In the years I've lived in New York City, I've never had a reason to take one of these sightseeing tour buses...although I've been curious to see what they are like. Whenever I've played host to people who've never been to NYC, I love showing them my New York and experiencing the city through their eyes for the first time. It's like falling in love all over again.
A little bit of a tangent now. This time of year marks graduation time for a lot of colleges. For me personally:
May 13, 1998 - I graduated from NYU. Al Gore spoke at my graduation and it was the night of the last episode of Seinfeld.
May 14, 2011 - I graduated from grad school.
Today I saw a bunch of college grads in their caps and gowns heading to their ceremonies. Ahhh. Memories.
All this is bringing up memories of the last time I was a true tourist in a foreign city. As a grad school graduation gift, I was taken on a trip to Barcelona and Ibiza by three of the most amazing women I am privileged to know.
I took pictures of that trip, which were far more interesting than the picture I've posted today. And a number of the photos were taken while on a tour bus much like the one pictured here.
Our journey to travel there was a little hairy. Our flight on our original airline out of EWR was cancelled due to stormy weather. Somehow we got on a Lufthansa flight that would take us to Frankfurt, Germany and then Barcelona - our final destination. (I love Lufthansa btw...) Anyway, when we were trying to get a flight, I remember an airline worker had suggested we try to take a flight out of JFK that was leaving in two hours. We were in Newark at that time. Anyone who is familiar with this area, knows that it is close to impossible to get from Newark to JFK in rush hour traffic in 2 hours on a weekday, much less go through airport security to board a plane. I remember wanting to tell the lady, "Make it to JFK in two hours? Next you're gonna pee on my back and tell me it's raining. Yeah, right, lady!"
But we got on a flight and made it to our destination. Our luggage was in transit for two days but we recovered it. Then we headed to Ibiza after 4 days in Barcelona. No, we didn't go during party season nor did we go to foam parties...but we drank on the beach as early as 10AM and stayed out late. Word of advice. Never go to Cafe Trianas (I think that's what it was called). At least to eat. Ugh. Didn't make me sick but it was completely...UGH.
The entire trip was great. Was nice to speak Spanish with a lisp and see all the great sites.
I swear, I'd live in Barcelona if I could. I loved it that much.
Wonderful! I've been thinking about my own graduation - one really can't help but think about it this time of year - and it shocks me, really shocks me, how much time has passed.
Funny I've thought about those big colorful tour buses too. Working in Times Square I see them all the time. I actually thought about trying it just for the elevated position to shoot the street from. Some of those buses are crazy with stadium seating and surround sound.
Also you're right about graduation. I'm seeing all over the city and have had my fair share around town. Hope you can make the June meet up.
Also you're right about graduation. I'm seeing all over the city and have had my fair share around town. Hope you can make the June meet up.