New York City, Day 5

Last full day in New York, what to do?

I head to the chic Upper East Side. As with most of my adventures in the city, this one quickly becomes dominated by a need to use the restroom and the panic of not knowing where the nearest clean available toilet will be.

So I decide to go the Metropolitan Museum of Art. I went last time I was in town, but it’s so big, I didn’t even see half of it the first time. I got another handy dandy audio guide, paid what I wished, and went in search of the bathroom. Then I could relax and enjoy the exhibit on American decorative arts. There was a really neat Frank Lloyd Wright room.

I had tea in the sculpture garden then visited a temporary exhibit called Dangerous Liaisons, about clothes, furniture and décor of that age. The exhibit was really interesting because each room was like a scene, with mannequins in full costume playing out some dramatic story. A seduction in the music room, a wig fitting in the dressing room, a fainted woman in the withdrawing room. They didn’t allow pictures unfortunately.

Then I spent a good chunk of time in the Modern Art wing, with artist all from this century. There were lots of recognizable names and pieces and the audio guide really helped me understand what I was looking at. Of course I was thinking a lot about my sister Mia and what it would be like for her to be there with me or for her paintings to be hanging there someday.

Before I left, I went to the rooftop gardens for some spectacular views and a little sun.


After walking around the shopping district, I found a nice Chinese restaurant to eat at. My cold had been returning all day and I was craving hot and sour like nobody’s business. It really hit the spot.

After dinner I was walking to the nearest subway station, when all of a sudden I realized I was a the Citibank Plaza. I was mildly panicked by all the police presence, so I hussled my booty to the subway and got out of there. I can’t imagine what it feels like to work there and have your livelihood depend on being in this building that’s a target for terrorism.

That evening we went to see Lauren’s new troupe, The Dopplegang, perform at a yoga studio.

Here's photos of them warming up before the show.




After their set we went to the LES (lower east side) and met up with a ton of Austin expatriates. We had a great time catching up with everybody.

We saw Mary Varn and her boyfriend Jon.



(Jon had a couple of cups of coffee at this point.)We saw soon to be famous Chris Alonzo. Check out his band's website: ghost runner



Here's Lauren and I. (notice my faboo NJ manicure)



And just happy, happy Lauren.



Even Jon Bownds was doing swell.



I was exhausted by the time I hit the pillow at 2AM.

The next morning we met some of Jon’s friends for breakfast.
Here's some pics of us at the Bus Stop Cafe. Jon, Rhea, and Amy.



Barbara, Lauren, Shana, and Jon. Pretty chipper after a late night.





After brunch, we packed up and headed home. The kitties missed us very much.