Because weekend bus schedules offer less frequent trips, I had to go into the city early yesterday, arriving just about 2 hours before I had to be at rehearsal. So I walked east from Port Authority to Bryant Park, one of my favorite places in NYC. It’s a bit bleak at this time of year, but it was very satisfying to have a little free time apart from immediately walking 20 blocks to rehearsal.
The rear of the New York Public Library Main Branch.
The skating rink.
It was cold, but there were lots of people there, buying hot chocolate or a cup of coffee. Whenever I go there, I am reminded of Paris. I really miss Paris.
Then I visited Kinokuniya across the street, a shop full of books and Japanese manga and stationery and pens and journals and planners. There’s so much in this section that it’s almost overwhelming and I could only pay a brief visit. I’ll be back there next week, so maybe I’ll have a bit more time to visit.
Then I headed back to Port Authority to 9th and 41st and headed north to rehearsal. I walked down Don’s old street and – press release – I was wrong!
The Mexican restaurant next to Don’s building didn’t close! There is new signage and I was looking at it from across the street so I thought it was a new business. Needless to say, I sent this photo to Don, who was very happy indeed. The steps lead down to the front door of Don’s former apartment.
Rehearsal went well – we ran the whole show for the first time. Then a lunch break in which I got to chat with all the wonderful people working on the show, including Darko. Then I had some private time with the actors to give them notes.
Then I had to hang out in the dreaded Port Authority for 90 minutes until the next bus.
All in all, 12 hours from the moment the bus left the station for NYC until I got off the return bus at 8 pm.
One more day next week. I’m supposed to go in on Wednesday, but the weather may be an issue. We may get snow that day. The forecast keeps changing, so I’ll have to keep an eye on it.
So. I added 10 more blocks on to my ‘normal’ 40 blocks and, given that I had only slept for 4 hours, I’m quite pleased with myself! After a few days of this trek, I’m in better shape. I just have to continue to walk around here, which is not nearly as interesting as walking in a city.
Stay safe.
Happy Sunday.
Claudia, thank you for the NYC tour… always fun to see another city! And I’m so glad to hear that Don’s favorite Mexican restaurant is still there! It all did look quite chilly…that hot chocolate would be very welcome! You are definitely getting a workout on those adventures!
You’re welcome, Barrie. I’m getting quite the workout. One more day to go!
Stay safe.
What a great day.
I love those places.
Have a good rest.
Thank you, Brenda.
Stay safe.
Great photos….love Bryant park. Just one question…..hope not to intrusive…….what shoes do you wear for your city hikes? I will run right out there and buy them. Seriously.
Maria
They’re shoes I wore in Paris, but they’re not doing a very good job anymore, so I can’t recommend them. I need to find some better shoes, Maria.
Stay safe.
I’m glad to see Don’s Mexican restaurant is hanging in there—that’s also one of my family’s favorite cuisines. When our son moved from CA to NY nearly thirty years ago he lamented the loss of great Mexican food, the comfort food he grew up with. It was quite a rarity in the city then, but as time has marched on, there are more and more great places in NYC to find it—Yay! I didn’t like to think of Don’s favorite as having gone down in the pandemic. And now, I think I need tacos!
Yes, Don always talks about the Mexican food he grew up with. Tijuana was just over the border.
I’d love a good burrito right now!
Stay safe, Shanna.
Lots of positives
Good exercise
A financial help to the budget
Thanks, Linda.
Stay safe.
Always enjoy your walking commentary of NYC!
Thank you, Annette!
Stay safe.
Lovely pictures of NYC. Thanks for sharing, Claudia. Glad your day went well. Enjoy your Sunday with Don. Hugs, Elaine
I’m laying very low today, Elaine.
Stay safe.
An enjoyable post! Loved seeing the city sights; lacy although barren trees almost softening the effect of big concrete ‘jungle’; of course that’s your eye for the camera lens. Definitely hope you can finish this job without encountering a lot of really-bad weather in the coming days.
Thanks for the narrative and photos today, Claudia.
Wednesday (and tonight) might be troublesome. I’m waiting for a more updated Wednesday forecast.
Stay safe, Vicki.
There is a book out entitled , “Walk With Me:New York.” It is by Susan Kaufman and available on Amazon. Thought you might be interested in it.
I have long followed her on IG and have already seen most of her photographs, so I’m not interested in buying the book. I’m happy for her.
Stay safe, Nancy.
I love Kinokuniya. It’s been ages since I was there but such a great store. I want to jump into your photo!
So glad rehearsals are going well. I hope the weather holds for your next visit!
It’s jam packed with stuff, that’s for sure!
I’m going in tomorrow rather than on Wednesday to avoid the storm.
Stay safe.