New York, New York
On Sunday my friend Matt and I decided to make a trip into New York City. We were in Reading, PA so it was only a 2 1/2 hour drive. Not too bad considering.
While traveling down Route 78 East towards the city Matt had noticed an abandoned church with a very well taken care of grave yard. Of course we had to pull over. Turns out the church was inching towards 200yrs of age. Amazingly enough the building still stands.
One of the strangest things about the whole scene was the grave stones. Some of them were so old that they were literally just stones in the ground. No markings, no nothing. Just stones. The ones that we could read ranged from the late 1800’s through the 1950’s. Kind of odd considering the church was abandoned almost 100 years ago.
After gawking at the cemetary and a really awesome tree in the church yard we got back on the interstate and headed into the city.
Once we arrived at the city we drove around for awhile finally stopping on 57th street near Hell’s Kitchen. As we walked around we ran into a street festival. A huge street festival.
Matt and I stood at the top of the festival looking at the people meandering through. Although we have been to New York on many other occassions we were still amazed at the throng of people before us. We estimated there were as many people walking up that street as there were people in our small hometowns in Pennsylvania.
After walking around Matt and I headed into a bar. A nice place were we ran into a Norwegian couple named Torgeir and Invuild. Great people. We spent most of the night drinking with them.
One interesting fact they mentioned. The movie “The Spy Who Shagged Me” was poorly translated when it was brought to Norway. The title became “The Spy Who Ejaculated On Me.” Good going Hollywood!
Anyway we left the bar took a walk around the city. About an hour or so later we hopped in the truck and headed out of the city.
After getting lost we asked for directions while sitting at a stop light. The driver told us we had to make a right at the light were at and follow the signs. We got permission to turn in front of the driver, basically cutting him off. Well I got pulled over for an “improper right hand turn.” I tried reasoning with the cop but his only reply was “You just can’t do that” then he walked away. So there goes $90 out of my pocket. I always thought that the only time you got a ticket in NYC is for killing someone. Of course if you look at the statistics it may be easier to get away with murder, or at least a drug deal or five.
Matt and I continued on our journey. Less than an hour later I again see the flashing lights of the NYPD in my rearview, this time for a malfunctioning taillight. Thankfully this officer took pity on me by only giving me something to mail in. No financial damage done.
Again, Matt and I continued on our journey home. After going through the Lincoln Tunnel and getting back on I-78 we were finally getting home. But alas getting home was not to be. The stupid driver, me, in all of his wisdom and lack of sleep didnt notice the gas tank was low. A few putters and stutters later we stranded. 4 o’clock AM in rural Pennsylvania. The closest town? About six or seven miles along a dark and hilly road. A torturous walk after an already long day but by only 5:30 AM we reached civilization.
After stealing my sisters car we were back on the road to Reading. By 7 o’clock AM we were back at Matt’s apartment and by 7:01 we were both sound asleep thus ending our foray into NYC.
Wednesday, May 18th, 2005