Most of my worthwhile adventures revolve around the great outdoors-cycling, running, hiking, traveling to cool mountain towns, and the like. Recently, I had a pretty grand adventure that involved spending 3 days in a very large city, the largest city in the country actually, New York. My good friend Brian from architecture school was tying the knot with the love of his life, Charisma.

When Fox (Brian’s real name) mentioned to me at the beginning of the year that he was engaged, and the wedding would be in NYC, I knew it would be my best chance to finally make the trip to see this American icon. I’ve wanted to visit New York ever since graduating college, but never had a reason or strong enough desire, until now. I wasn’t sure I’d be able to go at first because of finances, but good work over the summer eased my mind about money and I found a really good price on flights, about $300 round trip from Durango.

I flew in to Newark International Airport in New Jersey Friday around 6:30pm. Flying was the easy part. I was now challenged with a very daunting task: getting to north Brooklyn via public transit, which I decided would be best through the rail system. I have never traveled by train before, and this was not only new to me, but a bit frustrating and nerve-wracking. Four different train systems and 6 transfers later, I eventually did make it to Brooklyn where I would be staying with another colleague from UT, David. First though, I would meet up my old college flame Joanna, and we would grab a bite and begin catching up on old times. I hadn’t seen her since early 2006, but I felt like she hadn’t aged a bit. She showed me a little bit of the Williamsburg portion of Brooklyn before helping me find Dave’s place a little further north where I retired for the evening.

Saturday morning came, and I felt tired, I guess from the travel, so I slept in before taking a lazy shower and taking my time to get dressed. For some reason, it was in my head that the wedding wasn’t starting til 1pm that day. It wasn’t until one of Dave’s roommates walked by at 10:50am and asked where the wedding was that I pulled out the invitation only to discover that the wedding started at 11am!! Now in full on panic mode, I ask him the absolute quickest way to the Brooklyn Botanical gardens, and he says “Taxi!”

Luckily, he had the car company’s phone number on speed dial and rang me a car while I finished getting dressed. The car met me out front in a few minutes and I told him to punch it, and he did, although, I think that’s the way New York City cab drivers operate anyways.

We hit some construction traffic en route, but without a doubt I got there way faster than the subways. I arrived in a tizzy, worried that I had just missed my good friend’s wedding vows, but to my relief, they had just started seating.

The ceremony was very beautiful, and I felt very happy for these newlyweds. Vows were followed by Hors d’oeuvre and socializing. This was followed by lunch, speeches, and then dancing. Come 4:30p, it was time for the real party to begin. Everyone left the Botanical Gardens for the Crown Inn, a low key bar a few blocks away that had been reserved for the evening. Eventually, the bar was packed, this time with extra friends that weren’t at the wedding. I had a great time meeting new faces, chatting with old ones, and drinking a lot of beer. Sadly, the party fizzled out by1am, and having consumed upward of 14 drinks since noon, I was ready to head home. I ended up taking a few subways through a little bit rougher part of town but made it home by 2:30am.

I slept in a little Sunday morning, but was ready to hit the streets for a day of sightseeing. I met up with Joanna again and she showed me some of the highlights I really wanted to see, and a few “local” places as well. I got to see the Brooklyn bridge, the new Freedom Tower going up at the World Trade Center Memorial, Wall Street, Trinity Church, Battery Park, ride the Staten Island Ferry (and hence get a good view of the Statue of Liberty-not as big as I thought she would be, I might add) walk the High Line through West Village and Chelsea, walk up to the Empire State Building, and finally our time together culminated at an offbeat improv play that her friend had invited her to. She was tired and had to work the next day, so we said our goodbyes before I continued my adventure into Times Square.

I was stunned at the energy of this place-the lights, the sounds, the smells, the people and cars in motion, the broadway signs. I took some time to soak it all in before taking a stroll up to Central Park. Unfortunately it was dark, and I didn’t get a real good feel for it, but at least I know where it is now.

On my way back through Times Square, I stopped in a pub and wouldn’t you know it, the Cowboys were playing the Eagles. A few beers later, they won, and I was back out on the streets. It was about 1am now, but this place was just crazy alive still. I fiddled around a little more and enjoyed some burnt chestnuts from a street vendor before deciding it was time to head home.

I made a stop along my subway route to explore Grand Central Station, and it is indeed very grand! I only wish I could have been there while it was busy.

I was home by 2:30am once again, only to have to wake up at 5:30 to catch all the trains back to Newark airport. Having a little better understanding of the rail system this go round made the trip much quicker and less stressful.

Part of me wished I could have stayed a little longer and seen more of the city. Some day, no doubt I will. Another part was glad to be heading back to Durango. I can handle the big city, but my heart lies in the mountains-cozy downtown, trails, dirt, snow, trees, mountain hippies, and fresh Rocky Mountain air. I wonder how so many people could live in a place like  New York when there are places like Durango, but then again, they probably wonder the same thing about me. To each his own. Thanks for checking in. Durango just got its first big dump of snow, so I’m out the door to go play!

Cheers

Caveman