Singing in the rain

Ok, so seriously, last night was the most fun I have had since being in New York. After work, Harris, Christina, Tyler and I decided to brave the UNBEARABLE heat to go hear the Philharmonic give a free concert in Central Park. We stopped at a little local deli along the way and had our sandwiches made the real New York way - by a man that didn't speak a lick of English - just pointed to the different meats and cheeses while we nodded or shook our heads. By the time we got to the park around 7:45, the place was packed! The concert was being held on the Great Lawn, and if I had to guess, I would say there were probably 20-30,000 people there, no lie. Everyone was spread out on blankets with picnics and candles (probably somewhat illegal in the park!) So we found the only spot we could, a good distance off to the right where we could barely see the stage, and laid out our feast of deli sandwiches, trail mix and a $3 bottle of wine - complete with styrofoam cups. (only in New York do the corkscrews cost more than that wine!)





<------ Here we are, (l-r) me, Harris, Christina and Tyler, enjoying being outside in the ridiculous heat! (did I mention that it was hot - it was 90 degrees at 8pm!!)













<----- Harris showing off, Christina laughing at Harris, and Tyler looking at the ice cream truck he just noticed.





The orchestra was cool. There were times it was hard to hear, but we had a blast, telling stories, playing games and enjoying being somewhere we could just relax. After the show was over, there was a great fireworks display. I am not kidding when I tell you that the fireworks last night were far better than most 4th of July displays I have seen in my lifetime!! As soon as the fireworks were over, and everyone had clapped and cheered, there was a mass exodus towards the subway. I want you to get a mental image of this: Imgaine 20-30,000 people all moving in the same direction, with blankets and coolers and baskets and chairs and strollers and the occasional bike...all trying to squeeze through the same narrow pathway that led to the west side subway, all while holding hands with everyone in their party. As if not is not funny or frustrating enough, the sky decided that very moment would be prime for letting its bottom fall out. There was little warning - a loud clap of thunder, and then a torrentail down-pour!! The four of us just looked at each other and laughed.


<----a slightly fuzzy shot of the fireworks over the Manhattan sky line.










By the time we made it to the street, we were soaked and laughing. We were watching way too many people try and squeeze their way into one subway tunnel and so we decided instead of taking the crowded train at 86th, we would walk down to 59th and catch the train there. So we walked the 17 blocks in the pouring, now chilling, rain. We ran like little kids, stomping in puddles, while this little 7 year old boy beside us looked at us like we were crazy. It was so fun to be out in the rain, and to just not care!!



<----Here we are, soaked and grinning, in front of the Trump Tower