Sights & Sounds of NYC

As the day dawned, I enjoyed my morning cuppa - courtesy hubby dearest & we were chatting about where I was planning to go that day. With a strict ban on malls/stores (me the shopaholic), I was still unsure.

Once hubby was off to work, I began browsing about the museums of the city & which ones have free entry - very important as museum entries can cost you $20 & upwards. While at my search, I found the "American Folk Art Museum". So, thought what better way to explore a new country - by looking back at its origins, art & culture. Called hubby, checked for the route & I got going.

Well, its been two weeks in the city & I must say I'm very confident going about by the local buses here, but the taking the subway train; it was my first day. As i stepped out of the apartment, lovely bright blue clear skies welcomed me to a pleasant day, perfect for my day out.

So I began my walk to the subway station, had to re-fill my metro card, but for some strange reason the machine wouldn't accept the card, as i struggled with it, a white bulky man approached me (remembered everyone's advice,never stop too long anywhere in NYC & do not talk to strangers!) - he offered me his card saying it had $4 on it, I was hesitant & said "no thank you" & walked right up to the ticket counter. As it turned out I could just pay $5 & buy a two-way ticket. Phew thank goodness I thought on my feet & did not fall into the fat guys trap!

After a little struggle to swipe in the Metro Card - which should ideally unlock the bar & a little help from a young guy, I was on the platform as I spotted the train make its way to the station. I hopped in & the train whisked me away from one street to the next & as petrified as I was about the subway, my fears came true.

From exactly opposite to where I sat, there was this rather tall, middle aged guy - with an almost 3-day white beard with sharp cheek bones & piercing eyes. Every time I raised my gaze I could see he was looking straight at me, with this rather very upset look on his face (may be he was having a bad day I guessed). Crazy subway stories began haunting my head & though I was looking down at everyone's shoes (the lovely winter boots :P) I could feel that he had all eyes on me & that was terrifying. Trying to keep my calm, I finally breathed a sigh of relief when I heard the announcement for 59th street come up & off I scooted out of the train & surfaced to the less scary world above!

Well from here began my crazy walk all the way from 59th street at Lexington Avenue to 66th street on 8th Avenue, which is a good 5 Avenue long walk. So I walked across to 66th street & started walking cross town & after a good 15 minutes of walking I realize that instead of walking up towards Park Avenue, I had walked back to 3rd Avenue duuuuuuuuuuuhhhhhhh...
So I began walking back & then walking up again - I have to mention here, that as many temptations this city has (read sweet treats & pizza's) it makes sure you are well toned & strut your stuff with those svelte legs, haha !!

An hour later & battered feet I spot my favorite coffee hangout - Starbucks. Got in, got some coffee & marble cake - pulled a chair & went "phew, my legs hurt"! What I enjoy most is watching the world go by as you sit alongside the window. This particular Starbucks overlooks the beautiful Columbus Avenue, with its huge Columbus Circle dominated by the statue of Columbus, surrounded by stone benches, sitting on which you can watch the hurried New Yorker walk, drive, cycle, roller skate & even zip by in these little mobile vehicles (used by the elderly & handicapped here).
From where I sat, I observed the pretzel seller outside marketing his stand & gathering customers, the sophisticated high society ladies in their pearls & Berkins slowly making their way, the rather serious business guys with their slim fitting suits walking hurriedly, the young New York woman/girl braving the cold & daring to wear shorts (!), the typical New Yorker with his/her long black coat & the rather vibrant young fashionable New Yorker with geeky glasses (which I must say is a rage here & looks very trendy too!), ruffled hair, a long coat, a color popping neck warmer/stole, a sling bag & trendy boots (this is totally my style too!).

Of all this I have said, the New Yorker takes pride in walking their pooches & poodles and the cutest thing you can see everywhere are these little puppies being carried in a little bag or even more luxuriously they have their own pet pram too!!

So at this point I had given up on finding the "American Folk Art Museum" which was supposed to be the highlight of the day & began walking back the long path back to where I hopped off the train. Just as I was walking past the imposing Lincoln Center & film street - over hearing several students talking about the auditions they got through & watching the students of New York Ballet in their regular practice sessions - my eyes fell on this huge red board which read "American Folk Art Musuem". I screamed with joy & whisked through its doors!

Delightfully greeted by the curator, I began my exploring American Folk art, pieces like the tiny piano, the 5 faced statue, the most popular cabin quilts (which reminded me of Indian Kutchi embroidery) & the most prominent piece of work which adorned the entire one side of the entrance wall - The National Tribute Quilt. This was a quilt depicting the NYC skyline made by 4 women as a tribute to the victims of 9/11. Being a small museum with limited displays it gives you the time & patience to read about all its exhibits & appreciate it better.

After the displays I visited to the cute little museum souvenir store. I picked up the "Tribute Quilt" bookmark, a brochure of the museum & some words of wisdom as you can see below.

That was my day, it was long, tiring but all worth the effort. hope I didn't bore you guys!!

Ciao for now, I'm off to see "Ground Zero" Today.