BACK FROM THE URBAN JUNGLE

Hello, Everyone!  I've missed you all for about a week.  NYC was non-stop so I didn't get to go on the web except to check e-mails.

Day 1 took me straight from the West Coast red-eye flight onto city streets.  My room at the Ace Hotel wasn't ready yet (excellent hotel -- Brooklyn hipster vibe with lots of retro accents in the rooms).  So, I headed directly to the Metropolitan Museum of Art for the Alexander McQueen exhibit, "Savage Beauty", and Central Park.  McQueen was a genius, and since the exhibit has been reviewed ad infinitum,  I needn't say more.

My wanderings in Central Park brought me to old favorites and new delights.  This performance artist -- standing still as a statue -- was a wonderful discovery close to the East 72nd Street entrance.

Central Park "statue",  a performance artist
by East 72nd Street

Central Park "statue" by East 72nd Street
She bowed slowly when I dropped some money in her bucket

I was testing out a longer range telephoto lens and got to see the faces at the top of the Met's facade.

Metropolitan Museum of Art

No photos were allowed in the McQueen exhibit, but the rest of the Met was more lenient.

Metropolitan Museum of Art
I'm pretty sure this is a Picasso though the label wasn't next to it

I love how the atrium's supports cast geometric shadows on this wing.

Metropolitan Museum of Art
Atrium wing with classical statues

Metropolitan Museum of Art
detail from Rodin's "Burghers of Calais" in the atrium

The room was finally ready in the late afternoon.  I was greeted by this amazing view of the Empire State Building right outside our window!

Empire State Building
from our hotel room window at the Ace Hotel

That evening, I headed out to meet old friends in the Meatpacking District.  I have no real outfit pictures except snapshots with friends.  You'll recognize the African print dress here, topped by my traveling staple, the Origami Wrap -- the ultimate in versatility.

Dress: L.A.M.B.
Origami Wrap: Lilla P. 

Sunset from the Top of the Standard Hotel
aka "The Boom Boom Room"
Frank Gehry's new building is the white one downtown at the top left

So, I ended my first night with good friends, good food and good views.

Sharing a bottle of rose at the Top of the Standard Hotel
aka "The Boom Boom Room"

Dessert at the Top of the Standard Hotel
I think this was the "Chocolate Bomb" -- velvety mousse inside

That's my NYC travelogue post.  And that was only my first day!   What have you all been up to while I've been away?