowd and ran up through the aisles. I was at the end of the very top row. Jimmy came by and said, "Thanks for coming out tonight." I said, "Oh my word, Jimmy you're the greatest." He said, "Well, thank you!" Then he hugged me. Jimmy Fallon that little cutie!
--His suit was really nice. I guess NICE suits all feel that way, but I think I want everything I own made out of whatever that material was!--
Before I went to the room, I tried in vain for standing room only tickets to The Book of Mormon. Oh, well. There's always tomorrow!
It took me a bit longer to gather my thing and get ready, but if you know me we enough, you are probably not surprised by that statement. I stowed my valuables in the locker and dropped off my big bag at the luggage storage room and was off!
First order of business: Jimmy Fallon
Conan O'Brien will always be my number one late night man, but I do enjoy Mr. Fallon immensely. Stand by tickets are available at 9:00am out side the NBC experience store -- I'm thinking of the nice man from Yonkers who so helpfully answered my question yesterday. Well, little miss self-confident me thought all it took was one afternoon of riding the subway to have it mastered...WRONG. I took the wrong train and had to get off and get on the right one. I finally made it at 9:15. Luckily, the 'Fallon Girls' were still there and I secured a stand-by not-quite-a-ticket. I had to come back at 3:15 for the next step in the process.
Almost-ticket secured, I grabbed a quick bite to eat and headed off to try and secure a RUSH ticket for How to Succeed at Business Without Really Trying. The box office opened at 10am, so I should have a decent place in line if I can get there soon. This is where I learned that my trusted iPhone was not so trustworthy. I typed in my locations, --
(Before I get into this, I must tell you that I typically have a great sense of direction. I mean I get turned around every once in a while, but I figure it out quickly. I am also very good at reading maps...which is why I do well with my iPhone GPS, for the most part.)
-- looked at my directions, looked around to establish my starting point, double check the next street I should run into, and off I went. I am trucking it down the block when all of a sudden, I notice that the 45th Street sign that I should have been seeing read 43rd Street. I had walked the wrong way!! I checked my phone and sure enough, my little blue dot telling me my current location is nowhere to be found on the path given on my GPS screen. Rolling my eyes at my stupidity, I turned around and rewalked the block I had just completed.
(Again, I need to clarify...some of these blocks are 5 skyscrapers long.)
I finally found my way to the dot on the map on my GPS. The trouble was, it was not the right theater. I checked the information again and even copied and pasted the address from the website into the phone. It still brought me to the same spot. A light bulb then went off as I realized I could just read the address and figure out where I was. I figured out that I was a block away from where I should have been. I kept walking and found I was still in the wrong place. I ended up circling the entire block 1.75 times. I say 1.75 because I did complete that last quarter of a rotation because it finally dawned on me that I should look to the next block behind me. Sure enough, I turn around and there is a HUGE marque with what I am looking for. All that made me too late to have a prayer of a RUSH ticket, but I tried it anyway.
With all that behind me, I decided to go to the Empire State Building as a part of my City Pass Ticket Book. (You should really get this if it is your first trip to NY.) I find the subway station, find the truing I need, and start walking the direction I think I should walk. Once again, even though I had checked and rechecked, I had walked the wrong direction again. Grumbling to myself, I double-backed and headed the right direction. I happened across and CVS and stopped in to get a bottle of water. I had the sense to ask the cashier which direction to go.
The ESB is massive! I had no idea! It felt a bit like six flags having to walked around roped off line corrals. Thankfully my little City Pass book let me skip line and get a free audio tour. I had a little device that I could hold to my ear and listen as Tony the Cab Driver told me about that particular section. It was very informative and interesting and I liked it! It was pretty windy up there, but so beautiful!
I then caught the Subway to Battery Park to take the Liberty Cruise line to The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. (Again, part of the city pass book.) I was a bit nervous to get on when I got there because it was past 1:00 and I really wanted to leave in time to get to see LNwJF. Once I boarded the ferry, I decided to stay on the ferry and not get off to see Lady Liberty and Ellis Island up close. I took some good pics that I would not have had the chance to otherwise. The boat ride was nice and still learned a few things from the pre-recorded lady on the boat.
I then hustled back to the subway, got on the right train, then started studying the map. My phone died as soon as I got to the subway station, but had already looked at my options. I had this brilliant idea to get off one train and go to the next to try and save time. Surprise, surprise...I was wrong. I had to get back on the train and was now running behind. Not to mention, that I had to walk 3 blocks once I left the station.
Thankfully, I walked the right direction and was only a few minutes late to check in. I was still not guaranteed a seat, only the probability of filling one. The first group I was with was whittled down to 45. We then went upstairs and were whittled down again to 28. I made the cut!!! I was 25th in line! :)
The taping was very cool. The warm-up guy was pretty good, the Roots played a number for us -- with a Susaphone!! -- Steve spoke to us and made us "practice" using the applause sign, lol. Then Jimmy came out! I was really excited. Listen and you might be able to hear me cheer or laugh. Betty White was the guest and Jimmy played Password with her. Jeff Gordon was next -- apparently he is doing a voice in cars -- Jeff Gorvettte. They debuted a new video game -- neither Jimmy or the game guy could play it well. Then, to end the show, Jimmy came out into the crowd and ran up through the aisles. I was at the end of the very top row. Jimmy came by and said, "Thanks for coming out tonight." I said, "Oh my word, Jimmy you're the greatest." He said, "Well, thank you!" Then he hugged me. Jimmy Fallon that little cutie!
--His suit was really nice. I guess NICE suits all feel that way, but I think I want everything I own made out of whatever that material was!--
Before I went to the room, I tried in vain for standing room only tickets to The Book of Mormon. Oh, well. There's always tomorrow!
Monday, June 13, 2011
New York, New York....what a wonderful town!
I just finished my first week "off". I use 'off' loosely because that was one crazy week! I went to Dollywood with the fam on Tuesday and Wednesday trying to squeeze in some togetherness before I took off for worlds unknown. I spent the entire day Saturday on the roads of Tennessee going to class and back then to Etewoh and back. The rest of the time was filled with me preparing for my journey to NYC and across the pond. Whew!
Sunday was again spent with family, but I was not able to enjoy it as much as I would have liked to. I ended up packing and repacking my suitcase an unmeasurable amount of times. It was quite ridiculous how much I thought I would be able to pack...I forgot about the 50lb weight limit! YIKES!
Today FINALLY arrived...the journey has begun.
My sweet parents dropped me off at the airport and my father prayed over me as we all three stood with our arms around each other. That's when my water works began...I really was not expecting it.
By the by, I HIGHLY recommend flying out of Chattanooga whenever possible. We ended up running a little late -- it was not MY fault for once. My flight was for 10:50 and we got there around 10:15. I was checked in (my bag weighed 49lbs, PRAISE THE LORD) and through security and on the plane by 10:45.
I had just a small layover in Atlanta, but it was enough time for me to grab a $10 sandwich and drink...0_0!!!
The flight to New York went off with out a hitch. I scored a window seat and got to see the area as we landed. It really looked and felt totally different than anywhere I have been before.
I spoke to some nice ladies from Alabama as I boarded and left the plane. They ended up in the same shuttle as me. Then had a lovely conversation with a couple from Georgia who were celebrating their 25th anniversary. She is also an elementary school teacher. :)
I made it to my hostel and the man and the counter, Steve, was so friendly and helpful. Once I had my luggage stowed and valuables safely locked away, I ventured out in the big city alone.
I am only a couple of blocks from a big hub of activity, Columbus Circle, a subway stop, and Central Park. I decided to purchase the 7 day unlimited pass since I will be completely dependent on public transit. I had a slight issue figuring out how to make the card work in the reader *rolls eyes. I tried to seek help from a lady next to me, but, in true NY-sterotype-fashion, she completely ignored me and kept walking. A couple of young kids came behind her and showed me what to do. I then promptly proceeded to miss my stop when I finally boarded the subway. *sigh...when I'm good, I'm GOOD! :) I was quite proud of myself in figuring out how to fix my error. (Thanks in part to another man I spoke to at LaGuardia. He gave me some tips on using the subway. Thanks mystery man who used to own a business in Atlantic Station in ATL.)
I finally made it to Applebee's to get a bite to eat....now, wait before you judge me! Thanks to some of my parents and students I have a acquired a few Applebee's and Starbucks gift cards. I figure, why spend money on food if I don't have to, right? Of course, I HAVE to try a piece of NY pizza or a hot dog.
I really didn't have a plan after I ate, but noticed the Radio City Music Hall marque. I headed that direction and took some pictures only to see the Rockefeller Plaza just another block down. This would have been EXTREMELY exciting if Conan were still there, but that's beside the point. I decided to got to the Top of the Rock and ended up buying a city pass. I plan on utilizing it to the fullest in my few days here!
I was a bit concerned before coming here that I would be too afraid or nervous to really enjoy this city on my own. It seems so big and frightening from the outside, but it's really not. I know I have had only "one short day" in this city, but I love it!
Sunday was again spent with family, but I was not able to enjoy it as much as I would have liked to. I ended up packing and repacking my suitcase an unmeasurable amount of times. It was quite ridiculous how much I thought I would be able to pack...I forgot about the 50lb weight limit! YIKES!
Today FINALLY arrived...the journey has begun.
My sweet parents dropped me off at the airport and my father prayed over me as we all three stood with our arms around each other. That's when my water works began...I really was not expecting it.
By the by, I HIGHLY recommend flying out of Chattanooga whenever possible. We ended up running a little late -- it was not MY fault for once. My flight was for 10:50 and we got there around 10:15. I was checked in (my bag weighed 49lbs, PRAISE THE LORD) and through security and on the plane by 10:45.
I had just a small layover in Atlanta, but it was enough time for me to grab a $10 sandwich and drink...0_0!!!
The flight to New York went off with out a hitch. I scored a window seat and got to see the area as we landed. It really looked and felt totally different than anywhere I have been before.
I spoke to some nice ladies from Alabama as I boarded and left the plane. They ended up in the same shuttle as me. Then had a lovely conversation with a couple from Georgia who were celebrating their 25th anniversary. She is also an elementary school teacher. :)
I made it to my hostel and the man and the counter, Steve, was so friendly and helpful. Once I had my luggage stowed and valuables safely locked away, I ventured out in the big city alone.
I am only a couple of blocks from a big hub of activity, Columbus Circle, a subway stop, and Central Park. I decided to purchase the 7 day unlimited pass since I will be completely dependent on public transit. I had a slight issue figuring out how to make the card work in the reader *rolls eyes. I tried to seek help from a lady next to me, but, in true NY-sterotype-fashion, she completely ignored me and kept walking. A couple of young kids came behind her and showed me what to do. I then promptly proceeded to miss my stop when I finally boarded the subway. *sigh...when I'm good, I'm GOOD! :) I was quite proud of myself in figuring out how to fix my error. (Thanks in part to another man I spoke to at LaGuardia. He gave me some tips on using the subway. Thanks mystery man who used to own a business in Atlantic Station in ATL.)
I finally made it to Applebee's to get a bite to eat....now, wait before you judge me! Thanks to some of my parents and students I have a acquired a few Applebee's and Starbucks gift cards. I figure, why spend money on food if I don't have to, right? Of course, I HAVE to try a piece of NY pizza or a hot dog.
I really didn't have a plan after I ate, but noticed the Radio City Music Hall marque. I headed that direction and took some pictures only to see the Rockefeller Plaza just another block down. This would have been EXTREMELY exciting if Conan were still there, but that's beside the point. I decided to got to the Top of the Rock and ended up buying a city pass. I plan on utilizing it to the fullest in my few days here!
I was a bit concerned before coming here that I would be too afraid or nervous to really enjoy this city on my own. It seems so big and frightening from the outside, but it's really not. I know I have had only "one short day" in this city, but I love it!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)