Lips and Come From Away - 9/11/2022
Our third day in NYC began quietly in our hotel room as we watched some of the 9/11 memorial services on the television. I
took a moment to reflect on the fact that this felt a little different than the other 9/11 services I've seen throughout the
years, because today I am just a couple miles from the actual sight. The weather this weekend has been exceptionally
beautiful, but this morning the skies were overcast with a light rain. This added to the somber feeling this morning.
The view from your hotel window this morning.
We rode the subway from our hotel in Queens to Midtown East in Manhattan. We had brunch reservations at Lips on East
56th Street between 2nd and 3rd Avenues. Shinny Penny took very good care of us. Sarah and I indulged in our unlimited
mimosa. And I had the Rent Grilled Chicken Sandwich. But the real attraction was the glorious drag with divas, divas,
divas. It was the brash and loud highlight of our afternoon.
We then stumbled around the neighborhood street window shopping. Sarah introduced me to MUJI, a minimalist Japanese
retailer with a wide range of generic products, including apparel, and home goods. Located on East 59th Street between
Lexington and Park Avenues, we were both impressed with their unique selection of stationary products. One item that
caught my eye was a jar of yuzu fruit spread. Yuzu is a round, yellowish citrus fruit with fragrant, acidic juice. It
is widely cultivated in and around Japan. But I was first introduced to yuzu as it is the name of the yellow paint color
of my Scion FR-S. So I had to buy a jar and now I can't wait to sample the taste.
After another trip on the subway, we explored Chelsea and the West Village near the river. We continued through the
persistent light rain to our goal of reaching Little Island. Built at the former site of pier 55 on the Hudson River near
Chelsea, this artificial island is supported by 132 pot-shaped structures suspended above the water.
Click here to see all of my photos of Little Island.
Next, we ducked inside Chelsea Market to avoid the weather and explore the unique shops and food opportunities. We decided
to have dinner at Ayada. Here in Chelsea Market is the Manhattan outpost of a Queens staple offering spicy curries, noodles
& other traditional Thai eats. I had the Shrimp Fried Rice.
Another subway ride and we were back in Midtown. We walked to the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre on West 45th Street between
7th and 8th Avenues where we would see this evening's musical, Come From Away. The musical originated in Canada
and is based on the true story of when the isolated community of Gander, Newfoundland played host to 38 planes, carrying
approximately 7,000 passengers, were ordered to land unexpectedly following the September 11th attacks. This uplifting
story follows the townspeople and the passengers over the next week. The show has the most perfect balance of laughter,
joy and heartbreak. It is so excellently written. A truly great show. Additionally, I feel blessed to have experienced
this performance on the anniversary of September 11th.
Click here to see other photos from around New York City.
Tomorrow's adventure will be our journey back home.
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