Day One - The Adventure Begins

I’ve done my time. For three and a half years, I’ve labored through purgatory. But now… NOW I am finally in New York City. It’s been a good first day, too.

Brian and I had to wake up early to catch our 5:30 flight out of D/FW this morning, so it was a rough start. However, I finally arrived in NYC around 11:30 am Eastern time. Brian and I went to get a cab, and some guys offering a shuttle service tried to divert us from the officially sanctioned taxi lines. I’d seen a sign in LaGuardia that warned against taking rides from these, but Brian didn’t see it and initially suggested we try it out.

Then we found out it was just a guy with a Suburban. He was probably just trying to make money, but he was definitely not anything official. Luckily, he overbooked his Suburban and we took the opportunity to duck out and return back to the official taxis. It ended up being cheaper than the dude with the Suburban, too, so it all worked out fine.

We checked into the Lamb’s and began going through all our move-in paperwork and unpacking. My room is most-definitely, without-a-doubt, nothing more than a closet. 8x8 supposedly. There’s enough room for a bunk bed, a tall storage cabinet and standing space to change clothes. I don’t imagine I’ll be spending too much time in my room. (Yes Mom, this means you were right.)

After a little power-nap, I managed to cajole five other people to come with me to Little Italy. We tried Buona Notte. Excellent dinner. Made me happy. My first dinner in NYC, and it was a great Italian meal. I couldn’t ask for more. Afterwards, we hit the K-Mart in Penn Station. That sucker is three stories tall!!! K-MART! I got myself a nice little blanket, comforter thing. Not sure what it is, but it’s soft and it’ll keep me warm.

And now I type this blog. I’m tired and sore all over. I’ll probably go to bed shortly. I think I might try checking out Central Park tomorrow. Or something. There’s so much to do!

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MEALS OF NOTE:

Lunch - “The Red Flame” - Diner - Pastrami Sandwich, Fries, Coca-cola
Thoughts - The Pastrami was a little tough, but it tasted amazing. The fries were nothing special. Service was quick, but left a little to be desired. Overall decent.
Total Cost - About $12 (including tip)

Dinner - “Buona Notte” - Italian Restaurant - Lobster Ravioli, Chardonnay
Thoughts - At first I didn’t think much of the ravioli. The plate only included six and the taste didn’t seem to be particularly great, but the more I ate, the more I began to really enjoy it and it ended up being decently filling. The chardonnay wasn’t half bad either. The waiter was a little bit slow in taking our orders and bringing the check, but the wait staff overall kept our drinks full. Overall great experience.
Total Cost - About $25 (including gratuity and extra tip), and WELL WORTH IT!