NYC by Nicole: The Met and Central Park - My Highlights

This is one of my favorite itineraries because it combines two things I love more than anything in NYC - Art and Sunshine.  This is a good itinerary on a nice sunny day and for people who aren't "art" and "museum" lovers.  Yes, I know, you're going to the Met, but the Met has so many more interesting things than just traditional "art."  When people see the Egyptian Temple of Dendur and can walk up to it and touch it... it's amazing for anyone, even if they're not an "art" lover.

The Metropolitan Museum and Central Park - My Highlights

Duration:  Late Morning to late afternoon 

Cost: Affordable (you can do it for under $25, if you're thrifty)

View Met & Central Park in a larger map

Starting Point: Metropolitan Museum of Art
1000 5th Ave at 82nd Street
Cost: Suggested Donation (which for you cheap asses, means almost free) $1 - 25

Temple of Dendur

When I go into the Met, I like to start out in the Egyptian wing (hang a right when you go in).  You can meander through until you reach the Temple of Dendur - great photo opportunity!

American Wing

From there go through the beautiful new American wing and Neoclassical facade of the Branch Bank of the United States, originally located on Wall Street.

Then stroll through the Renaissance and Medieval galleries that show off gorgeous stained glass, religious iconography, and a complete Spanish choir screen from the Valladolid cathedral of 1763.  Eventually you will find yourself in a skylighted room full of European sculptures (check out the brick facade here - its part of the Museum's original 1888 south facade).

Rooftop Garden Cafe

You'll also find a line of people going into an elevator to the rooftop (seasonal and weather permitting). Head up to the Rooftop Garden Cafe for lunch and see the most beautiful views of Central Park in the city. They always have an unusual art installation up there that's always worth checking out as well.

After lunch, make your way out of the Met through the Polyneasian galleries and get ready to experience the best of Central Park.

Gramercy Gives Back!

 Last week the Gramercy Gals Society hosted a very special event.  A bunch of Residents came down to the lounge to decorate cards for children in local hospitals.  The turn out was amazing!

So many happy cards!

All of our residents are so talented!  The kids are going to love these cards!

Can you tell we are obsessed with animals?

We have a few charities picked out to send these cards to.  Once we send them out, we'll do a post about where our cards went!  Thank you so much to everyone who came down and decorated, it was really a magical experience!  Now for the age old question....

Hmm.....

Gramercy Pets!

I think we all secretly wish we could smuggle our pets into Gramercy.  Sadly, we can't do that.  So, to appease our need for cuteness, Gramercy presents Resident's pets!  Today we are featuring Lizzie's adorable animals...ENJOY! 

Nicodemus - The Rat - age 4 months to a year

With fur white as the driven snow, and eyes ablaze like an inferno, Nicodemus is a happy, young fellow. He will greet you at the cage door day or night. Very mindful of his personal appearance and cleanliness, he spends most of his time keeping up with his grooming and preening. If your ears are particularly hairy or just not up to his standards, he will take it upon himself to tidy them for you. In return for his efforts, he always appreciates a good back massage. Affectionately known as 'Nicky', he has the curiosity of a true explorer, daring to venture across even the most vast of bedspreads or atop the highest shoulder. 

Some Inspiration From RA Sari

Being a computer art major, I'm always looking at short films, small student animations, demo reels, 2D animation, feature films, etc. I thought that maybe I'd share some of the videos I find very inspiring!


I saw this clip a few days ago. It's incredible what this person captured on film. Though the clip is only about 2 minutes long, the time it took to create something like this was probably days, even weeks.


I came upon this video a short while ago. I love twist endings! Plus, the style and ideas behind this film are incredible.

AND OF COURSE:

I'm sure many of you have seen this, but I couldn't go without posting Kiwi. A student from MFA Computer Art at SVA made this film. This just goes to show you a bit of story and animation can go a very long way. The emotional response to this really shows how an animation can effect someone. Kiwi is the perfect example. Not all animations are about pretty images, but they can really make you connect with certain characters even if they aren't necessarily realistic.

New York by Nicole: 42nd Street Tour

I love being a tourist in my own city.  New York is unbelievable and I get excited to show people the city I love so much.  I never get tired to going to the same places as they all still hold wonder for me.  However, nothing terrifies me more than when I ask one of someone who is coming to visit me what they want to do while they're in New York and they say "I don't know.  Whatever you think is good."  Or even worse, they have an unrealistic idea of where everything is and how to get there - Empire State Building, World Trade Center Memorial, and the Gugenheim are not going to happen in the same day.

It can be overwhelming for non-New Yorkers to make a feasible itinerary for when they come to visit.  I started having my friends make a list of the top 5 things they want to see while their here and then I built itineraries around them.  Over the years, I have perfected these itineraries into optimum sightseeing machines!  And now, I will share my New York Tourist wisdom with you...  Welcome to my new series, New York by Nicole!
  
42nd Street Walking Tour 

Duration:  Early afternoon into evening 

Cost: El Cheapo! (includes lunch and dinner)

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Starting Point A: Grand Central Station 

42nd Street at Lexington Ave

Cost: Free

Grand Central is not only the world's largest (76 acres) and the nation's busiest (nearly 700,000 commuters and subway riders use it daily) railway station, but also one of the world's most magnificent, majestic public spaces.  Every time I walk through Grand Central I get this warm amazing feeling of New York Pride.  I never get tired of wandering through it and noticing little details that I never noticed before.

Recommendations...

Self Guided Walking Tour:  this is great printable walking tour of Grand Central that is full of facts and history.  You won't miss anything!

Vanderbilt Hall Exhibits: If you check out the event calendar, usually there is an art installation in Vanderbilt Hall that is always spectacular.  During the holidays they have a nice bazaar there.

B: Bryant Park 

40th and 42nd Streets & Fifth and Sixth Avenues

Cost: Free

SlutWalk NYC 2011!

That's me with my sign, neat handwriting courtesy of Kerin (:

Thank you to the lovely ladies who joined me at SlutWalk in Union Square! It was such an amazing experience to be a part of, and I cannot express how truly important it was to see such great support filling the streets. Talking with y'all about your various reasons for getting involved really reminded me what a diverse group we have at Gramercy. It was an honor marching, yelling, and protesting alongside so many beautiful men and woman, united against the injustices of rape culture. Can't wait to see what happens this year, and will definitely be walking again next year!

Gramercy's Tips for Keeping Warm!

Fall is my favorite season.  I just love everything about it!  But I have to say my favorite things about Fall are all the little delights that make a cold day warm and snugly.   So today, I have decided to write down my top three ways of keeping all warm and fuzzy.

First on my list?  The Pumpkin Spice Latte at Starbucks.  Yes, it is back and it is awesome.  I love that it has become a tradition for so many people to get a Pumpkin Latte on the first of October.  I am no different.  It's kind of amazing how it actually tastes better when it comes in one of Starbucks' special red cups!