NYC and BEA - Day 7

Friday, June 8, 2012

Well, BEA was now in the past and I had the entire day ahead to do whatever I liked in NYC.  

Anytime I travel, the day before I leave is always a little bittersweet for me so I was determined to make this last day in NYC count.

Cindy and I had decided that since we both had different activities planned today, we would simply text each other during the evening to confirm what time we would meet up for the train the following day.

My first stop was Housingworks (for my third visit).  I really wanted to go back to see if they had received any new ARCS.  Also, I have been shopping, online, at Housingworks for about 2 years now and they actually had some books that I wanted, but could not find them on the ARC shelf, so I decided I would speak with the cashier to see if they could find the books I was looking for.

It turns out that I was in luck.  They explained to me that they have books in the basement, that are not available to the general public because they are the books that are listed online – but the cashier was happy to grab my list and go downstairs and ‘root” for the books I was looking for – sure beats paying the shipping costs back to Montreal – which would have been crazy considering I was right there.

I also spent about one hour at their café.  Pulled out Pinky – my Netbook and surfed the net, all the while sipping a coffee.  It seems that every time I visit Housingworks I am in a rush, so, this time I wanted to sit there and take it all in.  It was great – quiet and peaceful. It’s too bad I don’t live in NYC because I would happily volunteer there if I did.

I then headed to one of my favorite NYC restaurants – the Ayurveda café. I have a very strong interest in Ayurveda and loved to eat here when I am in town.  As always, the restaurant is a little dim and almost empty, but the food is excellent.

It also happens to be uptown and near Central Park – which was my next destination.  As I walked, I got a chance to see just how classically beautiful New York City is, especially uptown with their wonderful Brownstones.

I had never visited Central Park and entered through the 96^th street entrance.  I started walking around the reservoir (which is beautiful) but I have to say that there is so much going on in Central Park that I could not find any peace and quiet.  Apparently, there are vendors and such in the Park, but this place is HUGE and I kind of got lost (which is typical for me) so I decided to find a subway.

I ended up at the New York City Library entrance – where they have chairs and tables set up for people to just sit and people watch.  Spent a little bit of time there, then I went to Rockefeller Center and Radio City Music Hall.  I am not big on doing touristy things exactly, but it was so beautiful outside that I had to visit.

Finally, went back to my hotel and started packing for my return home.

I was sorry to see the week go by so quickly. I loved my hotel room and FINALLY took a picture of it.  Yes, the room is actually that big – which is a rarity in NYC.