how to see and enjoy the city lights...

during the holidays
without loosing your mind in the mobs:

a. Get to know a weatherman/woman
and become familiar with their lingo and batting average
so that when they say, "First some light showers around 7, then heavy after midnight"
you know that you can believe that is what will happen.

b. trust that people will simply hear "showers" and "rain" and will stay away from the city

c. book a tour on the double decker bus nightime, "Holiday Lights" tour--before local schools are out for the holiday

d. don't fret over the camera too much
(the photos won't be great, no matter what you do)
and enjoy the show without the camera in front of your face

This is precisely what J (the sister) and i did on Thursday
and
Oh! what fun!

We got in early
and walked over to Times Square.
Having spent my childhood near Las Vegas
i'm not easily "whelmed" by bright lights
that said
Times Square is something to behold
and
photos just can't do it justice
(unless you are a mega pro at such set ups, which i'm not)

the "billboards" are fantastic

and there's even one with a very important reminder

and i believe the Waterford crystal ball is already on its pole?

Board your double decker bus
enjoy the greeting by the very charming
Jamacan-born comediene
who will keep you laughing
while teaching you things you never knew
about the city

and

enjoy the shooting stars

trees

a garden of stars that change colors

more trees

fabulously over-the-top windows of feathered sculptures

and, yes
that tree
which always brings a lump to my throat

and a building wrapped in a crystal red bow
with a jaguar climbing it

and a glitzy touch of Hollywood

And
when it's all over
walk to the grand New York City Public Library on 5th avenue
and watch the sweet crowd of skaters in Bryant Park
the really talented ones
and those helping the wobbly ones
and all the smiles

and
then
gaze at a star

Comments

[Lucy]

All rather fabulous, happy Christmas!