Wedding weekend in nyc

The weekend in New York City was punctuated by a few fun highlights, not the least of which was staying in my friend's rather fabulous apartment near Columbus circle.

The ceremony and reception had about three hours in between them, so a few of us decided to find a local pub and grab a beer. The watering hole we ended up in had no draught beer and the bartender was taking bets on the payphone for Belmont. There was, however, a pool table. James managed to clear the table in a single turn (he broke and the rest of us didn't touch a cue).

The reception involved some classic dances moves: soulja boy, the roger rabbit, etc as well as 12 courses of yummy food. The wedding cake was an ice cream cake - a choice I fully and wholeheartedly endorse.

Post wedding we headed to Manhatten for a drink. We managed to grab a bottle of champagne from the reception and brought it, and a stack of paper cups, to the bar. We tried to pop it and drink it asap so as not to get caught, but get caught we did. We smooth talked the manager into waiving the corking fee by ordering drinks and shots and stayed out into the early am.

Congrats Jeff & Joanna!

Le Nozze Di Figaro

On Saturday night we headed to the Metropolitan opera to see Bryn Terfel and Simon Keenlyside in The Marriage of Figaro. It was a spectacular performance, but Anja Harteros stole the show. She played the Countess and received a longer standing ovation than either Terfel or Keenlyside. Her act II aria "Porgi, amor" and act III aria "Dove Sono" were riveting. Ekaterina Siurina was a lackluster Susannah in the midst of such a powerhouse cast; really only shining in her act IV aria "Deh! vieni, non tardar." It was only too apparent in the act III duet "Sull'aria" which soprano was carrying the show. There were two hilarious moments; one when a prop rolled off the stage and hit a cellist in the head (she finished the act and left), and another when Figaro motioned to Susannah to spank him in Act IV. Clearly, the Met and Terfel have a sense of humor.

On a different note, the dinner we had afterwards was also quite spectacular. Yum.

Seen in NYC

"Beware of enterprises requiring new clothes." -Thoreau

Apparently, if you're dressed entirely in white, you can lawn bowl or play croquet on dedicated, manicured lawns in central park. Who knew?

Also seen in NYC this weekend: A man on a drag racing tricycle still living the funk, a dog wearing a pearl necklace collar, and a trumpet & tuba band playing (and wandering) the upper West side at 10:30pm.

Overheard in NYC this weekend:
uncle: I really like our hotel here. The location and service are great.
niece: Do we get HBO on demand?
uncle: I don't know.
niece: I don't like it then.

And to end... a nice bit of procrastination: me. Simpsonized.