Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Megabus

I'm now a big fan of Megabus over the Chinatown buses.

I paid $9.50 for a one-way ticket from NYC to Philly. If you book further in advance, the fares are even cheaper (They claim as low as $1). However, the fares don't ever get up much past $10.
Comparison: Megabus is just as cheap, if not cheaper than Chinatown buses

I picked the Megabus up outside of Penn Station in NYC, and was dropped off at 30th St. Station in Philly. They also had another stop option at 6th and Walnut in Philly.

Comparison: Megabus is much more convenient location-wise on both ends, and saves bus/trolley fares to and from Chinatown.

Megabuses were painted bold blue with the Megabus logo huge across the sides. There were official signs where Megabuses were allowed to park and load. The drivers were in uniform. The driver made an announcement at the beginning and end of the trip (where the bus was going, how long it would take, thanks for riding Megabus, etc). An employee helped load baggage underneath. We drove straight to Philly without any random stops.

Comparison: Megabus is a lot less sketchy than Chinatown buses

Birthday Bashing

I had a fabulous birthday this week.

I spent the morning by myself, slept well, ate ice cream for breakfast, watched movies, and took a bath instead of a shower. Relaxing and enjoyable.

I met up with my wonderful boyfriend after he got off work, and we went to a Ellen's Stardust Diner, where the wait staff take turns performing songs. It was fun, and this is where I got my birthday candle. Stuck in a plate a whipped cream with an Oreo and Sprinkles, I got to make my birthday wish (which, of course, is a secret)!

After dinner we ventured to a very nice bar on Rivington and Essex Street, with mood-lighting and comfy seating. I ordered some kind of coconut rum-mango concoction. Yummy. First legal drink in the US. Didn't even get carded.

Drinks were followed by the Laugh Lounge Monday madness. It was a small crowd, being a Monday and all. They had a fun variety of stand-up comics. We were laughing hysterically by the end...although that may have something to do with splitting a bottle of Zinfandel wine...

It was a really enjoyable evening of festivities. Good company, good drinks, and good laughs.

Monday, August 25, 2008

HAIR!

Finally got tickets to the free Public Theater performance of Hair in Central Park! Instead of waking up at 6am to wait in the line for free tickets that they give out at 1pm, I joined the "virtual line." After a week of trying, I finally got a pair of tickets!

I admit this Hippie love-rock-musical was way too long, and there wasn't much of a plot-line, but I had a good time. The actors maintained a high level of energy throughout, and the singing was great! Plus the rad costumes really set the scene. To finish it off - the curtain call turned into a giant dance party with the audience!

Let the sunshine in...

Mixing it up

Tired of the same old vegetable stir fry with a meat and either pasta or rice for dinner we decided to experiment a little. An internet recipe idea search and a trip to Fairway Market later, we had a weekend full of delicious, relatively healthy meals.

Friday night: Meatloaf. Used ground turkey with the beef for a lighter dish. Mixed in sauteed onions, green bell pepper, spinach, and carrots to load up on vegetables. A honey-ketchup glaze. So flavorful I didn't even add extra ketchup!

Saturday night: Eggplant Parmesan. My all-time favorite. Dipped in egg and breadcrumbs and then baked instead of fried lightened this dish right up...minus all the Parmesan cheese...yum.
Sunday night: Teriyaki Burgers and Fries. Used the remainder ground turkey/beef mixture to make patties, and rubbed them in teriyaki sauce before cooking. Topped the burgers off with a sauteed mixture of mushrooms, onions, and spinach. A side of potatoes sliced and baked in the oven made for delicious homemade diner fare.

Friday, August 22, 2008

Surprise, Surprise

"Welcome Susan!

Unfortunately, you did not receive tickets for tonight’s performance.
Please try again soon. "

Story of my life...

Monday, August 18, 2008

Over-rated?

The great thing about NYC: there is always something to do.

The downside: there are always millions of people who want to do those things.

Culture Shock

They warned us about this. But it is impossible to prepare for. Re-integration into American society after being abroad for 5 months.

The fact that I decided to come to New York City almost as soon as I came back has heightened this feeling. The speed of life is incredible. I sat outside the Chase building downtown watching swarms of people speed walking to and from who knows where, dressed for business. I couldn't help but wonder "what's the point." You all spend ridiculous amounts of hours each week sitting in front of computers, punching numbers, and for what? What are you contributing? Society can still run if everyone takes a break for a day.

I then remember that I used to be much more high-strung and fast-paced. The simplest things, the speed that I eat and walk have slowed down noticeably.

My outlook has changed as well. Chatting about the Olympics, my friend brought up the Spanish team that had taken a photo stretching their eyes to imitate Asians'. Six months ago I would probably have agreed with her that it was very offensive and inappropriate. Now, I find it ridiculous that a silly picture was made into such a big deal, when the intention wasn't to be offensive. Why this change? Perhaps it was because I have witnessed real racism. This photo seems so minuscule in comparison.

I appreciate these changes in myself. I have realized the need to slow down and enjoy life. Which may be one of the reasons I am dreading returning to Penn in a week and a half. I don't want the intense studies and setting to change me back...