The Greatest City in the World

I returned last week from an 8-day trip to New York, which is still the greatest city in the world as far I am concerned. It was hard to return to Virginia, but I had to get back and catch up on responsibilities here. My plants were suffering most.

While in NYC, I stayed with my brother, who was for the first time in my life, like a friend. I wasn't sure how long I'd be able to stay with our eccentric past, but it was awesome! Chris and I got along so well, and I got to see and do everything I wanted to. Well there wasn’t much I wanted to see other than people, but it worked out perfectly.

My good friend, Heather, from Peace Corps came into the city for a few days and stayed at my brother’s place. Chris took us on my first sailing trip – his boat is awesome. He bought a Beneteau. I went sailing with Chris twice. I learned how to jibe and tack and some of the mathematics involved in sailing. I am fascinated by the fun sport.

When I was in town, I was also able to catch up with several old friends, who unfortunately I rarely get to see. Let’s see… I wasn’t there to sight see, but I did visit Coney Island for my first time. Chad and I rode the famous Cyclone in Astroland Amusement Park and Wonder Wheel in Deno's Wonder Wheel Amusement Park. I would have to say that the amusement parks are pretty run down, but it’s also a must see. A fun and entertaining day was spent there. After walking down the boardwalk, sipping some wine, and riding some of the old, rusty thrill rides, Chad and I went to the NY Aquarium.

Heather and I had some awesome mojitos at a Peruvian restaurant. And then we went to Ethiopian food for Chad’s belated birthday dinner, and then after eating went out to a few bars. We ended the night at one of my favorite NYC hotspots, Lucky Cheng's, which is the drag queen capital. We, of course, were there for karaoke.

I also went to dinner one night with Beth and Chris, a friend from Knox I hadn’t seen since graduation almost 6 years ago. Ok, I feel old, but he’s gorgeous! I always love getting together with Beth. She’s so dynamic. Esther took me to a Freestyle Love Supreme show at the Ars Nova theatre. The show was an improv comedy fusing comedy, freestyle rap, jazz, and hip-hop using audience suggestions. I was quite impressed.