Manhattan Farewell, A Tree Grows... and Once Up!

Brisk fall day!  Where did our heat wave go?  Great weather for trekking around our Westside neighborhood one more time.  

The allure of free admission called me (and Ben tagged along) to see the American Folk Art Museum nearby.  It is so much smaller than it's former home near the MOMA and there was just one (modest but interesting) exhibition.  It featured the primitive art of Bill Traylor, who was born into slavery in Alabama.  

Traylor worked on a plantation as a freed slave until 1928 and then lived homeless in Montgomery

for many years after, even sleeping in a funeral parlor.  He was befriended by Charles Shannon who provided him with art supplies so he could sell art to passersby.  Mr. Shannon worked to preserve Traylor's art, which 85 years later is highly treasured.  Since we are headed to the South soon, this art exhibit gives us some context to consider.  Lynchings were a common event during Traylor's lifetime and his art slyly references the life of fear and degradation that befell so many black Americans before the Civil Rights movement.

Meanwhile, Garrett and Libby were visiting Chelsea and walking the High Line.  Garrett snapped this picture of one of the many murals that grace the High Line.  Libby tripped over one of the stylized benches, which though artful, are not so pedestrian friendly, and got some nasty scrapes.  They enjoyed their own visit to Sullivan Street Bakery.

We reluctantly said goodbye to our Westside home and are very grateful to Joan and Clifford for accommodating our stay in such a spacious home in a great location.  We plan to meet up for dinner before we depart NYC.  

Time to head to Brooklyn!

After dropping off our luggage at our new abode (delightful little apartment!) we strolled out for some excellent cappucino and a stroll down to the East River park nearby - great view of Manhattan from here.  We plan to take the ferry over soon, even though the subway is a little faster.  Suddenly time to head BACK to Manhattan for the Broadway show ONCE.

We had great seats at premium cost (ordered before we arrive - another rookie mistake) and Garrett and Libby scored side seats for $50 each.  They were happy enough with the seats and at almost a third of what we paid per seat, I think I could have been happy with them too!  The show has GREAT music and we really enjoyed being transported back to Ireland (earlier home exchange!).  Once is not an over-the-top show like Wicked or Book of Mormon, but it was a very enjoyable evening.

Back to the subway and posing with one of the cool murals underground.  We booked dinner down in Chelsea at Hudson Clearwater thanks to a suggestion by Julie Martin in SLO.  It was cooking with gas at 10 PM!  The restaurant has a speakeasy vibe and excellent service.  Everyone liked their orders - I splurged on duck - it was great.

A late night subway ride back and long chilly walk to the apartment.  Ahh, the apartment looks cozy!