Thursday, June 2, 2011

I love New York






My imperfect quilt


Let me get this out of the way right off the bat.  I love New York.  And I am not just reciting a commercial phrase.  I love it, I really do.  I love the stores.  I love the food.  I love Times Square, and the shows. I love the subways, really I do. With all this love, there has got to be at least one drawback right?   I read somewhere that in the old days quilters would put a little mistake square in their quilts so as not be viewed as perfect since no one is perfect.  Well, I think I found that New York Square…and I don’t mean Times Square.

I am very lucky that my husband being a lifelong airline employee can fly for free.  New York is a very easy ½ hour hop so going to New York City is a fun little excursion for us. 

Yesterday we flew to New York.  As is our habit, we rode into Manhattan using public transportation, namely buses and subways.  The day was hot and humid, not unlike the 110-degree heat index we had left behind in Virginia.  Entering the city was uneventful and rather fun.  We had lunch at a wonderful diner and saw a show.  And then it was time to go back to the airport. 

That is when I discovered the New York mistake square.  Exiting the crowded, but air-conditioned subway we descended the stairs with the intention of riding the bus back to the airport.  Optimistically we reached the bus stop and waited.  We waited some more.  The heat beat down.  Little did I know that this heat was just a cool, walk in the park compared to the searing heat we would soon experience.

After about a half an hour not one, but two of our buses appeared on the horizon.  We had our choice!  The first bus stopped and the line of people waiting to get on had increased from just us, to over 25 others.  We somehow ended up at the end of the line.  As I reached the step, the bus driver told the person in front of me that the bus was full. Call me a country bumpkin but it looked full to me the minute that he pulled up.  Does he actually count or does he gauge it by whether he can close the door? 

So we turned and headed towards the second bus.  Luckily (depending upon how you look at it) the driver allowed more passengers.  This bus was so full that I swear you would need a crowbar to get another person on.  No one needed a bar to hold onto, packed this tight we just wobbled against each other like weebles. The door closed.  And as I looked around at these tired, hot, sweaty co-riders I realized this was not going to be any joyride.  The heat increased.  No air conditioning.  No windows open.  Are you kidding me?  The bus had to be approaching the heat of a sauna. And I never did get the idea of sweating in a box as being pleasant.  Those around me were dripping in sweat.  At this point I would have paid anything to be in an air-conditioned taxi.  $30 not a problem, $100, you betcha, blank check, all yours. 

Delirium took over and I started to think that walking to the airport would be a better idea.  Every time the door opened at yet another stop, I’d glance pleadingly at my non-complaining but sweating like a pig, husband and ask,

 “Can we walk from here?”

“No, it’s too far.”

“But I can see the tower.”

Finally I could take no more and at the next stop I was getting off, with or without him.  Fortunately he agreed and we walked the quarter mile to the airport.  Never in my life had outside air that was probably still pretty warm, felt so cooling.  I gasped and took it into my lungs with a newfound relish.

In retrospect, I have to believe that these buses are usually air-conditioned.  Perhaps there were too many passengers.  Maybe, it was broken.  It sure didn’t look as if the windows could be opened except by the use of a hammer.  So maybe, just maybe we got the bad square.  Hopefully the rest of them are just fine.  Still, I think that just in case I will only be visiting New York during the cooler months from now on.

12 comments:

Valerie-Jael said...

Sounds like you had a hot time in NY! What an unpleasant end to a lovely trip. Next time has to be better! Valerie

Anonymous said...

I love that sentiment about the imperfect block,, I remember my mumsaying its because only God is perfect and we should put the imperfect piece in to remind us of that, sorry the trip ended on such a frustrating tone,,I've never been to New York,,

Marlene said...

What a shame your trip ended that way. Nice that you have a sense of humor about the whole thing. I'm afraid I would not have been so gracious.

Daniella said...

First, I love your quilt!!

Second sorry NYC was awful for you this time!!
But, it is HORRIBLE in the summer. and there is no AC, and the windows never open. it is hot, humid, and filthy hot.
The temp right now should be 75, but the last few days it has been 90+ with heat indexes saying 100, and the air quality was so bad they said if you have asthma, dont go outside!! ugh.
xxDaniella

maddyrose said...

Ouch! Too bad your day in New York had to end in such a way. I'm glad the rest of the trip was so pleasent. I've always wished I lived close enough to New York to fly in for the day you described minus the bus trip. I've had similar experiences riding the bus, but it was in Turkey and the temperature was closer to 120 and the bus was crowded with goat herders and chickens.

Lee Pierce said...

I love NY too! Wonderful place to visit - living there was OK except for summer. I'll do the subway but buses - hmmm no stinking way.

Magic Love Crow said...

Hey Crystal, I have only been to NY once and that was when I was a teenager. Sorry, you and your hubby got so hot and sweaty! Take Care!

jamberry_song said...

Oh, man. I know exactly what you are talking about! These buses drive like maniacs and stretch out the cheapest possible upkeep, so I wouldn't be surprised if you told me his air conditioner hasn't worked since 1999. XD There's much to be said for city folks who are used to hot, cramped quarters; this is why they vacation in the Adirondacks. ;) Glad you survived it, though! People who have the patience for quilting are very admirable in my estimation. It looks lovely.

Leovi said...

Really awesome, I love flawed design of your quilt. New York is a city that a child has made me more excited. I hope someday my dream is fulfilled. Greetings.

Maggie said...

Wow, what a trip. I have not been to NY since 1966! It was the end of June, and I remember just loving the weather. We didn't take the bus, or any other public transportation, fortunately! I probably would have melted. I love your quilt, Crystal

Gerri Herbst said...

Sorry you found the bad square..but now that it is over you'll never need to find it again!

Anonymous said...

I really am commenting on the post about your son and the Northern Lights but the photo of the quilt was covering the comments button so I'm commenting here,, is that OK?,, I live in Northern Ontario Canada and its quite a common sight to see the Northern Lights here,, they are wonderful, I've even painted them,, we're pretty far north too, its a different life,,but a good life,,

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