What can I say? I love this city! I love how green it is, with every inch of free space teeming with plants and parks. From rooftops to canopies to the tiny park across from the hotel with a waterfall drowning out the sounds of the city. It is truly a remarkable city.
Day one saw a trip to the newly opened High Line which was gorgeous. A beautiful reclaimation of space that is already visibly seeing the surrounding areas clean up.
Walking through Chelsea it was great to see the different buildings and the variations in their architecture.
It was a reasonably clear day so it was off to the Staten Island Ferry for my first glimpse of the Statue of Liberty. The tours up to the crown have sold out till September but it was nice to see her from the water.
A quick trip down to Wall Street to check out the Stock Exchange and it was time to see my first show on Broadway which was The Little Mermaid which was fun.
Since then I've seen West Side Story which I can only describe as amazing and 9 to 5 which I really enjoyed against my expectations.
Spotted my first squirrel in NY yesterday and had many failed attempts to capture this on film. Made up for this by going to a camera/electronics/cd store to browse. Came out lightly with only two CDs.
Have also discovered that mixed drinks are much stronger over here. Will bear that in mind for the next time I'm out.
Toured Radio City Music Hall and was blown away by the architecture, the detail that went into the restoration and the stage lifts and just the whole place was pretty incredible. Again, there are many photos.
I spent the evening exploring Times Square, trying to become familiar with the theatres, their locations and what was playing where. Not sure how successful that was... Walked along until I caught my first glimpse of Central Park where I took a mini bike-cab tour of the western side of the park. I was hoping to get a ticket to the final Shakespeare in the Park performance but it was not to be.
Tomorrow the crazy run of museums begins!
Monday, July 13, 2009
Friday, July 10, 2009
Vegas Baby!
It's amazing how much we rely on the internet nowadays... Four nights in Vegas largely without internet gave the illusion of freedom from the everyday and holiday mode kicked in!
Arrived in Vegas on 5th July at around 10:30pm (local time) and headed straight to TI to drop off bags before heading for a quick look at the Strip. As is tradition, ice cream must be eaten upon arrival in a new location. Cue Ben & Jerry's. Watched a couple of the short shows at the Lake of Dreams at the Wynn before watching the Sirens of TI from across the road.
Black out curtains are wonderful things. Slept in on the 6th before heading out for the first attempt to make it down the Strip. Managed to get most of the way down the strip but had a slow, snap happy, start with the Venetian before moving on to see the Wynn, Palazzo, Bellagio (fountains), Paris, Miracle Mile Shops (skip the fountain shows), Coca Cola World, MGM Grand (cute lioness asleep at the top of a waterfall, didn't take a photo for some reason). Took many photos of umbrellas (Palazzo) and hot air balloons (Bellagio). Saw my first Cirque show, Mystère at TI and loved it. Straight off to the next show, La Reve at the Wynn. What can I say, I do love a good water show and it was stunning.
Day 2 in Vegas started the day with the breakfast buffet at TI then headed off down the Strip again doing the interior of some of the aforementioned casinos. More balloon photos. Was impressed by the curved escalators in Caesar's Forum Shops. More umbrella photos. Had around exterior of Paris & around New York, New York. Must be time to see a show right? Zumanity was very pretty!
Day 3 booked an express tour to Hoover Dam. "Won" $1.50 from the vending machine I bought snacks from. Many photos at the Dam. Then took a helicopter flight over Hoover Dam and boy was it windy up there! Back at the Strip was M&M happy at M&M's World before having another look at MGM Grand, New York, New York and making it down for a quick look at Excalibur, Luxor and Mandalay Bay before hightailing it back to Luxor to see Believe which was um... yeah. Then off to MGM Grand to see Ka which was AMAZING! When in Vegas how do you not play slots at least once? Managed to come out a whole $7 (give or take a few cents) on top. Decided to cash out while I was ahead. Ha!
9th July was a travel day. Check out at noon off to the airport to head to NY where I am at the moment. Loved Vegas but am very excited to be in NY as is demonstrated by my waking up at 6:30am having gone to sleep at 3:30am. Wee!
Signing off now to go see the city, and possibly purchase a giant bag of Reeces pieces...
Arrived in Vegas on 5th July at around 10:30pm (local time) and headed straight to TI to drop off bags before heading for a quick look at the Strip. As is tradition, ice cream must be eaten upon arrival in a new location. Cue Ben & Jerry's. Watched a couple of the short shows at the Lake of Dreams at the Wynn before watching the Sirens of TI from across the road.
Black out curtains are wonderful things. Slept in on the 6th before heading out for the first attempt to make it down the Strip. Managed to get most of the way down the strip but had a slow, snap happy, start with the Venetian before moving on to see the Wynn, Palazzo, Bellagio (fountains), Paris, Miracle Mile Shops (skip the fountain shows), Coca Cola World, MGM Grand (cute lioness asleep at the top of a waterfall, didn't take a photo for some reason). Took many photos of umbrellas (Palazzo) and hot air balloons (Bellagio). Saw my first Cirque show, Mystère at TI and loved it. Straight off to the next show, La Reve at the Wynn. What can I say, I do love a good water show and it was stunning.
Day 2 in Vegas started the day with the breakfast buffet at TI then headed off down the Strip again doing the interior of some of the aforementioned casinos. More balloon photos. Was impressed by the curved escalators in Caesar's Forum Shops. More umbrella photos. Had around exterior of Paris & around New York, New York. Must be time to see a show right? Zumanity was very pretty!
Day 3 booked an express tour to Hoover Dam. "Won" $1.50 from the vending machine I bought snacks from. Many photos at the Dam. Then took a helicopter flight over Hoover Dam and boy was it windy up there! Back at the Strip was M&M happy at M&M's World before having another look at MGM Grand, New York, New York and making it down for a quick look at Excalibur, Luxor and Mandalay Bay before hightailing it back to Luxor to see Believe which was um... yeah. Then off to MGM Grand to see Ka which was AMAZING! When in Vegas how do you not play slots at least once? Managed to come out a whole $7 (give or take a few cents) on top. Decided to cash out while I was ahead. Ha!
9th July was a travel day. Check out at noon off to the airport to head to NY where I am at the moment. Loved Vegas but am very excited to be in NY as is demonstrated by my waking up at 6:30am having gone to sleep at 3:30am. Wee!
Signing off now to go see the city, and possibly purchase a giant bag of Reeces pieces...
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
On the Nightward Shores of Dream
It's been brought to my attention that I've been neglecting my blog. Skimming over the last couple of entries it occurs to me how inaccurate my blog is at the moment.
For one thing, it implies that I am in Adelaide, when in fact I didn't end up going to work on the festival at all because I wanted to spend the last few months of Mum's life in Melbourne with her (despite her protests). So I stayed in Melbourne and was lucky enough that a job came up on Billy Elliot which has kept me out of mischief for the last six months.
This is however drawing to a close as our season finishes in just under two weeks. After that, who knows what I'll be doing or where I'll be. Will endeavour to write more often, but make no guarantees.
Not much news other than that! Am looking forward to a break after the show. Quite possibly going to head off on a holiday. Destination and duration to be determined soon...
Anyway, I should give sleep another try. Am suffering from insomnia or possibly have reverted to a nocturnal state. Not good. Sleep is important according to the SBS documentary on sleep depreviation I watched last week... in two viewings... because I may have fallen a sleep due to being a tad sleep deprived. Ahem.
Sleep.
For one thing, it implies that I am in Adelaide, when in fact I didn't end up going to work on the festival at all because I wanted to spend the last few months of Mum's life in Melbourne with her (despite her protests). So I stayed in Melbourne and was lucky enough that a job came up on Billy Elliot which has kept me out of mischief for the last six months.
This is however drawing to a close as our season finishes in just under two weeks. After that, who knows what I'll be doing or where I'll be. Will endeavour to write more often, but make no guarantees.
Not much news other than that! Am looking forward to a break after the show. Quite possibly going to head off on a holiday. Destination and duration to be determined soon...
Anyway, I should give sleep another try. Am suffering from insomnia or possibly have reverted to a nocturnal state. Not good. Sleep is important according to the SBS documentary on sleep depreviation I watched last week... in two viewings... because I may have fallen a sleep due to being a tad sleep deprived. Ahem.
Sleep.
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
Hearing Things
I've avoided writing a new post for awhile now. Largely because I had nothing to say. I have no words to describe the events of the past twenty months, nor do I feel an urge to find them.
There are still days when I wake up thinking I've heard my Mum calling me. It happened the day she died and a couple of times since. Last night as I drifted off to sleep I heard her asking me questions that I can't remember anymore. It leaves me unsettled and a little melancholy. I'm okay with that even if it does make me feel like I might be just that little bit crazier than I thought. I figure it's because I'm still grieving. I never really expect it to go away. The sadness that is. All I hope is that like the ends of the relationships I've experienced so far, the heartache will dull and at some point turn into something that is a pleasure to remember instead of bittersweet.
It's Mum's birthday in nine days and I suspect the next few weeks will be hard. I'm trying to find a balance between the memories and remembering to still experience the present. It's a struggle but I think I can get there, where ever that might be.
There are still days when I wake up thinking I've heard my Mum calling me. It happened the day she died and a couple of times since. Last night as I drifted off to sleep I heard her asking me questions that I can't remember anymore. It leaves me unsettled and a little melancholy. I'm okay with that even if it does make me feel like I might be just that little bit crazier than I thought. I figure it's because I'm still grieving. I never really expect it to go away. The sadness that is. All I hope is that like the ends of the relationships I've experienced so far, the heartache will dull and at some point turn into something that is a pleasure to remember instead of bittersweet.
It's Mum's birthday in nine days and I suspect the next few weeks will be hard. I'm trying to find a balance between the memories and remembering to still experience the present. It's a struggle but I think I can get there, where ever that might be.
Saturday, January 03, 2009
39 Questions on 2008
1. What did you do in 2008 that you'd never done before?
Flew a helicopter. Watched the Melbourne NYE fireworks live in the city. A few work related things. A couple of things that I shall keep to myself.
2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
Still haven't achieved the juggling. Admittedly haven't really tried for a couple of years. Resolutions for 2009? Take better care of myself.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
My cousins and one of my work friends.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Mum lost her battle with pancreatic cancer in December. My grandma (Mum's Mum) lost her battle with cervical cancer in November. Interesting to note there is not previous history of cancer on Mum's side of the family.
5. What countries did you visit?
Singapore.
6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
More travel.
7. What date from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
15th December - a day filled with coloured cranes and my nearest & dearest.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Saying no to work.
9. What was your biggest failure?
Unfinished projects largely knitting & crochet.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Not really. The had the flu, and an ear infection that's it.
11. What was the best thing you bought in 2008?
Three lego kits. A train, a crane and a forklift/car.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
My parents again but this time for their inspiring final 18 days & nights together. Anyone who can find romance in the face of death and in a hospital is truly amazing.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
I'd rather not say.
14. Did you go to any weddings?
No
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Mum being in remission at the start of the year. I said it was "great" when I got the call and then an hour later was crying on the tram home.
16. What song will always remind you of 2008?
Look Mummy, No Hands by Dillie Keane
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
---happier or sadder? same same
---thinner or heavier? thinner :(
---richer or poorer? same same
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Lived a little and travel
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
(over)think
20. How did you spend Christmas?
Eve was spent watching Carols By Candlelight with Matt. Day was spent with family.
21. Did you fall in love in 2008?
Perhaps
22. Were you rejected by anyone?
No?
23. What was your favorite TV program?
Mad Men for a new show. Got a little suckered into Grey's Anatomy & Private Practice too... oh and House
24. Do you dislike anyone now that you didn't dislike this time last year?
Yes.
25. What was the best book you read?
The Name of the Wind closely followed by The Widow Clicquot and possibly Growing Up Asian in Australia
26. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Death Cab For Cutie & Gotye
27. What did you want and get?
More time to get to know Mum. An iPhone & the most amazing wool from Germany.
28. What did you want and did not get?
Overseas travel.
29. What was your favorite film of this year?
Madagascar 2 - I like to move it move it....
30. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I went to the supermarket. Did some laundry and French homework. Still 25.
31. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
More challenging work. Or more helicopter flying.
32. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
More colourful than most years. More feminine in Brisbane because it was warm and I was in an office for 3 months.
33. What kept you sane?
Large quantities of tea. Nick.
34. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Samuel Barnett. Always have a soft spot for Johnny Depp & Clive Owen though.
35. What political issue stirred you the most?
Couldn't say.
36. Who did you miss?
I miss my Lisa who's in Paris and Tamsin who's about to leave for the UK.
37. Who was the best new person you met?
Natalie, she's like a long lost sister :)
38. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.
Don't be afraid of living. There's always time for the little things and romance is not dead.
39. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
Flew a helicopter. Watched the Melbourne NYE fireworks live in the city. A few work related things. A couple of things that I shall keep to myself.
2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
Still haven't achieved the juggling. Admittedly haven't really tried for a couple of years. Resolutions for 2009? Take better care of myself.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
My cousins and one of my work friends.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Mum lost her battle with pancreatic cancer in December. My grandma (Mum's Mum) lost her battle with cervical cancer in November. Interesting to note there is not previous history of cancer on Mum's side of the family.
5. What countries did you visit?
Singapore.
6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
More travel.
7. What date from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
15th December - a day filled with coloured cranes and my nearest & dearest.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Saying no to work.
9. What was your biggest failure?
Unfinished projects largely knitting & crochet.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Not really. The had the flu, and an ear infection that's it.
11. What was the best thing you bought in 2008?
Three lego kits. A train, a crane and a forklift/car.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
My parents again but this time for their inspiring final 18 days & nights together. Anyone who can find romance in the face of death and in a hospital is truly amazing.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
I'd rather not say.
14. Did you go to any weddings?
No
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Mum being in remission at the start of the year. I said it was "great" when I got the call and then an hour later was crying on the tram home.
16. What song will always remind you of 2008?
Look Mummy, No Hands by Dillie Keane
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
---happier or sadder? same same
---thinner or heavier? thinner :(
---richer or poorer? same same
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Lived a little and travel
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
(over)think
20. How did you spend Christmas?
Eve was spent watching Carols By Candlelight with Matt. Day was spent with family.
21. Did you fall in love in 2008?
Perhaps
22. Were you rejected by anyone?
No?
23. What was your favorite TV program?
Mad Men for a new show. Got a little suckered into Grey's Anatomy & Private Practice too... oh and House
24. Do you dislike anyone now that you didn't dislike this time last year?
Yes.
25. What was the best book you read?
The Name of the Wind closely followed by The Widow Clicquot and possibly Growing Up Asian in Australia
26. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Death Cab For Cutie & Gotye
27. What did you want and get?
More time to get to know Mum. An iPhone & the most amazing wool from Germany.
28. What did you want and did not get?
Overseas travel.
29. What was your favorite film of this year?
Madagascar 2 - I like to move it move it....
30. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I went to the supermarket. Did some laundry and French homework. Still 25.
31. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
More challenging work. Or more helicopter flying.
32. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
More colourful than most years. More feminine in Brisbane because it was warm and I was in an office for 3 months.
33. What kept you sane?
Large quantities of tea. Nick.
34. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Samuel Barnett. Always have a soft spot for Johnny Depp & Clive Owen though.
35. What political issue stirred you the most?
Couldn't say.
36. Who did you miss?
I miss my Lisa who's in Paris and Tamsin who's about to leave for the UK.
37. Who was the best new person you met?
Natalie, she's like a long lost sister :)
38. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.
Don't be afraid of living. There's always time for the little things and romance is not dead.
39. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
Wrench yourself from your demons
For far too long you’ve believed them
When they told you you were weak
Take a step in the tunnel
With the light ’round the bend
In the end
You can start to make amends
Who knows where you’ll go, baby
So much you could do!
Haven’t you heard, baby?
All will be well
If you want it to
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