My Oyster

Shoot the Freak?

Travel is all about the senses.  We were on sensory overload today.  From an amazing performance of Hair on Broadway to a nearly overwhelming crush of humanity on the boardwalk of Coney Island. 

We saw, heard, smelled (won't go into it here), touched, and of course tasted all kinds of Manhattan and Brooklyn experiences.  

The pic above is what may have pushed us over the line - or at least made us pause - and watch.  A boardwalk game called "Shoot the Freak" with "Live Human Targets".  Still not sure what to make of that one. 

Here are my Five Favorite Fotos from today...

Nature...

We wanted some ocean breezes and so took the D train out to Coney Island.  We were not the only ones with that idea today. 

Beauty...

 

Deanna and Buster at brunch.  It doesn't get more beautiful in my eyes. 

Fun...

 

Like yesterday - it was great to experience Broadway with Sarah.  She had been in this show at UMaine earlier this year.   

Spirit...

 

A little hot dog worship.  The wiener was invented here at Coney Island and it is where the annual hot dog eating contest takes place each July 4th. 

Just liked it...

 

This was the most serene scene we saw on the Boardwalk and at that point, we needed a little serenity.

And more photos here at my Flickr account.

The B. The Q. Promises, Promises...

Today we kicked into high tourist gear here in NYC. 

Jean and I got up (way too) early and walked through Prospect Park.  Beautiful. 

We scored half-price theater tickets at TKTS (Sarah psyched), had brunch with an old friend (John P.) in Fort Greene (another cool Brooklyn neighborhood), walked across the Brooklyn Bridge (scary for me), tried a bit of Chinatown (smells- fish) and Little Italy (tastes - gelato), struggled with the subway lines (B&Q to Church Street) had dinner (Greek) in Hell's Kitchen, saw Promises, Promises (I fell asleep), and had drinks with more old friends (John & Rob).

It was a full day and night and into morning.   

Here are my Five Favorite Fotos from today...

Nature...

The lake in Prospect Park in the very early morning.  We are staying just two blocks away - it's a real treat. 

Beauty...

Though I don't really enjoy heights or bridges - Jean always seems to get me climbing something on each of our trips.  I thought the cables and stone on the Brooklyn Bridge were amazing - when I could look up at them. 

Fun...

It was great to see Sarah so excited for this show and Kristin Chenoweth.   

Spirit...

After repeated subway mishaps - mostly but not all my fault - I was thanking God whenever we found ourselves on the right platform and a train going to and stopping at our stop - which just happened to be...Church Street.  Hmm. 

Just liked it...

The only thing getting me on the Brooklyn Bridge was the chance to reenact the Miranda & Steve scene from Sex and the City 1.  I am probably Miranda.

And more photos here at my Flickr account.

We Love New York City (well Brooklyn)...

Sarah, Jean and I needed a little getaway before diving into summer and so we headed to THE city for the long Memorial Day Weekend.

This is a cool trip for a few reasons.

1. Sarah is with.  Always entertaining.  Nuff said.
2. It's the first road trip for Jean and I.  No problems on the way.  We made the trip in under 4 hours with no problems and no backseat driving by me.  I read.
3. It's our first apartment exchange.  We are staying at Cristina's place in Brooklyn.  She stayed at my place in April.  We have been overwhelmed with exchange offers from around the world but opted to start small and nearby with this NYC exchange.
4. It's my first trip to NYC in years and the first time I am really spending time in Brooklyn.  I like it.
5. We have several old friends here that we are getting to spend time with after too long.

Only a couple snaps from today - ran out of battery juice.

Sarah and I in the lobby of our exchange apartment...

Jean, Brigitte & Alex after dinner in Williamsburg...