A Day With Meghan

I met my friend Meghan through blogging.  She has a nice blog and we've got many mutual blogging buddies (like the other Megan).  A few months ago, I travelled to Philly where Meghan lives and we had a delightful dinner.  That experience deepened our friendship.

Today, Meghan took an Amtrak train up to New York City and we spent the day together.  What fun! 

Due to my greater familiarity with New York, I took the lead in planning our day.  I escorted us down to Greenwich Village which is my favorite part of the city.  The neighborhood has a bohemian flavor and is less crowded and less expensive than other areas.  Plus, it has lots of thrift-shops.

We started with an hour of conversation over the most delicious cup of coffee at Bruno's Italian bakery, a place where you put on weight just looking at the pastries.  I've been going to Bruno's for over thirty years and love its Old World charm.  Their baked goods are delicious and the ambiance is distinctly European.

Then we spent a few hours shopping.  Thrift-stores in the city are more upscale than the suburbs.  Prices are much higher but the wares are noticeably better.  I found an amazing white blazer with black polka dots and pink piping.  Meghan picked up a Philly Flyers jacket that she's sure will irritate her boyfriend because he roots for a different team.  I uncovered a delightful disco-era red gown with diagonal ruffles.  The gown must have a built-in time-machine because it instantly transported me back to that era.  You'll see these treasures in the near future.

We had lunch at a cool restaurant called Cowgirls which was crammed with cowgirl memorabilia.  An entertaining place to eat.  I bought us both t-shirts there.

We capped off the day with a refreshing visit to the new "ice bar".  Named Minus 5 Ice Bar, the place exceeded our expectations.  It immediately infuses you with excitement.  We donned parkas, gloves and went into the cold.  It has several ice sculptures which are well-done: a cool one of the Manhattan skyline and another of the Statue of Liberty.  The funniest thing we saw all day was a woman who went into the ice bar wearing sandals -- after realizing how cold it is, she put cloth gloves on her feet!  She looked hilarious.

It was a great day.  Time with friends is invaluable.  Thanks, Meghan!