Sunday, January 03, 2010

Been and Back, Again


This shot of St. Patrick's cathedral with snow outlining the stonework on the spires is one of the few good photos I have of New York City. There were plenty of photo-worthy sights, but I either didn't have my camera, was too distracted to pull it out, or photos weren't allowed anyway.

Highlights: 1. Fela!, the broadway show about the life and music of Fela Kuti, a Nigerian musician and political activist. This was a compromise choice that both my husband and I agreed on, and it was a lucky one. I never heard of Fela before, but I've always liked Afro-pop music, and the acting, general production, and especially the dancing were outstanding. Watch for it to win big at the Tonys.
2. Der Rosenkavelier at the Metropolitan Opera. We only had two and a half hours sleep that night because of an early flight, but it was well worth it. ( A no-photo place: I was yelled at for trying to take a picture of the chandeliers.)
3. The Metropolitan Museum is always wonderful, and there are always new things to see. We intended to spend just a few hours, but stayed all day in spite of the crowds.
3. Delicious food everywhere.

No, we did not stand in Times Square on New Year's Eve. We took a harbor cruise instead. It was a bit tacky, with lots of bad booze and bad food and crazy people, but fun anyway.

I only made a quick pass through a few stores in the garment district, and only bought one piece of fabric for a gift.

But here's a quilt story. On New Year's Day, I was walking up Fifth Avenue past a souvenir shop, when I happened to see, of all things, two antique quilts in the window, and the sign: Antique Quilts in the Back of the Store. So I went in, and there were indeed beautiful antique quilts. My favorite was a mint condition, 1870 quilt with thousands of one-inch square pieces. I chatted with the nice woman in charge, who turned out to be Mary Koval, who as you probably know, designs reproduction fabrics. Here's her website, and information about the store in New York City.

Now we're home, and snowed in, so I hope to do some work!

9 comments:

Debra Dixon said...

I thought you were quite brave to go to NYC in the winter. Sounds like you entertained yourself well!

Joyce said...

Sounds like a really fun trip and to see antique quilts on top of it all!!

Nellie's Needles said...

I looove that photo you did get to take. The juxtaposition of buildings, both their positions and styles, is great.

Your trip sounds as wonderful as the whole idea of it ... the mutual gift between you and your husband.

Wishing you a happy, creative, and productive year in 2010.

Rian said...

Sounds like fun! I hope you were able to go inside St. Patrick's, it's so beautiful.

Liz in Kansas said...

That is a great photo. Sounds as if you had a very nice trip. And if you could only bring home a few pictures, this one is definitely a winner!

Vivian said...

Gorgeous photo. Sounds like memories galore from your trip.

How lucky you were to meet Mary Koval. I'm curious about prices of antique quilts in a NY antique shop. Out of sight?

Libby Fife said...

That sounds like a good trip-even the bad booze part! I would have stayed all day at the museum also.

Good score on the quilt sighting-pays to be paying attention:)

Kim said...

Fela! and the MMA - a wonderful holiday break.

Barbara C said...

Your photo is lovely, and it sounds like a great trip. I just heard a radio story (probably on NPR) about Fela, and I'm glad it was as good as it sounded.