After our 6-hour rehearsal—with breaks— we hailed a cab (that’s sooo New York) and headed by speeding bullet to the Met. Okay, this was either the cab driver from Hell or the E-ticket ride. Whatever, we got the full New York experience in one ride. He never let anyone cut in and dodged every car by inches. When a siren came from behind, he didn’t pull over; he tried to outrun it! When the ambulance started honking at him, he pulled over in the middle of an intersection near pedestrians. Wow, what a ride. No car was dinged, and no one was even knocked over. We gave him a big tip.
The Met is a great old edifice with a pyramid of stairs leading in. It was raining, so we raced up and ducked in. My backpack was no problem once they checked it, and Katie’s friend, James, was waiting for us just inside. In the ticket line, the catching up started. Their wild stories went back and forth. They hadn’t seen each other in a few years, so the whole museum tour was talk, talk, talk.
First, we went to the Egyptian Wing and saw it all—from sarcophagus to the temple given to us by Egypt for our financial help in moving Abu Simbel to safety from rising water. So many in-scribed artifacts—just wonderful. We took a lot of photos.
Then, on to the Armory collection, totally terrific, then to sculptures, and a cry of mercy for rest. We stopped in the most beautiful central courtyard and had sodas and more talk. Then on to the America Collection and especially the Hudson River School, where we found a few more by Frederick Church. We all gathered in the gift shop, and goodbyes were said. 3 hours goes by quickly when you’re having fun.
The taxi back was boring compared to the ride here, but he got us there safely and in time to make reservations for the Irish pub, Connolly’s. If you haven’t been here, we’ll recommend it. It’s got to be the most crowded pub in all of NYC! Well decorated and full of Scotsmen over here to play for the Tartan Day Parade, to celebrate Scottish independence from GB way back in William Wallace days. We didn’t hear a single bagpipe, but talked to several kilt-wearers. They were completely decked out and recovering after a wet march through the streets of NYC.
Back in our rooms, we are exhausted, but ready for more. Tomorrow is the big day. Are we ready? Wait and see!
Good night!