New York, New York

It. Finally. Happened.

I WENT TO NYC!!!

What a blast this weekend was!  A couple of my friends, Ana and Rachel, and myself decided to leave our icy cold Boston for the beguiling big city, New York.  But first, you should know, none of these photos are mine.  I stole them.  From Rachel because my camera on my phone is terrible, so special thanks to RC cola for making this post happen.

Another special thanks to Ana, who has a wonderful mother-in-law who let us stay with her...for free!  And for giving us a fantastic itinerary and guiding the Rachels around.

We left Boston on Friday evening and arrived in the Bronx in around 3.5 hours.  Ana drove us (the Rachels) and we had nonstop fun.  Usually, by the end of a long car ride, or any trip, most girls tend to eat each other alive.  Yet, the three of us are genuinely happy to be together or maybe just out of Boston.  Either way, I couldn't have asked for better company...beyond PM.

Me, Ana, Rachel...Ana sandwich

Saturday morning, we left for rush tickets to the Tony award Best Musical 2012 award, Once.  We arrived 30 minutes early, yet a lengthy line had already formed.  Rush tickets are only a few seats reserved for poor folk like ourselves.  And we were nervous.  Only 20 seats you say?  We are roughly the 40th persons in line?  Our hopes were on a roller coaster, but THANKFULLY we got standing room tickets.  AND WE WERE GRATEFUL!  

Standing room basically is the really cheap standing slots that are behind a wall.  You get amazing views, but you stand the entire time.  And personally, I really like standing, so this was just fine for me.  

After snagging our fantastic tickets, we went to the High Line, which is essentially an abandoned set of train tracks that has been turned into an outdoor museum.  Art such as this:

After the High Line, we snagged some lunch at The Standard, where the other Rachel had her first taste of oysters, which were phenomenal.  

After our lovely lunch, we headed to the Staten Island Ferry.  It was another free item (so was the High Line) that offered beautiful views of the NYC skyline and...

The Statue of Liberty

I have always had a special spot for the Lady in the harbor.  So many years ago, my mother saw this same view, as an immigrant.  I have always wanted to take a picture here, to commemorate that moment.  So, here it is.

As close as I can get.  

After the ferry, we had a couple of drinks at Whiskey Park near Central Park.  Then, it was time for the show.  

Once was FANTASTIC!  If you come to NYC, I highly recommend it.  All the music is played by the actors and it is GORGEOUS.  I even shed a tear.  Here is a preview of the wonderfulness:

This music is gorgeous!

After the show, we had a celebrity sighting...RICKY MARTIN!  He is currently starring in Evita, and we saw him coming out of the theatre.  Another thing I wanted to see was a famous person.  New York certainly delivers dreams.

You can't forget about your friendly neighborhood Spider Man

Sunday, we met up with my friend from college, Benny, and had a wonderful brunch at Good Enough to Eat.  This restaurant is another place I highly recommend.  Benny was so sweet and gave us a couple of NYC tales after brunch, by showing us the Dakota building, where John Lennon was killed.  We even walked through the Park.  A great close to the day.  

But the weekend closed in the best way.  PAUL MEGGS CAME HOME TO ME!  We met our beaus at the airport to greet them.  I am so happy to have my best friend home.  Next post shall be dedicated to his plant trek.  But until then, I'm going to go enjoy my dear husband :).

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Switzerland

Hello friends

It has been a solid month of rest and fun.  Tis bittersweet that it is over, but I am glad to be back in Boston town.  So is Buncombe kitty, who is currently snuggled up so close to me.  He seems to have missed his Momma desperately.

Our first stop for our break was of course Charlotte, to visit the family.  It was great to visit everyone and see all my sweet nieces and nephews (can we not just call them niphews?  Brothers and sisters are siblings, so why not?).

Then, for the New Year we went to the long awaited trip to SWITZERLAND!!  It was our Christmas/birthday presents to each other and we had a great time.  We went to our friend's Swiss chalet in Champery, the French speaking portion.  I never learned French, so this was a bit of a shock to me.  I had the urge to speak Spanish to everyone...even though most people spoke English.  Perhaps it is the feeling I am neglecting my second language.  Oh well.

On New Year's Eve, we went skiing for first time in a long time.  Now, I've skied before and although not nearly accomplished, I have skied before.  I couldn't do it.  I was terrified of flying off the edge of a mountain and personally, this must stem from me shying away from anything athletic.  One fall did it for me.  Paul did well though and maybe he'll do more ski trips with the LGO's.  I will wait in the lodge  :).

Our sweet teacher, Augusta, helping out.  How patient she was!

After skiing, Lizzie's parents had their annual party.  Unfortunately, poor Mom cut her finger and had to be rushed to the doctor's!  She made it back before midnight, but she was missed.

Lizzie's wonderful parents

We played Life after midnight...it took too long.  

Beautiful shot by Tey (Jan's boyfriend)

The rest of the trip, we dedicated to snowshoeing about.  We got some great photos, and this is only a sampling.

We loved our time among the Swiss and among such great friends.

Well, now I've returned!  I am currently without my dearest friend since he is on plant trek.  This is when the class goes on a glorified field trip to the partner companies of MIT and see different plants.  Currently, they are in Portland to see Nike.  They finished their first leg by seeing Raleigh (Novartis), Amazon and Caterpillar in Peoria.  I will do another update when Paul returns, since I'm sure he'll have some photos.  

Adieu for now!

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