We were meeting friends of my brother, Andrew and Henriette in the park. I haven't seen them since David got married and I was wanting to meet their daughters, Henriette heard we were in New York and messaged me and what a better place to meet than Central Park. This time we entered on the Columbus Circle side after finding Hans at Wholefoods. Caroline had come along too. It was 11 in the morning and it was all happening. A wedding, a baseball game, a hawk trying to catch a squirrel for breakfast, ice cream trucks, children, cyclists, runners, prams and a Boston terrier!
We found the Foster family and after a delicious iced coffee (my new favourite) we wandered towards the fountain and boathouse. We were sidetracked by a very entertaining hip-hop group and The Bubble Man. The cherry on the top was a ride on a carousel. I have never been on one and this was a huge one that big people were allowed to sit on. Great fun.
It was time to say goodbye and we headed off down Broadway to see our show. More goodbyes on a street corner to Hans who was heading back to Holland in the evening. Caroline set off to her show. Time Square was heaving in the heat. It felt like a storm was brewing and it was a relief to get into the cool theatre. I joined the very long queue for the ladies and received some funny looks for taking off my slops and giving my feet a rub down with wet wipes (best invention ever) before putting on my proper shoes. A quick change in the toilet and I was ready.
Our tickets were on the top balcony, two rows from the front and right in the middle. Perfect view except once the show started, the people in the front row moved forward to rest on the rail. This bothered Michael a bit but I ended up sitting forward in my seat for the whole show.
Les Miserables and Phantom were powerful and moving shows which have always topped my list and I have seen them both twice - both once in London and then in Cape Town. This experience was completely different. The story was beautifully told and took me back to another era. The set was amazing and the Gershwin music and bandstand vibe brought back memories of my dad and his records played on the Pioneer music centre in his flat in Pirt Elizabeth.
The leading man, Robert Fairchild, a ballet dancer now actor and singer, was gorgeous and totally charming. Lise, the leading lady was just beautiful. Everything was perfect and having two young guys, dressed smartly in suits, also sitting on the edge of their seats next to me made me more in the moment than ever. It's been a long time since I have become totally engrossed and 100% focused on something and the end of the show had me looking for more wet wipes as I was a mess. Getting a bit soft in the head when you cry in a musical.
After the show we were out on to the pavement again. The steamy heat and the thousands of people on Times Square sucked us in. Still no rain. It was also my opportunity to lead Michael by the hand to Sephora to re-apply some make up. This store is amazing and everyone seems to there just helping themselves to a free makeover. Yves St Laurent was my brand of choice and I acted like all the others and tested colors, applied foundation, eye shadow and mascara while Michael stood patiently next to the lipsticks. This is something I would never do at home but "when in Rome...." I left there feeling like Lise in the show but after five minutes in the subway, it had melted off. I tried.
We found our way back to Brooklyn (only one wrong turn) dropped our stuff at the apartment and then went off to Chris, Jaye and Theo for supper. Another lovely evening with family and stories, a pretty strong gin and tonic and wine.
Joanna, Michael and I walked the 10 big blocks home with a couple of big rain drops trying hard to cool us down (but never really succeeding). It was great walking through this colorful neighborhood. People sitting on fire escapes to cool down, loud music coming from houses, coming from cars, coming at you through headphones in people's ears as they walk past you. There were dudes on huge shining home-made bikes with matching helmets, a gas barbecue and party on the pavement (they are big pavements), police sirens and fire engines, a Hasidic Jewish family in full dress heading home. This place has it all and I felt like I was on the set of Moonstruck.
Another awesome and full day.
Once again I have woken up early, I have sorted out some pictures on my phone and realized I did not take enough photos yesterday. This morning we want to walk Brooklyn Bridge, we have to pack our bags and get to the bus station. We head to Boston this afternoon for the second last leg of the journey.
Time does fly when you are having fun...
and some of us sleep...
Central Park
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