Reunited at last! {NYC: Part 1}

{Sorry to be so lengthy, but I am splitting my NYC recap into three parts because I have so many pictures to share.}

I hugged my college best friend goodbye in front of our own campus apartment building post-graduation last May (2010). We said some last minute sentiments and hugged tightly and then went on our respective ways to family brunches and celebrations. Nary a month later she found herself with a job and apartment in her dream city: NYC. I moved home to Colorado and got the news that I’d received a grant to teach in Spain starting in September. Life was happening and fast. I went off to Spain and vowed that we would reunite as soon as I could make a trip to NYC possible. I bought my plane ticket in late April of this year before I was even back on the continent.

The thing about those truly great friendships in life is that you can be apart for ages, but once you’re back together it feels like not a day has passed. Sure, there’s a lot to catch up on and you’re eager to hear about the new characters in each other’s lives, but the essential chemistry is still there.

Cristina and I reunited in true “us” fashion—a series of quirky exchanges and mishaps. I landed at LaGuardia and she was stuck in traffic after being on 2 consecutive buses that broke down. She texted me about fights breaking out on her 3rd bus and I told her of the awkward confrontation going down between a runner and airport security right next to my seat. When she finally arrived, we spent a goofy 5 minutes on the phone trying to figure out why we swore we were in the same place (baggage claim 2, terminal B!) but couldn’t see each other. I finally saw that short, tan bestie of mine wandering in the opposite direction and yelled into my phone “wait, turn around!”—I didn’t wait for her to turn before running up to hug her.

New York was a whirlwind of musicals, celebrity encounters (no on the street kinds, just stage), food (!!!), beautiful sights, “hey wasn’t this in _____” statements, laughter, catching up with old friends, and Digby. This was my first time in the big city. I actually never had much of a desire to visit, but was still excited to see it when the opportunity to visit Tina arose. Turns out: I loved Manhattan! A lot. Particularly the upper West End where Tina lives.

Tina & I both love Broadway so we of course went to a few shows—but I think to split up the posts, I’ll save the exciting details of all my show (Broadway and otherwise) experiences for the next post. I’m also shamelessly trying to get you to come back and read my next post so you can hear about how I met Daniel Radcliffe.

On my first morning in the city, Tina took me to Alice’s Tea House—I am a huge tea fanatic so she was very excited to take me to this adorable delightful Alice themed spot for breakfast. Tina is not so much a fan of tea, but she even had a pot in my honor and liked it!

After some tea and scones, we went to:

1.) The “Imagine” marker at Strawberry Fields in Central Park.

Tina HATES feet photos—so I snuck up on her and did this much to her chagrin. She totally does not approve her feet being used in this photo.

2.) Little Italy

3.) Washington Square Park

4.) Bryant Park, Tina's favorite.

5.) The New York Public Library Main Branch (Remember, I want to be a librarian!)

6.) Radio City Music Hall

7.) Rockefeller Center

(Fun fact: I went to college with a Rockefeller—yes, a real one.)

8.) Times Square during daylight

Ok so, we’re just at the end of my full first Day, Thursday. (I also saw “How to Succeed in Business” on Day 1, but that’s for a separate post.) I hope you'll come back to read about Friday-Sunday and my show experiences in the next few days!