First Weekend in the Big Apple

I have officially survived my first weekend living in "da Bronx"!

As I mentioned earlier, I was more than excited to get all moved into the house on Friday! Though the week in Philadelphia, it was nice to finally move into a place I could call home, and get settled. The house where I am staying is absolutely beautiful! I mean, really, who wouldn't love a 1900's Victorian home in the middle of the Bronx, NY?! :)

Before we continue, I would like to introduce a new character into the story of "Christopher goes to New York." His name is Charlie J.A.C.K. Hueg. Before leaving for the volunteer program, 4 of my really good friends (Jackie, Amy, Carly, and Kristen) gave Sean and I a stuffed bear! Two reasons for the bear; 1. have something to remember them by, and the awesome friendship they provided 2. to have a fun bear to bring around to all the tourist sites and take pictures with (Flat Stanley...)

**characters introduced thus far = Bernard the Bamboo and Charlie J.A.C.K. the Teddy Bear**

As the weekend comes to a close, I would consider myself 95% moved into my room. I am still moving slight stuff around getting used to where stuff is, etc. and feeling out the room (feng shui...). I do believe that I have come up with a pretty awesome layout to my room, and am that much closer to getting everything hung up and such.

Dresser and Sitting Area

Bookshelf of Intelligence

Awesomely, comfortable bed (sidenote, I did sew the blanket on my bed by myself!)

My desk (this area needs a little bit of loving...)

The closet, with as much Twins gear present as possible!

On Saturday, the roommates and I decided we wanted to go into the city and explore! Getting lost in the city is the best way to learn your way around, from what we've heard, and we did just that. I would not consider ourselves lost at any point though during the day...our adventures brought us to Times Square for a day of being tourists taking pictures. As we approached the famous Red Steps in Times Square, we spotted a sign for TKTS! For those asking what exactly that might be, let me explain: every day, all of the Broadway shows submit their open, available tickets to this special vendor to sell at a discounted price. Going out on a whim to try and get tickets, the roommates and I stood in line. 20 minutes or so passed by, and before we knew it, we were on our way to seeing a Broadway show that night. :D. Naturally being a theatre kid, I was ecstatic, and my roommates shortly after learned why theatre can be so much fun! 

The show we were going to that night was Memphis! I had been listening to the music for this particular show for quite some time, and really had gotten to love it. I had the opportunity to see a filmed version of the Broadway musical in the late spring, and knew then that I had to see it while I was in New York, but never did I imagine seeing it my first weekend! Not only was the show fantastic, to see it in the Shubert Theatre, one of the more famous theatres down Broadway made it that much more exciting. The show began, the show went on, and then curtain call! WOW!! What an experience! The realization of being in New York was not made clear until Intermission when I looked around, and truly felt the presence of Broadway and New York lifestyles. I look forward to hopefully seeing at least 1 more show while here during my year of service. 

After the show was completed, I clued my roommates in on visiting the "Stage Door" to meet some of the cast! As you can see here, I was able to get 2 of the leads who played Delray (left) and Gator (right) to take a picture with Charlie. They thought the bear was the coolest thing they have taken a picture with in their theatre careers (point for Jackie, Amy, Carly, and Kristen)!! We then made our way back towards the house, and got a good nights sleep for the adventures we would then be having on Sunday.

Sunday morning arrived, and being away from stores and necessities for almost 3 weeks, we all decided to take a trip to Target! Thanks to the helpful assistance of one of the LV's from the Bronx, she was able to guide us in the right direction towards the store. Essentials, and some non-essentials, purchased, we trekked back home, and decided on the afternoon adventures: Coney Island!

Getting on the train, we didn't realize how long it would take to get there, but after spending nearly 2 hours on the train, we were able to walk around and explore some more of the sights of the NYC boroughs, etc. 

First stop: "Nathan's World Famous Hot Dogs". Being on Coney Island, and following the theme of trying all the tourist/location-known foods, I got a Coney Dog aka Chili Cheese Dog with chopped onions!! There was something about this particular experience though that made the hot dog much more delicious. Probably the fact it was really a frankfurter! (Sidenote, if you look on the far left of the picture, you can see the big blue clock countdown for the annual "4th of July Hot Dog Eating Contest" sponsored by Nathan's!)

After enjoying out hot dogs, we then ventured onto the boardwalk, and looked out over the water for a bit before heading back home! It is truly starting to set in all the walking New Yorkers do, but its ok; I am totally loving the lifestyle and the atmosphere of the big city! I can't wait for work to start now, and I get to look all professional with everyone else in the morning! :).

LASTLY, another update on Bernard: today he was able to move into his new home! He truly enjoyed the rent-a-home provided by corporate sponsors (McDonalds), but to be able to be stable again in his new home, couldn't excite him any more! He sends all his love and thanks during this time of transition.

Until the next adventures, feel free to leave comments! Love to all my family and friends! 

Live Jesus In Our Hearts. Forever.