New York City - Part 3

Porgy & Bess

After dinner we headed on over and got in line for the show.  When we got inside and saw how close our seats were to the stage, we may have geeked out a little.  Okay…a lot!  I don’t think I’ve ever been that close to the stage before.  Afterward, I felt like I actually knew the performers.  I’m not sure if it was our proximity to the stage or the powerful story or the unbelievably amazing talent, but I shed a few tears during the show.  Actually, I straight up cried…more than once.  The plot is for mature audiences, but the entire cast was incredible.  Perhaps that’s why it’s received TEN Tony Award Nominations.  I will be watching the Tony awards (on June 10^th) and I’ll gladly tell anyone who listens that I saw Audra McDonald in Porgy & Bess.

Tracy’s Tip: Go see Porgy & Bess and take some tissues.

Dessert

After the show we walked over the Sardi’s for some dessert.  The place was packed, but we walked right in and got a seat.  We shared the crème brulee.  How have I not had that before?   It was so delicious.  I would have ordered a second one, but I didn’t want the waiter to judge me. ;)

Tracy’s Tip:  Find some crème brulee and eat it.  Trust me, it’s awesome.

Night Life

Our return bus choices were 11 p.m. (too early) or 1:15 a.m. (ridiculously late).  When we left Sardi’s it had started to drizzle a little.  Thankfully Laura had brought an umbrella for us.  Our first mission was to find the Port Authority, where our bus was leaving from.  After wandering around looking for the MegaBus sign, a homeless guy directed us to the alley between two buildings.  He was right, but we didn’t feel comfortable waiting there so we started to look for a place to hang out.  Unfortunately most of the restaurants in the area closed at midnight.  We finally found a McDonalds, bought a coke, and just sat there and watched people for 45 minutes.  Did I mention that by now we had been going for 15 hours straight in NYC and that my feet were killing me???  Between the rain and the waiting, this was my least favorite part of the trip.

Around 12:30 we decided to walk over to see if the bus was there.  Thankfully it was and we hopped on and tried to sleep while we waited to leave.  Unfortunately, the bus was full of rowdy college students headed back to Philadelphia.  I tried to drown them out with music, but was unsuccessful.  Where were earplugs when I needed them?? This was my new least favorite part of the trip!

Tracy’s Tips: Be extra careful about the shoes you choose for a 15 hour day of walking.  Bring earplugs just in case you’re on a bus full of noisy people!

To Sum It Up

It seemed like before I knew it I was on a plane back to Austin and back in the classroom teaching.  What I really want to know is, when can I go back?  I’ve got at least a week full of NYC adventure in mind for my next trip, now I just need to start saving!