Monday, May 10, 2010

Last week in NYC

My trip in NYC has come to a close. I am officially back in PA and already missing that homeless man who shouts in the streets (Laf residents know who I am talking about...)

During my last week in NYC, I wanted to make sure I made the most of the time I had left. SO, I visited most of the major monuments and had a food adventure almost every day. Between my finals and after my classes, I went across the Brooklyn Bridge! It was an accomplishment I waited for all semester and I finally got to do it.
I also visited Pommes Frites - a place with authentic Belgian Fries! It comes with specialty sauces like Mango Chutney or Vietnamese Pineapple. You can also go for the more traditional things like ketchup or vinegar. But the fries are cut/fried fresh and the perfect snack. Crispy on the outside, soft and hot on the inside!

Friday was my final day at TODAY. Even as I write this, I feel like the whole experience has not quite sunk in. I spent a lot of my time at NBC had the chance to meet a lot of wonderful people. My last day consisted of helping the Top Dog finalists get set up on the plaza and working the front desk one last time. Production wise, I got to see how the professionals move a story idea from paper to Studio 1A. These last four months gave me the best foundation to start my career and now I can develop my skills to work towards this level. I got a taste of the real thing and I cannot wait to go back.

Personally, the people who I got to work with became some of my closest friends in NYC. I look forward coming to work and sharing stories with my coworkers. Today has some of the best people on their team, and their interns are no exception. When I went visited some other departments, the intern team is nothing like the one I witnessed at the Today show. We became a very close-knit group and I hope to work with all them again someday. Until then, I wish all of my friends from Today the best of luck finding jobs :).


After work I headed back to NYU one last time for the Spring in New York Farewell Social. Along with the pizza, soda, and cupcakes, it was NYU's way of congratulating us in the program for being a part of the program. Four months from when I started this, I am glad I was a part of this. SNY had a group of students willing to take a risk, pick up their lives from their home school, and take a chance by living in the city. Some people signed up because they were thinking about transferring already, others needed a break from the drama in their lives, for some it was a great opportunity to grow as an individual. Everyone I have met in the program has grown up so much since we first started. We became more independent, sociable, and courageous. Four months in the city I made new friends, tried new things, and learned how to live a full life! Never live in fear because fear will hold you back from doing things you want. SNY'ers I'm going to miss all of you very much and wish we had a reunion already.

As a side note, I've learned the value of a dollar.

Friday evening, I rode the Staten Island Ferry one last time and then took a trip to the Village. Pictured here is the outside of Monica's apartment in Friends :).  Sorry for the dark picture!!

My friends and I wanted to have a fancy final meal and came across Mercadito Grove. Finishing up my food adventures, I needed more noteworthy images! This is a Camaron Ceviche made with shrimp, pico de gallo, tangerines, jalapenos, in a citrus-guajillo broth. Something new and delicious!
For dessert we had orange flan. It was a little to creamy for me, but because it was 6.50 (3.25 between my friend and I) I'm going to say it was delicious.

When my packing began, I pulled out my collection of Playbills that gathered over the semester. I've seen a lot of shows and I'm glad I saw almost every one that I wanted. My favorite might still be Wicked, but Memphis is close, followed by Next to Normal and In the Heights. But each show is incomparable to the other. With these shows and my Musical class, I can pretty much tell you everything about Broadway shows...hopefully.

As a final goodbye, my dear Cousin took me out for Brunch, Saturday afternoon. We went to Pastis and for the first time I had Eggs Benedict! A toasted English muffin with smoked ham and warm poached eggs topped with hollandaise sauce.

Now I want to take this moment and thank my cousin for everything he has done for me. My cousin has been there for me during this whole experience. He made me feel at home during my first weeks and taught me how to navigate the city. We gotten a lot closer these last few months and makes my stay in NYC even more special! Thank you!

To make sure nothing got left out, I traveled to Grand Central terminal! Nothing too exciting, I just wanted to say I went there. Plus, I needed my clock picture:
And finally! The very last thing purchased in NYC was :

French Onion Soup from the The Famous Cozy Soup n Burger. A perfect way to end my trip. For some odd reason, all good memories are linked with a purchase of Onion soup. I didn't even plan for this to happen, but it did. (I really wanted to try a bunch of different onion soups across the city, but I never got around to it)

That concludes my semester long adventure in NYC. After this, I might use the blog for my thoughts or anything interesting I come across...

Just for the record, I realized I took a lot of pictures of random things. I want to thank my SNY friends for cooperating with me and understanding that I needed to take a picture of everything. It became a serious issue, but I enjoyed being able to share my experiences with the everybody!

Until we meet again...Goodbye New York City. You've been wonderful to me.

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Food Adventures and Broadway Accomplishments

My friend and I paid a visit to Korean Town! We had Korean BBQ at Hangang. Truly a delicious, spicy experience. Featured here are prime ribs with sides of kimchi soup, radishes, and rice!
For dessert I had rice pudding at Rice to Riches. Kind of on the pricey side, but a necessary NY stop. I don't know how people buy the extra large. Like the name, very rich and filling. I sampled most of the flavors but settled with Tiramisu. 

After visiting Millersville on Friday for Comm Prom 2010, I came back to NYC to finish more things on my list! On Sunday I finally got to see In the Heights. Getting tickets was the challenge. Unlike other shows I've seen, this required a lottery system! Last weekend my friend and I entered and were one of eight people who lost. 22 Tickets are given out, usually 11 names are called out. As the names were getting called, my heart sank. I felt like I was going to lose again. As she pulled out the last ticket the woman called out my name! I cheered, my friend cheered, even the woman next to me was excited I won. Finally got my ticket. The show was unforgettable and incomparable to ones I've seen. You're transported to Washington Heights and feel what their lifestyle is like. Now I could use some water ice or...Piragua? After the show, we waited at the stage door and I met Corbin Bleu.


Classes are officially over and I currently have one final left to tackle. Papers are written and submitted!!! Today I went to Katz's Deli! I ordered the Pastrami Sandwich with a lemonade!

Then, I went Artisan Cannoli - a little shop that has flavored cremes with their cannolis. I ordered coffee, mint, and coconut. Next weekend the owner said he was releasing samoa flavored in honor of girl scout cookies! I wish I was still here.

Less than a week left!!! I still need to visit a few more places! Running out of time.

Monday, May 3, 2010

Making the Most of the Time I Have Left

 
My time here in New York is quickly coming to a close! That means all this glorious food and culture will soon be out of my life! Let's recap this past weekend - my last FULL weekend here in NYC.
I went to another Mets Game on Friday Night! This time we played the Atlanta Braves and we won! It was a great night filled with hot dogs and kettle corn. Final score 5-2 :) I think I am beginning to really like Baseball, I sure miss those Phillies though.
Later on that evening, a few friends and I decided to walk through the financial district and ride the Staten Island Ferry! It was a beautiful night out and made the boat ride perfect.

The next morning I attempted to win the lottery for In the Heights, but failed miserably. I was one of the eight people who didn't win. 22 tickets are available daily...So I treated myself to a cup of apple cider at the GreenMarket on Union Square
The Greenmarket features stands from local farmers and bakers. The freshest fruits and vegetables are sold directly to New Yorkers. The Farmers Market is visited by thousands. Even me :).

That will be it for now. Next: Korean BBQ!!

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

20th Birthday in NYC!!!

Another wonderful weekend in NYC! It was especially special because it was my 20th birthday.

On Saturday, April 17 I started my birthday festivities by watching Next to Normal (again). This time around the cast was completely different, mostly understudies. I was a little disappointed in the beginning, but some of the replacement cast was phenomenal. And, it was the first performance for one of them!

For dinner that evening my friends and I walked around SoHo looking for a good place to eat. We stopped by a place called Milady's. It had a Zagat rating! The meal was mediocre, nothing special. Service was awful. They didn't want to serve a huge group...

I went home that evening a little depressed, but my spirits were lifted when my friends surprised me with cupcakes from Billy's Bakery.

Hands down this might be my favorite cupcake place in NYC. I've decided that Magnolia's has a weird aftertaste to it. Crumbs' portions are too large. But, Billy's have perfectly sized cupcakes with a buttercream frosting. It isn't too sweet, silky, and smooth. Research to come.

Two weeks left in NYC. Two weekends. Time is running out.

Monday, April 12, 2010

Baseball+Millersville Visits+Flea Markets!


Currently I only have four weekends left in NYC! I spent my most recent one pursuing newer parts of the city.



Friday, April 9 I made my way to Flushing and CitiField where I got to be part of the Opening Week with the NY METS! My fellow TODAY coworker accompanied me on this trip as we moved our way from seats in the 500 level to the 400 level. It was a chilly night, so there weren't as many people there! I enjoyed a Nathan's Hot Dog and french fries...





I love the atmosphere of a baseball game because everything can change in a second when that batter hits a home run...:)


 

Saturday, April 10: Millersville ACMO and Citamard visited NYC!!! I met up with a few of the members and spent the whole day with them. We went to the Stardust Diner, explored Time Square, took pictures for the American Eagle Billboard, and saw Memphis! Highlight: Meeting one of the advertisers for a show called La Cage. He had the best outgoing personality and remembered us hours later when we came to tell him about the show. The group LOVED the show and I'm really glad Memphis is receiving positive feedback. Seeing the show a second time was superb because I knew what to look for!!! It was great seeing many familiar faces as well! :) Miss you Millersville!
 

Sunday April 11: My friends here in NY decided it was time to venture to a Flea Market.  Heading to  Hell's Kitchen (there is a story, I can't remember it)

The Flea Market had a lot of old trinkets from the 1900s! Including coins, medals, toys, and photographs! Some stands even had an original Coke bottle (unopened) from the 1950s!!!
Of course, the main reason we came to the Flea Market was to buy clothes/purses/wallets at really low prices. I ended purchasing a dress for 10 dollars--marked 30. I was not good at haggling. On the other hand, I had a friend who was a pro.
 
Alas, no weekend is complete without a food find. After spending hours at the market 3 of my friends walked with me down the avenue. We ran into a Philly Cheesesteak place called Shorty's. They pride themselves in serving an authentic taste of Philadelphia. I was pleased to see the Phillies game on and everyone in Philadelphia sports gear. It was comforting to see a piece of home in NYC...

Finally, I went to the Bryant Park and the New York Public Library and was issued my first Library card!! It was a proud moment and we made a big deal to the people behind the circulation desk.

Sunday, April 4, 2010

Easter Exploration Weekend

The beautiful Spring weather has finally arrived and given New York City the best weekend to date.

Friday, April 2: After work, I had a desire to visit Central Park
My friend and I explored a portion of this massive New York treat. I was surprised to find a set of swings, and decided to try them myself!!! Walking along the path, the Belvedere Castle
 caught my eye. There are many more historical landmarks throughout the park, I only had time for this one.
Saturday, April 3: The following morning I decided to go to SouthStreet Seaport. A wonderful tourist attraction by the Brooklyn Bridge. It is a completely different area full of places to eat, a mall, and museums. You can learn about the marine life as well. 


I went back to the Chelsea Market and visited The Lobster Place. It is a great stop to buy fresh seafood in the city!!! They also make made-to-order meals. Pictured here is a Crab Club Sandwich with chips and cole slaw. The sandwich was delicious because it was made with ALL crab. No imitation stuff. Topped off with bacon and avocado. YUM!


Sunday, April 4: I went back to Central Park!! Taking the train up to 105 St, I entered the borderline of Harlem. It was a COMPLETELY different area. It is an urban community and nothing like mid-town with the tourists. In Central Park, I read about the Conservatory Gardens which is designed to be like a Victorian Gardens. I walked in and wondered what the place would look like during the summer. It was such a pretty area!



The rest of the afternoon consisted of exploring 5th and Park Avenue. I took an array of pictures at Tiffany's, Trump Tower, Prada, and at other buildings with pretty storefronts! But the afternoon finally came to an end. My feet could not carry me any further...
 My last stop of the day was Gray's Papaya at 6th Avenue and 8th Street. The most famous hot dog restaurant was the perfect dinner to my Easter Sunday. The perfect blend of sauce, kraut, and a sizzling hot dog.
With a month left, expect many more updates as I try to visit as many more places as possible.