Still, I had a book to sign, so I registered.
I made my Romance Trading Cards to hand out to eager collectors. I even worked up a proposal for a presentation, which was accepted, so I had a third reason to go: pay-back time. Or pay-forward, whichever. I rode up to the top of the Empire State Building, but saw neither Cary Grant nor King Kong. Not even Tom Hanks. :( Still it was amazing, and the perfect start to my first day. I even wandered around, looking for a Miracle.
And no, I wasn't hoping for designer miracles--I'm no fashionista. (pause while I lmao) But you know, it was the wrong season for the miracle I hoped for. lol Still, I went to Macy's and took a pic of the sign. Alas it was closing, so I never made it inside. Wandering around on my own might have kept me safely and sensibly in my hotel room, but even at midnight there are thousands of people on Broadway, the location of my hotel. Yes, Times Square! It's incredibly bright and well-policed. People of all sorts out all night. "The city that never sleeps" is accurate. Over the next week, I was out at 11pm and 1 a.m. (don't tell my mom; she's a worrier) and I didn't think it any more dangerous than walking in my hometown. Maybe less. I visited the Met, I partied at both the Algonquin and the Waldorf-Astoria hotels, and I was planning to eat my breakfast when a concert broke out! Alicia Keys appeared on the Good Morning America show, singing "Streets of New York" in New York, right outside my hotel. How cool is that? :D I was roughly four people back from the performers, which being short, means I was thrilled she wore a green dress so I could find her over everyone's heads.
So what captured my heart in particular? The lights? The people? The amazing food -- oh, don't get me started on the food!! The history? The sights? Yes, yes, yes, yes and yes. The energy of the place is incredible. For a small town girl, being in a huge city like Manhattan, and only several blocks of it at that, should have been overwhelming. All I can say is I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't experienced it. So, like all the amazing cities in America, I suggest you visit and discover its wonders for yourself. You never know if you'll like it until you've been there. Next time, I'll take my husband and we'll see a show.
What's the most surprising place you've visited? I'll add it to my list of "must sees." Megan
Megan Kelly
www.megankellybooks.com
8 comments:
Megan,
I couldn't make it to the fabulous RWA#11, though I was in NY earlier this year. My daughter and I took her two girls for an amazing trip to the American Doll store. Where their dolls spent time in the "salon" and received "spa treatments." An incredible outing, seriously.
Hi Megan,
I didn't make NY this year either, but I spent every third week working there in the Summer of 2008. I stayed at the Marriot also and love the lights on Times Square. Although I typically prefer more quiet beach type vacations, there is a soft spot in my heart for New York. One night I heard all this commotion in the wee hours of the morning and they had everything closed down and were filming a scene for some movie. I was too high up to tell much, but is was such fun.
I didn't make it to NYC either and I was bummed. I'd been there before and I know my mouth must have been opened in awe at all the big city sights. I'm a small town gal too, but I enjoyed every minute.
Linda
It's amazing that a place as iconic and larger-than-life like Manhattan held such appeal. I thought to be overwhelmed, and trust me, I was. But comfortable too. I'd love to go back when I don't have the conference stuff taking up my time.
NYC is scary/exciting. My first time freaked me out to the point that I thought every passing pedestrian was planning to mug me. Happily I calmed down and enjoyed my next visit for a previous RWA conference. The next time I went I was bopping around like a veteran.
It gets in your blood. I predict you'll go back again, Megan.
Come back anytime, Megan. Next time we'll get you up to Central Park!!!
Barbara, I think you have a crystal ball. lol I fully intend to return.
Laura, I visited the Met and ate at the Boathouse, but I rushed down the path between the two so that I barely saw the park. Definitely on my list. I'd love for you to show me your bridge. :)
I've never been to NYC but dh and dd went for a week at Thanksgiving to see the Macy's Parade, see a broadway musical and experience Black Friday at Macy's. They had a ton of fun.
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