NYC: Tammy the Tourist
Tammy the tourist Current mood: determined Category: Travel and Places
So, I did it, I went into NYC and explored today. The travels began with an interview at another placement agency who told me that in order to get a job I need to dumb down my resume because otherwise they will think I'm overqualified and I won't get a job. I told him I wasn't sure that we could work together. Since when was being overqualified a bad thing? Brushed my shoulders off and headed out another door.
Across the street was the New York Public Library. I decided to start my day by getting real NYC vendor food
...yum and then I would head into the library. I ate falafel...and it was suh good! I sat in front of the New York Public Library and decided to plot my day. So many places to see, so little time. Luckily, my gal Romi gave me 'New York City Walks' which are cards that tell you what attractions are where and tells you how to get there by walking. Luckily, I brought my cards and did 2 of the 50 walks today. I will share with you what I learned:
First- the NY Public Library "is perhaps the greatest legacy of the city's Gilded Age. The marble beaux arts palace beloved by scholars, schoolchildren, and ordinary readers was conceived late in the 19th century in a rare example of philanthropic cooperation- the merger of the Astor and Lenox libraries with a $2 million trust left by NY governor Samuel Tilden.
The site chosen was Croton Reservoir, a massive structure upon whose 50 foot high walls citizens were fond of strolling and which required two years to tear down. On May 24, 1911, the library opened to the public and some 30,000 to 50,000 New Yorkers turned up to view it. Today, the library, which includes several research annexes, is used by 10 million people a year, quite a few of whom eat lunch on the steps facing fifth avenue (like I did) after spending a blissful morning in the Reading Room."
I actually ate before I went in. But I did hang out in the reading room after climbing so many stairs that my thighs actually burned. I tried to take the elevator, but it totally closed on me and the New Yorkers inside totally pushed the closed door button. And I wanted to find the room with the couches and the fireplace like on the 'Day after Tomorrow" but I think that they made that up because I couldn't find it.
When I went in I asked 'where are the books?' not quite unlike how UNR's library hides them, except in this library there is an automatic retreival system that is about 57 stories underground...oops...my bad.
I went on myspace and tried to find out if I could watch the NV B-ball game. Good thing I didn't stick around for that. And I continued.
"Bryant Park is the library's spectacular backyard. (Except it is roped off like how UNR ropes off the quad for graduation.)
It is notorious haven for drug dealers as recently as the 1990s but now the closest thing New York has to Paris' Luxembourg Gardens."
I especially liked the sign telling me that I was welcome to not do all sorts of things. It was a rule list and read like your backhanded babysitter telling you all the things you're not allowed to do. Made me laugh to myself.
I also took a picture of this lazy lady because her name is Gertrude which is one of my Aunts names and I thought that this was probably a friend of hers. They look alike. I might look like this one day. If so, they should put up a statue of me.
Ok- too much time spent here, moving right along. On my journey past card one, I stopped at a Jamba Juice. Ahhh..you can take the girl out of the west coast, but you can't take the West Coast out of the girl. I started walking toward the famed Rockefeller Center and I saw the famed Dean and Deluca...Felicity anyone? Kept walking until I was officially in Rockefeller Center
Its that time of year when the skaters are out
and who is that golden statue in the background? None other than Prometheus himself...the cards told me that
About this time my feet start hurting so I fall into the GAP real quick and pick up some flip flops. Do not wear heels all day around New York City...I learned that today...it wasn't included on the cards.
Moving right along. I was directed into Saks Fifth Avenue
And after looking at a Chanel purse for $1,162.00 I walked me and my GAP flip flops right out of that store. But not before telling one of the perfume salesladies that the perfume she was trying to sell me smelled sour. HA HA- I got them!!
Out of Saks and I see this beauty
St. Patricks Cathedral- well aint that just a coincidence that tomorrow happens to be St. Patrick's day. The church was built in 1908 and blew me away when I walked in.
you are totally allowed to take pictures bytheway
I stayed for mass, even though I'm not Catholic. It was very awesome I must say.
Then, I passed by Atlas hanging out in front of the International Building
and Radio City Music Hall
And to top off the night I decided to go to the top of Rockefeller Center on a whim. Let me tell you, it sealed the deal for me. If I was ever hesitant about living in this city, or if I become hesitant, I know where to find my inspiration...Don't ever say I didn't send you a post card
can you see what the excitement did to my hair...I couldn't contain it!
And that my friends was my day in the city! After that I walked about 20 blocks, took a cab met up with some Thetas who are not as cool as my girls back at UNR and then got on a train back to Long Island where I have dilligently prepared my travels for you.
Give me your feedback yo!! Lor.
