I thought that I would not have much more to add in my blog, but best you hold onto your hats, because verbal diarrhea is imminent. After an early night on Sunday, I was up and at the world nice and early. I had bought a yoghurt and muesli mix and ate that in my room for breakfast. First port of call was the shopping list. Popped in at Macey’s and Uniqlo and crunched the credit card. Followed up by a quick pop in at Skechers to replace my by now thoroughly gross and disgusting sneakers. I popped back past my hotel to drop all the goodies off and then headed out to explore the High Line. Essentially this is an old railway track that runs from the meatpacking district, I think from West 434th Street all the way to 14th avenue downtown. I happened to read about it in an arbitrary report on Tripadvisor. I have never heard anyone reference it before.
It is being reclaimed as an inner city park and there are plants and trees and grasses planted all along the route. It has so many little off shoots for benches and views. Sometimes along the Hudson River, sometimes in between buildings. There are squirrels and birds and all sorts of little creepy crawly things. Some sculptures, trees, grasses, plants and so much to experience. In places you see the old rail lines, in other places wooden walkways. It is a free activity and I highly recommend this to anyone. But don’t do it in a rush, take time to enjoy. I was on the Line for so long that the sun started setting and the light and views just got more and more interesting. Eventually it ended on 14 th avenue…a good distance from my hotel. So I hopped on a bus and made my way back home. I decided to do the chicken wings thing for dinner and it was ok. I got fried chicken wings, but would have preferred a basted product. But my fault I don’t always understand the terminology.
I then decided that I can’t be in NYC and not see Times Square, so I hopped on the subway and went for a walk. I decided to check out where the Kerr Theatre was – the venue for Springsteen on Broadway. I found it quite easily and was very heartsore that I would not be able to attend. Once again, when you experience Times Square, you realize the futility of switching your lights off to try and save the planet! I am really shocked to see the amount of homeless people, beggars and people who clearly have mental issues. So much aggression from the general public. Pushing and shoving and just an absolute lack of respect fo anyone around them. I finally got back to my hotel at about 11pm, footsore but happy and way to tired to blog.
On Tuesday morning, my last day, I had to quickly pop back to the Uniqlo store because one of the jackets dis not have the bag attached. Could not simply get a bag, I had to return the jacket for a refund and then get a new one….not the most efficient process. From there I headed back uptown on the subway, to have a wander through Central Park. It is amazing how there is always a new area to be explored. This time I found a woodland, which was really great to see. Except I could not find my way back out. I did ask foe directions, but in hindsight the sod actually set me up on a bum steer…the only way out is the same way you came in. I eventually figured this out. I made my down to the pond with a cool little bridge. Some ducks, mandarins and others, some geese and gorgeous sunlight. Forgot to mention it was a scorcher day.
I made my way back to 5th Avenue, because I could clearly smell Apples. The Apple store was as chaotic as ever.
My next destination was the beautiful St Patricks Cathedral, which no longer has scaffolding on it, i had a little rest inside and lit some candles for friends and family no longer with us. This cathedral features in so many books I have read- I sat there for a good while thinking of many things! Always peaceful and a time for counting your blessings.
By now it was around 3.45pm and while I was walking, I thought….why don’t I go past the Kerr Theatre and just take a chance, I got there and there were 7 optimistic souls in a ragtag little queue. Two guys Chris and Ryan had been there since around 9am. We checked online again….all sold out and the scalper prices starting at $1500. Morally, even I am not prepared to spend that on a ticket. We got chatting and they were adamant that there was a slim chance that there would be some cancellation tickets, resale would start just after 7pm. So I soul searched for 36 seconds – asking myself…how much do I want this. Answer….I REALLY REALLY REALLY want this.
So I joined the queue at 4pm….in the hope that some tickets would be resold at 7pm. Mom….your voice echoed….whats meant to be will be! But you have to be in it to win. So I stood in line and did my time. I was number 8 in the queue. Just before 5pm I spotted one of the security guys who I recognized from South Africa. I asked him if Martin was around and offhandedly says, he’ll be here later. So ai asked him, please tell Martin that Leanne from South Africa says hi. He looks at me and asks are you here from South Africa? I answer yes I am and he replies that was our best tour….loved that place man. I got back in the still shortish queue and waited. Bruce arrived in a Chevy Suburban…no fanfare…and went straight through the stage door. I caught sight of him briefly. About 15 minutes later, the door opens, Martin comes out…looks around comes straight up to me and says I don’t believe it ! What are you doing here? A big hug and kiss hello and a chat. He explains that the show is sold out and he just cannot help out. But he says that I should stay in the queue, there is a chance that a few seats will open, but he will come back and chat a bit later. A while later Patty Scialfa (Bruce’s wife) arrives. Martin comes out again, chats and the other guy offers to take pic. The fact that he remembered me and took the time to be friendly and chat impressed me no end.
At about 7.15pm….The first 3 people go in and come out grinning with 2 tickets each, then two more people, then the guy ahead of me. I get stopped. Nothing….wait, wait wait. Its ridiculous, my heart was hammering, but I just had a feeling. then I was called and went in and there was 1 ticket available – I had set a price limit…no way was I going to spend more than $300. And…….I didn’t, I got a ticket for $125. I could have exploded with excitement. Anyway, I just went in and sat down before any one could say just kidding!!!! I had had a milkshake for lunch at about 2.15pm….so I was pretty hungry and thirsty. So dinner was a packet of theatre price M&M peanuts (protein) and a bottle of water. I ended up sitting in the same row as Chris and Ryan and 2 others from the queue. We heard later from Tom ( who was 2 behind me in the line) that after me only another 4 tickets were sold. It was meant to be.
The show.? I actually have no words to do it justice. He performed by himself with piano, guitars and harmonica. He was joined for 2 songs by his wife….Tougher than the Rest and Brilliant Disguise. He told his life story, along the lines of his book, with some choice songs. There were no phones or cameras allowed so I couldn’t detail the setlist. Bit when I get home , I will sit and think about it. The most haunting rendition of Born in the USA, Thunder Road, Growing Up…so many arranged and song completely differently to the recorded versions. I actually just sat and cried through at least 3 songs…so poignantly done. I was not the only one by far. My soul was fed by this legend of a performer. He ended the shower with The Our Father~ the theatre erupted. We were allowed to take pics at the encore only. Truth be told, I did not miss my camera, I just sat and lived the 2 hours fully.
I caught a bus just off Times Square and got to my hotel just after 11pm….starving and I had to finish packing. This is where being so paraat and starting the night before, really paid off. I dashed off to Macdonalds….one does what one needs to….and then finally got to bed just after 12-30am… obviously sleep was elusive I was on such a high. I slept on and off and woke up at 5-25am and then decided to just get up and get going.
Ubered to Penn station where I caught the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and then changed at Jamaica Station Queens to catch the Air train. In total this train trip cost me $15 dollars and took 35 minutes. As opposed to $100 dollars in a cab, and anywhere between 1 and 1.5 hours depending on traffic. A great alternative.it is quite strenuous though with luggage on the stations! I was really lucky to be offered help by a guy with one case up the stairs to the Air Train. Valuable lesson….always leave plenty of time for commuting…never have to rush.
Leanne Maree's blog 
Loved the photos. Another excellent and very informative blog.
LikeLiked by 1 person