When I first arrived in New York City, I stepped off the subway and followed the masses up an escalator to Grand Central. Just before reaching the top of the motorized staircase, the bodies halted, the stairs kept going and people started piling up, on top of one another like lemmings (here's a link for those of you who didn't have this fabulous 90's video game). A security guard screamed, “Keep walking” “No stopping." Crammed together like a deli sandwich, the limbs of strangers splayed in wayward directions, the escalator pushed us forward until the crowd eventually broke.
How New York I thought.
It’s crazy to me to think that I have been traveling since the beginning of November. In some ways New York feels like so long ago. It was great being able to spend time with my brother Damon and his girlfriend Macy. It was sad when I left because we all knew that it would be a while until I was going to return to the city. It’s hard living so far away from your family, not knowing when you’ll see them again.
I spent my days trying to keep up with Damon and take the train/Path/Subway everyday. It was rough. I definitely walked away having a lot more respect for my little bro (ok he’s 25, but he’ll always be little to me) and the 12-hour days he works. Since both him and Macy are in school I often found myself curiously wondering around the city.
Here are a few of the spots I had my heart set on visiting.
The High Line is an abandoned railroad taken over by the city in 2005 by 2009 it was was re-designed and opened to the public. In 2011 the second section was finished. It’s a wonderful place that sits in the middle of city and truly captures the intersection of nature and industry. It's part park, part art and part history.
2. Henri Matisse: The Cut-Outs at the MoMa.
Matisse’s cut-outs were one of the first bodies of work I discovered as a teenager. It sparked my interest in modern and contemporary art. I am forever entranced by his use of form and the figure. They wouldn’t let me take any photos from inside the exhibition but I did take copious notes and hope to put them together in a hearty blog post to come. The exhibition ends February 10th so get to it if you can!
The MoMa is my favorite museum to date. My first trip to the big city was for my 25th birthday. It was my first time seeing Rothko’s work in person where I proceeded to tear up. The museum is enchantingly well made in it's design and the work is always amazingly curated. It's also FREE on Fridays but I recommend you get there early! And don't be intimidated by the line, it moves quickly.
I admit, I admit…. Sex in the City 2 totally was an inspirational factor in planning a visit to this historical landmark. It’s stunning though. The entire foyer is made of marble. The rooms transition in color and form as you move through the library. It reminded me a little of Washington D.C. with its strong historical presence.
4. The Met (aka The Metropolitan Museum of Art)
Talk about an institution. The Met is one of the oldest museums in the country. The best part is that it’s donation based. Don’t be discouraged by the posted price on the register, it quickly changes once you tell them what you can afford. On that note, pay what you can!
To see more travel photos check out Lu Curates on Facebook.