It’s NYC y’all.
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We just returned from our first trip to NYC.
“NYC
The shadows at sundown
The roofs, that scrape, the sky
NYC
The rich and the rundown
The parade goes by…”
Ahem…sorry. Can’t help it. I’m an Annie fan.
Trite, I know.
Anyway, where was I… Oh, yes, our first trip to The Big Apple…the city that never sleeps…the greatest city on earth. Uh, huh. I’m 42 and this was our first trip there.
And we drove.
From South Carolina.
With our children.
A tween and a teen.
A boy and a girl.
I love them and they love me.
And that’s all I’ll say about that.
So we drove. But not only did we drive from home north of the Mason Dixon line, but we drove in NYC.
In it.
With our SC state license plate glowing like a neon sign.
Through tunnels.
Skirting oblivious pedestrians.
Avoiding imminent danger and sure death from reckless cab drivers.
As Sean John gave us the fist of strength, powering us on.
Sure we drove straight to our hotel, and parked, but still…it’s NYC y’all…The Big Apple…the city that never sleeps…
Oh, never mind.
But n’er another SC license plate in site toodling around the city y’all. And, get this, not only did Randy drive (that’s how I took the pictures) in the city once, but I drove.
Yes I did.
Three times.
Early Saturday morning four friends, Alice, Kristen, Robyn and Shari accompanied (and navigated) me out of the city for a day trip to PA for the Big Summer Potluck. (A fabulous time – thanks Three Many Cooks and Ivory Hut!) And sure, Saturday morning traffic is dead, but still, it’s NYC y’all.
Then we had to come back. In the city. NYC. Again y ‘all. And we’re all alive and well, and I didn’t hit anything (I think) or anyone. And I don’t recall any gestures thrown my way. Except for that fist from Sean. But that’s cool. By the way, I want one of those hip sweatshirts dude.
So there. If I can drive there, I can drive anywhere.
Except maybe Shanghai.
But I’m not planning on going there anytime soon.
:•)
I just love you! I cried laughing and then had to read it all again. I bet you made it because of the power fist from Sean Jean. I really do. That kind of thing really works, ya know. I feel sure of it.
Or, was it the incredible navigation you received. Not from me. I would have been making all conversation stop while I drove through NYC. Atlanta driving is tough enough for this cookie. My GPS just isn’t that smart.
And yes, if you can drive there, you can drive anywhere. And I’ll be happy to ride along.
oh.my.lordy. you are sooooo freakin’ funny!!!!! i am so happy we met, Amy wearsmanyhats, ‘cuz you keep me in stitches!! an no, i will NOT ride with you anytime soon in NYC!!
Love it! I had a good chuckle reading this post. I lived in NYC for a few years and driving is more than an adventure. If you drive cautiously, you’ll be dead in about 5 minutes. Aggressive or nothing. Love the tunnel shot!
You went to BlogHer, right? The whole blogging community has been in an uproar over it! It’s been amazing reading about it!
Wei-Wei
Wow!
Just thinking about that big ol’ neon SC license plate in NYC makes me giggle!
I am duly impressed. And motivated. Always wondered if you (by which I mean me) could really drive in NYC. Now I know the answer is “yes!” I much prefer driving to flying (not because I’m afraid but because of the hassle factor) so maybe when I plan my trip to NYC I will DRIVE.
So thanks.
I love love love NYC!
Yes you did darlin’!! You could show those rally racers a thing or two as well. You are such a nut I love this post.
I keep thinking about how, not only did you drive us on our road trip through NY with a SC drivers license but how 5 women used electronics to find their way around on that trip and were only 15 min late {giggle}. And we were good girls,we didn’t stop once to go antiquing… which is still haunting me by the way.
You rock!! I’ll drive with you again anywhere. Too much fun
Way to go, Girl! SC rocks, and so do you, even in the Big Apple. Rock on!!!
You are hilarious. Loved the bit about Sean John. Too funny. You are braver than me – any time I have been to NYC, it has been on a train or a bus. And I didn’t get there till my mid 30’s so don’t feel bad! Oh, and I only live about 3 hours away, so what was my excuse all that time?
Next stop….driving in Boston! That’s the real test. Once you drive there you’re official and can drive anywhere. Still, driving in NY is quite a feat and I bow to you!
Hey Nancy!
I’ve driven there too!!! Oh my word! It was a snowy Friday night from the airport out to RI by myself. I’m a driving machine. I am. ; •)
~ Amy
Amy, I remember when I first wrote the cookbooks (about 15 years ago) and was invited to cook on The Television Food Network…Aunt Patsy and I drove from Georgia to New York…it was much more interesting than flying!! We found that the people of New York were friendly and helpful and that they seemed fascinated with the fact that we had driven there from Georgia. I love New York! Grace and I are going there during the next year…the trip will be one of her graduation presents. What a great experience for you and your family to share! Much Love, Aunt Carole
So much fun!, we’ve only been there once, but you feel like you need to go regularly after the first time. It’s so exciting. We stayed in the village for 4 nights, weekdays and weekend. I am definitely positive, without a doubt, it was way quieter than where we live, I couldn’t believe it. Between all the Nascar wannabees, bikers, so many bikers (Pipes Save Lives, especially pipes so loud they shout fire), are the crazy? YES!) buzzing hondas, they race here all freakin night. If it wasn’t so expensive, I’d move in a heartbeat. Maybe I’ll win the lottery, but then again I’d have to play it, LOL.
I get it. I sooooo get it. This Texan was a bit chuffed with herself the first time she drove in NYC. Now I drive there all the time and cuss like a true New Yorker the whole way through. Maggy will tell you. She’s been witness.
And would you believe, Amy, that the only thing I’ve ever hit, was a stupid tree in Brooklyn, while trying to parallel park? I will never hear the end of that one.
great pictures! Great story. I must say that the 2 times I”ve driven to NYC, I’ve actually parked my car in the burbs (NJ) and rode the train into the city with the family. I drive in the city of Chicago all the time but NYC is just a little too daunting for me to take. It’s scary enough to ride IN a cab much less driving next to one! You are one brave girl! Glad you enjoyed the road trip, road trips are my favorite past time!
You took the Times Sq/Sean John pic right outside of my office building! Had I known you before BigSummerPotluck, I would have demanded we have lunch. Or gelato. Or gelato for lunch.
NEW YORK CITY!!! Wow, I know Randy is a dare devil and now I know you are! Hope my yung’uns had fun. Do they have sunburned tonsils from looking up so much? Welcome HOME and have good school year.
Hope to see you soon. LUV to all!
Guess I’ll have to get you a driving cap! (you do wear many hats, ya know!?) that’s why I love you so much!
I’m impressed! I’ve been there several times, even lived there for a few months, and I can’t imagine driving in that place.