Tom and I spent Independence day weekend in New York with Cassie and Doug, and Adi and Jeremy. We drove out Thursday evening after a wonderful dinner with the Lee’s (the most adorable and loving elderly couple you have ever met). We decided to break up the drive by stopping half way at a state park to camp. As we approached the campsite we kept seeing signs that said “Modern Camping.” Well, the word modern didn’t mean anything to Tom or I, so we figured it was just some cheesy adjective. We drove up to find the campsite consisted of rows of driveways with a small patch of grass next to each with an accompanying picnic table. Most of the spaces were occupied by motor homes equipped with all the daily commodities. We found a space that at least had an empty lot on each side, in hopes of getting a little seclusion. We set up our little two man tent, that Shani gave us for my Bridal shower. It worked fabulously and Tom kept commenting on what a nice tent it was. When everything was set, he suggested we start a fire- in hopes of authenticating the so far very artificial camping experience. However, as if to clarify that this was indeed a “modern” campsite- there wasn’t a stick to be found. I laughed, the whole situation was hilarious to me. Tom and I have never been camping together before. In fact the only combined camping experience we have is my teasing him that he doesn’t really know how to backpack. So it was just too funny that the first time he took me it would turn out such, regardless of the fact that all we did was look up a campsite that was close to the highway on the Internet. We both slept remarkably well, and got up to take advantage of our modern setting by showering. When he drove down the road the next day we discovered a sign not more than a half mile down the road that said “Primitive Camping.” Now we know the difference. 

 

Times Square

    The weekend was a blast. Friday night we went to see “Phantom of the Opera” on Broadway at the Majestic. We had gotten tickets for a remarkable $30.00. The show was fantastic. The Phantom was the best character by far. His ability to control his voice and create a beautiful reality of tenderness and terror was remarkable. His performance was superb and left me in tears. I find that story line so touching. The first time I saw the show, I was completely unaware of the depth of the plot. I knew all the songs by heart but I didn’t realize how they all played together. I remember being impressed by the realization that there are many people like the Phantom in the world today- hardened by the depravity of the world, but tender needy souls inside. It created within me a desire to look past harsh behavior and selfish demeanors and seek to see their own desire to be loved, accepted. The phantom raises an interesting social question of what we should do with those that are psychopathic. Should they be allowed to range freely performing acts of terror and violence, or should they be kept in a situation where they can be shown love, stability, and opportunity? It’s a difficult one, an issue that our society has certainly not solved. Tom had never seen Phantom and he really liked it. He too was touched by the message, and the beautify of the last scenes.

 

The Majestic Theater 

    Saturday I spent the day with Cassie and Adi, and Tom went off with Doug and Jeremy. Our designated itineraries were something like this. The girls would go to brunch at a “Anne’s Tea”  in the Upper West Side, then proceed to Chelsea market- an upscale shopping center in the Chelsea area, then we would finish up in Soho. The boys would go to Conney Island and ride the famous roller coaster and eat Hot dogs. Each group had a great time. We met up that night and went to dinner at one of the best Italian restaurants I have ever experienced. Tom’s gorgonzola- walnut gnocchi was out of this world! We finished the night up in Little Italy with gelati and then headed home. I had such a great time with Cass and Adi. I admire both of them so much. I love their optimism, how positively they view everyone.

   Doug and Cassie may be moving to New York next year to do a clerkship in the city. As a result all three of us were examining the city with the thought of moving there. Adi took us to the nicer neighborhoods, and both Cassie and I were satisfied to know that there are parts of NYC that would be nice to live in. The though of being able to audition for Broadway plays, and regional operas excited me. I love the thought of going to a different theater every night. And of course the diversity of restaurants is thrilling- until you consider the expense. However, despite all those things- I’m not sure I would survive long there. I had to laugh and think of myself when I saw several windows with pots of flowers and plants balanced awkwardly on top of each other so that they covered the window- the idea wasn’t to cover the window, but simply to grow as many plants as possible- and the net result was that plants were plastered against the entire windowpane. It looked ridiculous. I thought to myself- that is a tale-tell sign that that person should not live in the city!

 

(left) Upper West Side , (right) Brooklyn bridge

    It was a wonderful weekend, and we wished we didn’t have to drive back Sunday- but alas that’s life. We’re just grateful that we all live close enough that we can do that from time to time.

$70.00 worth of nutella at the Italian Import Store in Chelsea Market (Where Food Network is located)