NYC: My First Day (ever)

Excellent trip!!

My plane landed around 10:30 Thursday morning, and I arrived at the hotel about an hour later and was glad to find out my room was ready (and glad to eat the warm, delicious chocolate chip cookie from the hotel). The room was the smallest hotel room I've ever stayed in--and also one of the most expensive hotel rooms I've ever paid for. After putting on some Cuddle Duds under my jeans and sweater, I bundled up, grabbed a map from the concierge (who told me that I shouldn't even consider play tickets for less than $200 and refused to give me any information on less expensive tickets) and headed for the Theater District. And as soon as I set out to explore, I was so glad I'd come early and alone. I forget how much I love wondering around new places. On my walk, I came across Rockefeller Center and watched the ice skaters. Periodic stops at various stores helped me acclimate to the cold air. I met a super friendly cop who directed me to the place to buy discounted play tickets (and gave me a great map), but it wasn't opened yet. I also stumbled upon the Hershey Store but was disappointed as it only had the stuff you can buy at the grocery store.

By this point I was starving and searching for lunch. While I looked I had several guys stop me and ask if I wanted to go to the Letterman show that afternoon, but I said no, thinking I'd rather see a play. I walked by Roxy's Delicatessen and stopped in my tracks when I saw the dessert display case. It was ridiculous. A ton of cheesecakes, brownies, and creative desserts in between. So my first meal in NYC was a fudge peanut butter cup New York style cheesecake. It was enormous and totally different (and better) than any cheesecake I've ever had. And for once I didn't finish my dessert. So after I left I decided the Letterman Show might be fun after all, so I got a ticket. It was quite a production with lots of twenty-something drama/high energy-types wanting us to yell, clap, and generally act excited out of our mind about being there. I made friends with a gay couple from Arkansas, one of whom works as a headhunter for one of my firm's big clients. I love how small the world is. So as we're waiting for taping to start, they finally announce who the guests are, saying "And from Grey's Anatomy [of course, I'm thinking "yes, McDreamy!"] Katherine Heigl." Speaking of television shows, does anyone else watch Brothers & Sisters? It's my new favorite show. Rob Lowe is even hotter than McDreamy too.

Letterman was cool and thanks to the "Ask the Audience" segment, my mom and aunt saw me on television that night (I was behind one of the people he talked to). Afterwards I submitted my name into the lottery for the 25 front row $25 tickets for Wicked but had no luck. And then I realized I didn't really want to go to a play for the next three hours; I just felt like I should, which isn't a very good reason.

After some more exploring, I headed back to the hotel and asked the concierge for a restaurant recommendation. Again, he was a disappointment and sent me to one of the few Mexican restaurants I've ever been to that isn't good. Oh well, at least I had a nice long conversation with a very cute boy in a sharp suit (I'm a sucker for suits) and his friends at the bar. Needless to say after beginning my very full day at 4:55 a.m., I slept very soundly in my hotel bed. Hope you all had a lovely weekend too.