What's up from Harlem!

Yes, this message comes to you from the lovely neighbourhood of Harlem on the island of Manhatten. I am back in New York City but at a different hostel: this time round I am in Harlem. But before you start wondering whether that is a good idea, I tell you, it is! I needed to get out of the bustle of Manhatten and Harlem is just what I needed. The hostel is located in 118th street so it is in the gentrified area of Harlem, so safe. But I still get a good feel for the heartbeat of Harlem: the smells (all good), the people (diverse) and the urban culture (different from my older neighbourhood back home).

Oh, I feel like so much has happened since I last posted. So I have point form notes that I may follow (hoep that's alright):

1. In Boston, I spent a great day with Coralee and the girls, Morgan and Jayden, exploring Harvard and Boston. It was a beautiful day and so much more relaxed than from the prior day's madness. Ended at Fenway where I got a ticket... here I come Fenway Park! That was so exciting: I had my Red Sox cap and my ticket in hand and was ready for the magic of Fenway. And it was amazing. Now, I don't really know very much about baseball but it was so amazing to be in Fenway and amongst the devoted fans. But I did secretly cheer for the visiting team, the Toronto Blue Jays. Oh, my grandpa would be proud! Top of the 8th Tropical Depression Danny hit and the sky opened up over Boston. I thought that when the tarp was pulled over the field and the stands were emptying, the game was over. So masterfully I pushed my way through the massive crowd, manouvered my way onto the train (got the last spot on the train... the bottom stair with the doors almost pinching my butt) and made it out for my ride home within 90 minutes. Pretty good. And then I found out the game resumed after an hour. Boston wins. Pretty amazing experience regardless.

2. Bus ride back to New York City through heavy rain from Danny: well, let's just say I was really glad I didn't have to drive 4.5 hours in a Tropical Depression. Arrived in NYC to fog and average temps... all good for me. Quick nap at the hostel before I am off to my next big event.

3. NFL game at Meadowlands: Okay, so I thought I was excited about the game. But I got so elated the closer I got. The train rides to get out to Jersey were fun: friendly banter between NY Giants and NY Jets fans. Unfortunately, I just happened to wear a green shirt so a Giants fan thought I was a Jets fan. I put my sweater on and told him wrong: I am a Steelers fan! The second I saw the stadium I was over the moon! Lost my umbrella (not allowed in the stadium) but had an amazing seat. Corner section, upper level but first row on the end. Nobody to block my view and squish me. I was a huge fan before and that was just on TV... games are so much better live! Of course because the two New York teams were playing there was a lot of crowd razzing and unfortunately it did turn ugly right beside me but the State Troopers were there immediately so no major distractions. Loved the game! Jets 27 - Giants 25 (I know, what!!??). Sanchez played well. Last two minutes, it started to rain. No umbrella but who cares, I just saw my first live NFL game! Made it back to Harlem at 12.30am... let's just say that was an adventure (I wasn't scared but I was anxious). Harlem is still Harlem, regardless of what NY state tries to do.

4. Finally, a morning to sleep in. But this is NYC so not very long before I am up and out. Today I took the Hop-On Hop-off bus tour through Downtown (was alright) and then the Brooklyn Tour. Man , that is where I should have stayed and seen first. That completely changed my attitude. Like Harlem, Brooklyn has a fierce spirit and amazing heart! The people are diverse, proud, community-based and full of life. And I definately prefer that over the "me, me, me" attitude of Manhatten. Hopefully I can get back over there before I leave. At least walk the Brooklyn bridge! By the time I finished the tour and saw the Museum of Modern Art, I had time to call home (Thanks Mommy and Daddy for the talk) and then catch the Night Tour. And I have to admit, Manhatten skyline at night is beautiful! It was a good day in NYC (finally!) so hopefully I can carry that over to tomorrow.

Well, I only have one full day left in NYC and so much to do (that I feel obligated to do considering I already paid for the tickets!). But I feel much better about my stay in NYC.

Chat with you all later! Love, Lisa