New York City, 2011
My friend Janette was throwing herself a birthday party and I'd agreed to
go when she first announced it. Despite moving the weekend before, I made
it down to Astoria on the bus and had a great time. :)
Friday July 8, 2011
I had a bit of an oddessy getting to work by T from my new place. In theory
it was easy, take the bus to Lechemere and from there the Green line to
work. But Lechemere was closed and I had to take a shuttle bus to North
Station. And the first train didn't go all the way and I had to change at
Gov't Centre. But I eventually made it and was glad that I'd just packed a
fairly light shoulder bag. Got a lot of work done and took off for South
Station by T for my 6pm bus. It was a bit easier going from work to
Astoria than it was going from home to work, one transfer at Park St and
then the bus to Port Authority (with a quick stop at a rural fast food
joint where I got a very thick milkshake), and one train out to Astoria.
Then I had a bit of a walk to my hotel, the Fairfield Mariott, that turned
out to be unnecessary as they had a free shuttle service (that I found out
about once I got there). It was raining just a bit, but also very hot so
it felt cool and welcome. I got in at around 11pm and just had a shower
and crashed.
Saturday July 8, 2011
Gala had rescued me from my inability to remember what exhibit I'd wanted
to see in NYC, texting me that the Alexander McQueen
exhibit at the Met was on. I had the breakfast buffet at the hotel,
included with the room, just catching it before the end at 10am - I had
been having problems sleeping at my new place due to a lack of curtains,
so sleeping in in a dark room was very welcome. This time I took the
shuttle bus to the subway, and was able to navigate the single connection
to get near to the Met with no problems. Had a nice walk over toward
Central Park and got my ticket. Only to find out that despite there not
being a separate fee for the McQueen exhibit, there was a long long wait,
45mins or so according to the sign. I stopped in at the restroom before
joining the scrum, they kept trying to make us use all the space in the
roped off line section, but then we'd turn a corner and it was back down
to a single person wide area. I think they were trying to keep us from
taking over too much of the museum floor space. It was close to an hour
before I got in the doors of the exhibit proper, museum members could jump
the line at will, and it was quite frustrating seeing them waltzing in
while I was 3 places back from the front. Luckily I'd left enough time to
not be rushed, so I wasn't stressed out. But then I got inside the exhibit
and found a huge crush of people. I had to wait to read every sign, and
wait for space to see most of the dresses clearly. It was very well done
though, with lighting and music adding to the atmosphere. Lots of quotes
and press clippings and videos and accessories, and omg the dresses. :) I
love the precise tailoring on his more structured pieces, and the
combination with lace and flowing fabrics leading to billowing gowns. I
want the whole Widows of Culloden line. :) I almost made it to the end
before I got overwhelmed, and I had to rush out only glancing at the last
room or so. I ended up buying the exhibit book, but wish that it had more
shots of each piece to show all sides as well as the details. Lots of the
text was verbatim from the exhibit as well.
I had some time before I had to be back in Astoria, so I checked out the
posted menus on some restaurants and went into the Lennox Grill for
brunch. I was seated near a quintessential older New York lady - she was
being demanding as well as flirting with all the waiters. My waffle had
fresh blueberries on it, it was delicious. From there I made my way back
to the subway and to the hotel to drop stuff off (the McQueen book was
heavy). It was a short walk to Janette's place, shorter than to the
subway, and I was the first to arrive at around 4pm (it officially started
at 3). Hung out with her and Michael as the party filled in, and we
ordered Indian food (though I completely forgot my leftovers in her
fridge). Gala arrived and Sola as well, so there were familiar faces as
well as new ones. At one point most of the party went on a run for
supplies (crack dip, more citrus, mixers, alcohol). I got stuff at the
grocery store, then split off to hit up a liquor store. Had a nice
conversation with the clerk there about Toronto when I picked up a bottle
of vodka for one of the other party guests. Then I spotted a bakery across
the way and picked up a chocolate bundt cake since we hadn't been able to
find a birthday cake at the grocery store. Back to the party and things
moved into the backyard as the sun went down. Good times, though a bit too
good on one guest's part, he was falling down a bit much. *wry smile* Gala
and I walked back to the hotel as she was splitting the room with me that
night and I think we crashed around 1am or so.
Sunday July 10, 2011
Packed, had the buffet, came back with coffee for gala, got cleaned up and
out to the hotel shuttle. We took it to the subway stop and then hit up
the Neptune Diner for food, though we had to wait for Janette and Michael
to show up before they would seat us. Nice leisurely breakfast and I got
onto the subway at around 1pm for my 3pm bus. Got my early boarding
upgrade for $5 and it (along with paying attention) netted me a seat on th
express bus leaving a bit earlier. I read most of the way home, finishing
two books. I decided to take the longer way around on the way home,
spending a bit of time in Davis Sq waiting for the bus that goes out
toward my house.
Back to my diary page.