New York - Day 2

Where are we?

Wednesday started unlike any other on this trip so far: with Dave caving to the temptation of a McDonald's sausage and egg mcmuffin (it took you three weeks, Ronald, but your insistent store placement and free wifi finally got the better of me). After this, it was on to Rockefeller Centre, where we started with the NBC Studio Tour (80% same content as when I did it in 2006 - but my major fan-age of Tina Fey's 30 Rock since then made the experience all the more enjoyable). I even got to be the volunteer who did the weather against the green screen. I like to think I'm a natural. All the US tourists got a kick out of my accent, and I think the female page was even flirting with me... whatever girlfriend, it ain't happening. 

After the tour, we did the one hour Rockefeller Centre history tour, which was very informative. Who knew art could be so influential, eh?

Then came Top of the Rock, with more skyline views of Manhattan... all very well and good. 

Prue and I treated ourselves to macaroons and coffee after all these midtown activities, then we made our way to 103rd street to check out the New York History Museum, before walking across Central Park in the rain (Prue witnessed my terrible umbrella-sharing tendencies) to catch the train back to our hotel at 44th street. 

That evening, it was time for the first of 5 (maybe 6) Broadway shows of my trip: Newsies. Thanks go to Prue for tolerating my repetitive humming and singing of all the songs over the last 48 hours - you're a trooper. Newsies was one of the best shows I have seen during my 25 years - the choreography, music, set design - all brilliant. Great narrative also. My brother Doug and I rate musicals by the number of "goosebumps moments" they yield. There were no less than 10 during Newsies - a new benchmark, faw shaw [for sure]. Note that all those expecting souvenir Playbills will receive one. 

After the show, it was on to Times Square for a late night explore and some fun photos. A homeless guy pushing a trolley yelled at me for getting in his way. Only in New York can you have this happen to you and be pleased to put it down as just another "cultural experience". You're a savvy city, New York.

Ready for Newsies! (No... I didn't wear the hat to the theatre... I was forbidden.
Michael Barry reborn, once again!)

The last stop before home was American Eagle Outfitters. After browsing many a fashion chain during my time here, I concluded to Prue that "this fall, the look is all about mis-matched patterns and bold colours." She replied: "Dave, time to go home."

Goodnight readers.