Its been almost 2 years since Rhys moved to NYC so as difficult as it was, I girded my loins and went for a short visit a couple of weekends ago! Sister took an early flight from Ohio so she got a head start. Why, before I touched down, she had walked thru Central Park to Strawberry Field, went to the Dakota and paid her condolences to John Lennon, had lunch at Sarabeths and took a 3 hour tour of the city! Heck, she had a complete vacation before mine got started!
A week before the trip, I made a trial run to the Park n Fly with Kay (which sadly confirmed I should not be allowed to drive outside our neighborhood) and of course we got totally lost and eventually called Kay's hubby who, bless his heart, got on the computer and guided us the rest of the way. Even with all the confusion I felt somewhat confident it would be fine, so I canceled the car and driver. I'll have to feel like a RHONY another time. Thankfully, even after getting turned around the morning of the flight, I managed to braille my way there. Traffic angel to the rescue!
American Airlines did their job, too! We left right on time and my seat mate was a nice service boy on his way home to Queens for R&R before heading to Afghanistan. He looked to be about 12. After we took off, he quickly fell asleep and I started reading. Twice his head fell on my shoulder, startling me and sending my Kindle sailing across the aisle and into the lady on the other side. The second time my apology fell on deaf ears. She looked like the sort that holds a grudge so I hope to never see her again.....
By the time I got to our fancy boutique hotel Sister finished her city tour. We headed out to find something to eat because I was close to gnawing my arms off. She liked Sarabeths so much we went back! It was great. I had my vacation staple... crab cake, which was fabulous! I think it was resting on a homemade biscuit or bread like object, some crispy fries and a salad. Oh, and a real glass of Pinot Noir; instead of a jigger of wine in the bottom of a large glass. What a great way to start a vacation!
The ride back to the hotel however was an adventure in terror. We flagged down a rickshaw bike peddling fella to take us. Mercy goodness, he repeatedly swerved that thing into traffic and seemed to take delight in scaring the bejeepers out of us! He was Russian and I felt like this was some kind of Soviet retaliation as he threw his head back with maniacal laughter. Why, he seemed intent on killing us as he fishtailed and played chicken with angry taxi drivers blaring their horns, all the way to our hotel! Sister hung on as I screamed out in terror, thinking we would surely end up at Bellevue and hoping they had improved since reading those horror stories years ago (funny what runs thru your head in times of extreme fear). My knees were knocking so bad when we finally came to a stop and crawled out. If I had found my voice I would have given him a stern talkin to.
Rhys was working that night so we didn't get to see him until Saturday. We met at the Plaza Hotel and had a bite. My heart was positively singing as I all but picked him up and swung him around! Before long it was time for the Phantom! Front row center! We could see them breathe and perspire! It was a once in a lifetime treat, thanks to Sister!
The cold front hit us smack in the face as we left the theatre. I brought cool weather clothes and NYC was anything but, up to that point. Oh well, at least for the remaining time I would be dressed appropriately. I have come to expect that on trips I will always be dressed for the wrong weather. Its a gift. We made our way to Patsy's, thru Times Square, which I must say is pretty cheesy; complete with an Indian wearing a big blue headdress beating a drum in his tiny blue skivvies! Who knows what statement he was trying to make or if he even had one.
I have been wanting to go back to Patsy's since the late 70's! We had a nice corner table so we could hear ourselves talk. They made the best Old Fashioned and martinis for us and the food was every bit as wonderful as I remembered. Why, I expected Frank Sinatra to come walking thru the kitchen door at any moment! They have painted since the last time I was there, go figure. What a perfect day!
Sunday we met at the Chelsea Pier for our Manhattan Brunch Cruise. It was gray and drizzly out, perfect weather for a cruise. It would have been so easy to curl up on the banquette and fall asleep. Thank goodness all those food courses kept coming and I stayed awake eager to see what was next! When we docked Rhys and I took off for his side of the world, aka Brooklyn. Going subterranean was very creepy. Walking down flights of grimy stairs into the underbelly of the city is certainly a look into another dimension.
First stop was Rhys' apartment. I got to meet a couple of his roommates who were happily cooking brunch in their kitchen. Very sweet girls, both dressed in black. Another of his sweet roommates was hustling out the door to her singing gig. Wearing a vintage dress, a cute hat with a ukulele tucked under her arm she flew out the door. Rhys and I visited for a while before heading to Nighthawk Cinema, where he works. Very cool place. I met more of his friends and Rhys treated me to a cocktail, a quirky movie "Sleepwalk With Me" and we noshed on the best little mushroom fitters ever! Each orb had a tiny dollop of some kind of cream, making them look sort of like giant cartoon olives! Yummmmm they were wonderful!
After the movie we took another subway back to the Upper East Side to Candle 79. There are so words to describe the fabulosity of this organic vegan restaurant! Its small, sleek and hip beyond words. Before going to our table upstairs we enjoyed an organic drink at the bar. Rhys had a Manhattan and I had an Old Fashioned. Good but not as good as Patsy's. Maybe "organic" is code for not much flavor or alcohol. We had the best meal ever, though. I ordered mushroom risotto and Rhys had some sort of artfully arranged tempeh with green beans, pumpkin seeds and pomegranate seeds sprinkled on it. Both dishes were innovative and out of this world. Rhys had a dark chocolate and peanut butter tower thingy for dessert. The rain had started back up when he put me in a taxi and sent me back to the hotel. I was glad it was raining so he couldn't see the tears running down my cheeks as we said "good-bye" until Christmas.
It made me sad to leave Rhys but Im so proud of the life he has made for himself. He fits quite nicely into NYC, though it pains me to say it. I can see myself visiting again and perhaps even staying in Brooklyn as soon as I get a new black wardrobe but I will most definitely have to steel myself for subway travel! Goodness gracious, I felt like I needed a good power washing when I got off that thing. As a matter of fact, the entire underground area could use a good scrubbing. Oh to be young and oblivious to cooties!
When it comes right down to it, I still prefer my little town blues and really have no
desire to wake up in the city that never sleeps. But as long as Rhys is there I will make the effort!
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