Sunday, May 11, 2014

Three-day Cultural experience in New York City



Had wonderful cultural experience in New York City via three off-Broadway shows, two tip-based walking tours, three beautiful parks, one Bollywood bar, and most importantly one old friend to-be-transferred back to Taiwan in July. 

me of the world’s best and most interesting urban canvasses.  We’ll explain to you the background and history behind the art of many famous and not-so-famous artists.  Obtain a better appreciation and critical eye for what is an ever changing form of expression, all the while exploring a part of New York only now emerging on visitors’ itineraries. - See more at: http://www.freetoursbyfoot.com/new-york-tours/walking-tours/new-york-graffiti-and-street-art-tours/#sthash.ebfYQfAl.dpuf
Nunsense is a 'funny nunny' musical that was preformed in the beautiful St. Bartholomew's Church. After a cooking mishap leaves 52 sisters dead, 5 of the surviving Little Sisters of Hoboken organize a variety show to raise funds for the burial. These five nuns deliver a comedic and heartfelt show.  

Adrift started from the notorious Rivoli Nightclub in Havana, Cuba with four showgirls performing their last act before leaving their lives of sin, sex and self deception and set off aboard a raft to pursue life, liberty, happiness and rich husbands in America. It only cost $10 and came with a complimentary Cuba Libre (rum and coke).

Shut Up Sit Down & Eat... was performed in a theater in the Little Italy. This is what happens when 4 Italian American people show up for a group therapy session and the doctor never show's up. I enjoyed this hilarious dysfunction and laughter.... Italian style. You can book off-Broadway shows at $10 at  http://www.tdf.org/TDF_ServicePage.aspx?id=56&%20do=v  Or use a student ID to get $20 discounted Broadway tickets, or stand0by 2-hr before the shows for $30 tickets, or walking in he 2nd-Act for free as if you dare. LOL

The Graffiti and Street Art Tour was fun and colorful. I saw quite a few interesting urban canvasses.  The tour guides explained the Graffiti-keep-youth-clean background and stories/styles of many famous and not-so-famous artists.  



The Grand Central Terminal tour guide was very knowledgeable about its wonderful architecture and pulsating vibe.  Apple rents a space therein at one million dollars a month while making 18 millions a month therefrom. You can reserve these informative tip-based walking tours at http://www.freetoursbyfoot.com/new-york-tours/tour-calendar/

The Van Cortlandt Park has a nice historic museum and great open space, the Wave Hill Park has the best view over Hudson River, and the Washington Square in the East Village has many musicians, including a great pianist who rolled the piano into the Park and played great music.




My return trip Chinatown bus was hold-up by a unreasonable passenger, stuck in a narrow alley, inch-through a highway session after Baltimore that was under maintenance, so I missed the last orange METRO train at 12:06 am. Lucky me found a ride from an Sudan old lady while waiting for the bus in Manhattan Chinatown. Her son picked us up at DC Chinatown and kindly dropped me off my parking place near West Falls Church METRO.
















Saturday, May 03, 2014

Around the World Embassy Tour


This is my favorite event of the year that showcased different countries each year. This year 50 embassies from Africa, Asia, Oceania, the Middle East, and the Americas, with artists and artisans, performers, lecturers, teachers, and others provide a range of educational and cultural programming. I experienced the food, art, dance, fashion, and music of several countries, such as Bolivia, Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Chad, etc.  I started by myself, followed 3 girls met on Mass. Ave, then tagged along a 10-people Meetup group. It is more fun to chat with people while waiting in line.