After my friend Shila dropped me off at the airport, I learned that I had been bumped to a flight that flew into New York from Chicago's O'Hare. There was a big snow storm in Denver that was wreaking all kinds of havoc. Also, a bonus, I would arrive in New York 40 minutes earlier. Sign me up... wait a minute, until I boarded realized it was one of those little Skywest planes. Instantly I was claustrophobic, but after a few hours crammed into a seat like a sardine I was finally in Chicago.
I discovered while traveling between terminals one of the coolest things I've seen in an airport It was straight out of a science fiction movie. The glowing walls and rhythmic neon art instillation over head-- I loved it.
The second coolest thing I've seen in an airport was in the men's restroom. How far we've come! A toilet seat cover that automatically changes between uses. I had to take a picture. Flickr doesn't get the credit for this one. As soon as I landed in the Windy City I was taking off for New York. It was a much more comfortable flight on a bigger plane. I felt like a high roller by this point.
Derek greeted me on the porch, or as I preferred to call it, his stoop. He graciously offered me some healthy delicious pizza. I was starving at this point, it goes without saying that I inhaled it. I bought my first Metro Card, and took my first ever New York subway ride. After which we headed out to the Village to check out Stonewall and Duplex, two popular hang outs.
After a few drinks, we did a little late night site seeing. session. Once I found out we were blocks away from Carrie Bradshaw's brownstone, I made it my mission to track it down. Which we did. [See pictures in a post below.] That was one highlight of the night.
We also walked through NYU and Washington Square where I saw the famous arch. The park was being renovated so there was fences surrounding it. The Christmas tree was being decorated, but not finished (!?). I'm posting a few Flickr pics of what it looked like, and once it got the switched flipped on. It was beautiful even with the mess going on around it.
It was a utterly fantastic first day in NYC. You had to pinch me to remind me it was real! I had a blast and must have been thinking of it as I dozed off that night. Tina Fey made an appearance in my dreams. Another highlight! It's not every day that you dream you're an extra on your favorite show 30 Rock! If the first night was any indication, this was going to be the best trip ever!
Fun Fact: At about 1am on June 28, 1969, the gay bar known as the Stonewall Inn was raided by the police setting off events that resulted in the birth of the modern gay and lesbian rights movement. Although the raid itself was not an unusual event, the fact that bar patrons fought back, forcing the police to retreat, galvanized the community. The anniversary is celebrated annually around the world with parades and other gay pride events. It closed in late 1969. It remained empty for over 20 years. It was revitalized in the late 1990's and became a popular multi-floor nightclub until it closed again in 2006 when management lost its lease. Under the new management of the next door Duplex Piano Bar, it reopened in 2007.The Stonewall Inn is located in the Greenwich Village Historic District, designated by the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission in 1969.
Fun Fact: In 1889, to celebrate the centennial of George Washington's inauguration as president of the United States, a large plaster and wood Memorial Arch was erected over Fifth Avenue just north of Washington Park. The temporary plaster and wood arch was so popular that in 1892 a permanent marble arch was built. During the excavations for the eastern leg of the arch, human remains, a coffin and a gravestone dated 1803 were uncovered.
I'd like to publicly thank Derek for being an outstanding-five star-A plus host for my virgin trip to New York City. He took time out of his ridiculously busy schedule and I'm in total gratitude. I had a blast and will cherish the memories that I created there. Thanks Derek!!
Derek's pad was unbelievably cute and homey. You'll find him near the Northwest corner of Central Park, in Harlem. (Which I hear is the new-new Brooklyn, or is that Williamsburg?) He lives on the main floor of this charming brownstone (complete with a brand new door!) He also has the basement set up for his home office and music room. In NYC-terms, living space on two floors translates to Derek's doing quite well for himself. Ha ha! 
Gettin a real-life Big Apple Christmas tree!
So cute!
Derek greeted me on the porch, or as I preferred to call it, his stoop. He graciously offered me some healthy delicious pizza. I was starving at this point, it goes without saying that I inhaled it. I bought my first Metro Card, and took my first ever New York subway ride. After which we headed out to the Village to check out Stonewall and Duplex, two popular hang outs.
Fun Fact: At about 1am on June 28, 1969, the gay bar known as the Stonewall Inn was raided by the police setting off events that resulted in the birth of the modern gay and lesbian rights movement. Although the raid itself was not an unusual event, the fact that bar patrons fought back, forcing the police to retreat, galvanized the community. The anniversary is celebrated annually around the world with parades and other gay pride events. It closed in late 1969. It remained empty for over 20 years. It was revitalized in the late 1990's and became a popular multi-floor nightclub until it closed again in 2006 when management lost its lease. Under the new management of the next door Duplex Piano Bar, it reopened in 2007.
Fun Fact: In 1889, to celebrate the centennial of George Washington's inauguration as president of the United States, a large plaster and wood Memorial Arch was erected over Fifth Avenue just north of Washington Park. The temporary plaster and wood arch was so popular that in 1892 a permanent marble arch was built. During the excavations for the eastern leg of the arch, human remains, a coffin and a gravestone dated 1803 were uncovered.
The first thing on the agenda was the top of the Empire State Building. Once we got down there and realized that the wait was several hours long we ditched that plan and went shopping instead. But I did get some great shots featuring the famous Empire State Building and the equally iconic Flatiron building. 
Fun Fact: The Empire State Building is a 102-story Art Deco skyscraper at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and West 34th Street. Its name is derived from the nickname for the state of New York. It stood as the world's tallest building for more than forty years, from its completion in 1931 until construction of the World Trade Center's North Tower was completed in 1972. Following the destruction on September 11th, the Empire State Building again became the tallest building in New York.
Fun Fact: The Flatiron Building, which when constructed was called the Fuller Building, was one of the tallest buildings in New York City upon its completion in 1902. It is considered to be one of the first skyscrapers. It's interior is known for having strangely-shaped offices with walls that cut through at an angle on their way to the skyscraper’s famous point. These “point” offices are the most coveted and feature amazing northern views that look directly upon another famous Manhattan landmark, the Empire State Building
Since we opted to postpone, er cancel, the Empire State Building tour due to ridiculously long lines, we made our way to my favorite store. H&M! We won't go into great detail on the amount of time I spent there, or the amount of money that I spent, that's not important. I'm just glad I had the opportunity to pick up some stylish clothes at an affordable price... and that Derek was willing to wait for me to make it all happen. Very patiently, I might add... for the couple of hours that it took... to narrow my purchases down to two (very full) bags.
After shopping and a little more site-seeing we had lunch at Au Bon Pain, a delicious little deli/bakery near Union Square. I had a chicken pesto sandwich that totally hit the spot. There was something being filmed outside. Not sure if it was a commercial, TV show or movie.. but they were on a break so there were sadly no celebrity sitings... at least not yet.
We all know that I love Sex and the City, so on the first night in Manhattan it just so happened that we were only a few blocks away from Carrie Bradshaw's brownstone. I had to take a picture, where all the HBO (and movie) magic happened. We tried to be all sly about it. Apparently the residents get tired of tourists coming and posing on their stoop. Hence the No Trespassing sign. New York was off to a great start! I actually searched this spot out... there were a few more that I stumbled across. Such as....
...You may recognize this small city garden. It's where Miranda finally said "I Do" to Steve in her non-traditional wedding dress.
...And this is the club (in the movie) where Brady shows up and ruins the engagement party. Samantha and the boys were out having a celebratory cigar. Remember?
... It's dark, but you can still make out the City Library where Carrie [spoiler alert] almost got married. (Also in the movie)
New York's not all about Carrie, Carrie, Carrie! On a change of subject, or should I say channel? Fans of Project Runway will also recognize the Parsons. But where's Tim and Heidi?
After site-seeing all day we made it to Misty's apartment to grab my suitcase (before we went back uptown to prepare for dinner and the mystery show.) I got to finally see his adorable --but questionably dressed-- nephew Perry. (Magda,the nanny took no credit for the outfit and blamed Scott for dressing him. True story. ha ha!) The visit was brief, but it was nice meeting Derek's sister. I'd heard so much about all of them. I was glad that we'd be having dinner with her and Scott in a couple of hours. But first we had to clean up and I finally had my suitcase to change clothes. Not to mention two chuck full bags of recent H&M purchases!
Perry (above) is cute as a button. Here's a pic of Misty, Scott and Perry's neighborhood (below). They live on in the building on the right hand side. It's right near Madison Square Garden and had fun views!
