First day of the library's Summer Reading Program and the theme is about travel. Just my luck cause you all know how much I love to travel! This time I've decided to go to the biggest city in the United States - New York City! With over 8,000,000 people I am sure to have an exciting time. I just hope I don't get stepped on!
The plane ride was fun, and looking out the window was fascinating. First there were the Rocky Mountains, then the plains of the Midwest, then the lights of the big Eastern cities filling the sky. The food wasn't too hot, but I was too excited to eat!
Kennedy Airport was crazy. Hailing a taxi is NOT easy when you're a small Chinese water dragon. None of the taxi drivers noticed me, so I ended up waiting for over two hours. Good thing it was raining or I would have been very dehydrated. I finally arrived at my nice Times Square hotel, where I finally fell asleep, entertained by the bright lights and hustle and bustle of the busiest spot in New York City. Can't wait to get out there and explore!
My first day was awesome. I decided to take a ferry out New York Harbor to Liberty Island and see the Statue of Liberty up close and personal. Lady Liberty was looking pretty spiffy, and I decided to tackle all 354 stairs up to the top of her crown. Looking out I could see the skyline of New York across the harbor. What a sight. My little legs were already complaining but I had a lot more ground to cover, so I hopped back on the ferry and then took subway north to the World Trade Center, where I spent time reflecting on lives lost and on the bravery of so many people. Next stop was the Empire State Building, where I took the elevator (no stairs this time!) to the top, where sunset gave me the most amazing view of the skyscrapers and beyond. What a place! By this time I was ready to go back to my hotel and soak my feet. Ahhh, the water feels great, but will I ever be able to walk again?
The next day I took in a fun baseball game at Yankee Stadium. Those Yankees are doing great and are in first place in American League East right now. They were playing the Red Sox. I cheered along with everybody else (for both teams - didn't care who won!). I'm sorry to report that I ate way too much, and the hot dogs, popcorn and peanuts didn't do much for my figure. Hope I can fit into my cage when I get back!
Central Park was next on my list, and I spent another day giving my lizard legs a workout. It was so fun to see all those usually so super-busy New Yorkers relaxing and enjoying themselves. Families were flying kites, having picnics and playing baseball. There were lots of great musicians to listen to, but I had to watch my step, as the skateboarders and rollerbladers were all over the place. I couldn't believe how huge the park is - 843 acres, or 6 miles around it!
No way could I see the whole place, but what I saw of it was awesome. The lakes and ponds were perfect for a cooling swim, and the green lawns made a great place to take a quick nap. Last day is tomorrow!
Before I left for home, I decided I need to see some great art, so I spent the day at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. With over 2 million works of art in one building I had my work cut out for me. My favorites? Impossible to say, as I was equally awed by the Picassos, Rembrandts, Sargents, Rubins, Vermeers, etc. etc. I think I'll try my hand at painting when I get back home. I think I'd be pretty good, especially after seeing all the good examples by the masters!
It is nice to be back home in my cage. I think I'll check out some books on New York City to relive my good times there. Good thing my home is in the library! (Click here to put a great book on hold)Being an armchair traveler sounds pretty good to me, at least until I get my next travel bug.
