30 Hours in NYC

So my Mom invited me to join her in New York for a super last-minute spring break trip. She had something to do Sunday morning, so I flew in Friday morning, and we left Saturday night. Here's a recap of my 30 hours in New York City.

Day One

YYZ --> LGA

Airport fit

Brekky

Ruel tix secured

Tourism Moment - Bryant Park, Strand, thrifting, Washington Sq Park & record stores

Cartoons feat. my bagel from Sadelle's

The Amazing World of Gumball

SpongeBob SquarePants

Family Guy

Dinner

I forgot to take pictures, but we ate at Haven Rooftop.

Hamilton

Ever since we saw Hamilton on Broadway in 2018, I've been begging my Mom for us to see it again. However, when my mom told me that we would actually be seeing again, I had mixed feelings. When we first saw Hamilton, I was in my peak Hamilton era, but after five years, I wasn't sure if it would be as exciting. I had never been so glad to be wrong.

As soon as I heard "How does a bastard, orphan, son of a whore" I started crying and didn't stop until after "My Shot". Listening to the soundtrack is one thing, and watching the film on Disney+ is another, but seeing and hearing it live, is incomparable. All the love I had for this musical came rushing back like it never left.

I was able to keep my composure until right before "Dear Theodosia," but I started sobbing after the first piano chord. Hearing my favourite song live, with a Hamilton that could actually sing, was overwhelming, to say the least. I wish I had recorded it because I hate having to go back to the original recording (Lin was literally fighting for his life trying to keep up with Leslie).

I cried through most of the second act and my mom didn't know what to do with me because I couldn't stop sobbing. But, despite the tears blurring my vision a bit, and the horrible audience members around me (imagine opening your phone with full brightness during "One Last Time" or having a loud conversation during "Burn,") I had the time of my life. If you like musicals (honestly, even if you don't like musicals), you need to see Hamilton. I promise it's not overrated.

Post Hamilton - Krispy Kreme, Shake Shack & The Tonight Show

The studio was like six blocks away

My mom stopped watching after Lucy Liu

Blueberry cake is my new favourite

We got lost in the rain trying to find it but the Oreo shake was worth it

Day Two

FAO Schwarz

We saw the FAO Schwarz storefront on our walk to MoMA and decided to pop in and take a look around. There was just so much everywhere; I didn't even know where to look.

Just as we were about to leave, my mom spotted the Barbie section. I was debating taking home a create-your-own, but it was the custom calligraphy on the box that sealed the deal. As it turned out, it was Barbie's birthday, and the calligraphy wasn't a regular thing. I got to pick three outfits (I got a bonus one because of the event) and an accessory pack. The suit is definitely the best one.

MoMA - Guillermo del Toro: Crafting Pinocchio

MoMa is such a cool museum!!! We didn't plan on seeing the Pinocchio exhibit, but with the Oscars being the next day, we thought it was appropriate. I hadn't seen the movie (I still haven't), but my mom watched it with my brother so I banked on her being able to give me some context to the displays. Turns out, my mom didn't recall Fascist Italy or religion being core elements of the film. But even without context, the exhibit was an amazing experience. The only downside was there not being a Pinocchio figurine to buy at the gift shop. My mom said it was something about Guillermo being an artist and not giving into the capitalism of it all, but I still really wanted a mini Pinocchio.

We also had a really good lunch at Cafeteria 3 (which I forgot to document).

Magnolia Bakery

The last place we went before heading to the airport was Magnolia Bakery. I've yet to watch Sex and the City, but apparently, it was featured in an episode. I got a chocolate chip blondie which ATE. My mom got a hot chocolate which she said was good too. We also got mini cupcakes to split, but the icing was horrible and made me sick.

I love a good last-minute trip and this one was definitely one for the books! I now know I need to see Hamilton at least five more times in my lifetime and that Shake Shack needs to come to Toronto ASAP. Also, I may or may not be considering transferring to NYU.