Day 91: Day 1 on NYC

I did not raise per say. I just headed out after writing the blog. I thought the tram was subway line F; I learned later it was just the tram. This explains why I could not find a Q line and a station associated with the tram. It is the Roosevelt Tram station, not a subway connection, so it is clear now.

Like the other tourists, I recorded the tram ride over the river and into Manhattan. It was packed, but I managed a good view. I then became frustrated because I could not find the stations for F and Q. Something was wrong, but I learned later with Cat and Michelle that there was a subway entrance a few blocked before the tram. I found the Lex station and connected it with my memories of the subway from a few years ago.

I decided to try to reach Lincoln Center and see the Met Opera store. This meant remembering how to connect the three different lines. I used my Subway app for NYC and only got lost once on the way back. I was still on the 1 lines instead of the Q N R W lines. I took an N train to Times Square and switched to the 1 train to Uptown. That got me to 66 Street, which is Lincoln Center.

I was happy to be at the Met and called Leta to share it with her. She was excited for us to see Opera Turandot on Saturday. I tried to contact others, but nobody picked up. I did visit the store and asked if the barcodes were tickets or if I had to switch them for paper tickets—no, those will work. I was tempted by a poster for Turandot, but I decided it would likely get damaged on the trip home.

Michelle was reaching the hotel in a few hours, so I returned. Getting to the right platforms at the transfer stations took a while. I missed the Q train, which might have taken me to the F train (not the tram), and I would have figured this all out on my own, but no, I managed to do all the letters today, with R taking me back to LEX and 59th. From there, I walked to the tram and took a full tram back.

I was back at the hotel, and my room was ready. The room is on the 17th floor and has a lovely view of NYC. I unpacked, ordered my stuff, charged things, and then hopped in the shower to clean up. I wore clean clothing and rested for what I thought was a closing of my eyes.

I was relaxed and floating in a deep sleep from traveling and walking 7,000 steps today. Michelle called and offered to let me sleep, but I said I wanted to head out again. We met, and Michelle introduced me to F here on Roosevelt Island. Lightbulb! We took the elusive Q line and found Union Square in Manhattan. There, we enjoyed the music and the friendly new-age crowd and then headed to The Strand, a new and used bookstore. A smaller, more focused version of our Powell’s in Portland. The staff was also everywhere and helpful. I got Z a t-shirt, and I found a Strand discounted Cthulhu storybook. I recognized some of the authors of the stories. I also got Michelle a mystery book; it was wrapped as a surprise. It turned out to be Snow Crash, an excellent SciFi book.

Michelle and I found a bench and rested. I had walked over 10,000 steps now, and my feet were unhappy. We headed to Carl Brenner for a coffee. Cat joined us, and soon, we ordered dinner. I also had the white chocolate Chai that came in a special strainer cup that you poured from. It was excellent. I had the mac and cheese, and they had the pizza. All was good.

Cat led us back to Roosevelt Island. F and Q were on the same lines now. Ugh! Glad Cat understood these mysteries.

We headed back, but I started to feel my colon suddenly full. Oops. I tried to remember to empty it at 10 a.m. It needed some quiet time with me. I begged off from Michelle and Cat and headed back to the hotel. I made it in time and had two goes until things were safe. The champaign and cork experience again. I think it was the travel. Something to remember.

I collected my laptop and headed to the rooftop bar. After a bit, I was given a chair at the bar. I had a beer and olives. There, I wrote this blog listening to loud music and seeing people drinking expensive drinks and food to enjoy a view of Manhattan on the 18th floor. The windows show all of the city. It is an impressive view.

Thanks for reading.