Day Trips

So: Ida, Steph, and I finally were able to find a day when we were all free and so we piled on Steph's car and drove to Norwalk, CT for some friends time. It was just like old times, but it also wasn't - we've grown in the past four years, changed... I think however, that the core of who we are as people remains the same and thus... the Aquarium!

But before that there was brunch at Chocopologie, and at brunch they were delicious mimosas. Alas, I deleted all of my pictures of this day except for one.

I followed that with a Croque Monsieur, even though I was afraid of what the eggs would taste like, with their country potatoes. The whole thing was pretty tasty, but I don't think I would try that plate again. Not because it wasn't good, but it just didn't leave me day dreaming of it.

After spending some good time just chatting, we made our way to the Aquarium and in a last minute decision (and because we'd had a late start) we decided to actually bypass the aquatic animals to see animals on the IMAX screen - especifically "Born to be Wild," the movie.

It was adorable! Awesome! Fun and sweet, and completely awe inducing. I don't have enough big and good words to say. My only complaint is that it was too short - I wanted more! It was great to watch it on an IMAX screen where it was all nice and purty and SO big.

After, however, we couldn't just call it quits and so we headed back to Chocopologie (although pool was considered) for dessert. We began it with some chocolatinies. And just in case that wasn't enough chocolate we shared some chocolate fondue

It was all just too much chocolate for me, so I took it easy. Can't say that I'm worshipping at the altar of Chocolatinies, but it was a good new flavor to taste!

We finished the wonderful day by having some italian, and playing the board game "Broadway Star!" - Spoiler: I didn't do too badly, so maybe there's hope for me and Broadway.

Pride

An actual weekend in New York City! No, let me rephrase that: an actual weekend in New York City with mi Cariño. It was also Pride Weekend; practically perfect.

We didn't "do" much. Kept busy Saturday Morning and early afternoon in the Upper West Side with messy burgers, singing-while-walking, smiling at twenty-somethings learning to ride a bike on Riverside Park, stories, ice cream, the agony of USA losing to Ghana, book stores, and more stories. We got our gay on down by Bryant Park, where we joined the Dyke March.

Afterward there was Broadway Heartbreak, movie laughs and pizza - pretty low key, but wouldn't change a thing. Sunday was just as good, just as hot, just not as sunny. First stop was Pridefest '10.



We caught a bit of The Red States performance. They were alright, although I wished they would've move about the stage a bit more - or stood in a more organized manner. I've always been an acappella fan - no instrument like the human voice! They looked like they were having fun.

Vanessa Valtre was MC'ing and was not funny at all. Luckily Menage A Twang got on the stage rather quickly. They were rather a great surprise, as I didn't know they'd be performing. Go Emily! Not just a talented writer and teacher, but also a pretty good singer. Their songs are really laugh out loud funny.



We couldn't listen to their entire set, though, since we had limited time at the 'Fest, and so we walked on to find some comida. Enter Empanada Mama.

Typos aside, their shredded chicken was delish. Empanada Mama is in the 50's on ninth and it's a good quick spot for some really tasty empanadas.  We kept on walking, making a beeline to what I consider a NYC Street Fair must have: Mozzarepas.

This Colombian piece of heaven is perfect for the eating and walking of a fair, and it's quite filling. But they will make you thirsty. And so, we walked to the next Fair must have: Sugar water with a hint of lemon. Also known during this day as "Lemonade."

Tastes just like the kind Fabi and I used to make as children. Perfecto!

After the Fair, a mad dash to Times Square, and some Gypsy Kings "Hay un amigo en mi" accion (Yea Toy Story 3!) Cariño, her good friend Mariah and I headed to Ninth for some nourishment. Wouldn't you know it, we chose Thai Food (Ha!). We stopped by one of the Yum Yums.

The meal began with a glass of lychee sangria and some Vegetable Tamarind Soup

which was followed by some Vegetable Dumplings

and in a surprise move, Tofu with Thai Basil Sauce with white steamed rice

Dessert was Red Bean Ice Cream, which I will not show you a picture of because I did not like at all. Yuck.

We walked off the meal by heading to Junior's for some promised Cheesecake before stopping by the craziness that is Toys R'Us.

No, I did not ride "La Estrella" (although I wanted to). I did get me a Parcheesi Board, and the night ended with me showing mi Cariño how to play; unfortunately she's a pretty quick learner, and she beat me. But I'm not worried, there's always next time.

The only shadow during this weekend was the passing of Love personified, Ms. Lillie of ATL. She was one of the best facilitators I've met, and just an all around awesome person. This is an extremely overused expression, but to have known Lillie was to love her indeed, and I will miss her sweet deep voice as she walked in the office, demanded a hug and would proclaim "We'll make a Southerner outta ya yet, wait and see." Listen to an excerpt of her SC Interview here.