Back in the Big Apple, mum, Alicia, Carlos and I had been invited to Rita, Jenya, Fidei and Agata’s new apartment for dinner. We found festive cheer, like this totally lit, improvised Christmas tree.
Agata showed off the delicious spread.
Rita served the food. Jenya served the vodka.
The apartment hadn’t been furnished yet, but it was filled with hospitality, and this vibrant seating.
The night even included entertainment from Fidei the magician, and his assistant, Agata.
The little entertainers even helped us out of the building.
The following day mum and I were up at 3:40am to travel into Good Morning America. We layered up with every single item of clothing each one of us owned, but we were still freezing.
Our train was delayed. We missed the cut off for the priority line, and had to join the general line. The people in front of us left. This was Survivor. Could we outlast the cold? After lots of marching on the spot, and fogged up glasses, we were eventually allowed inside.
We left our coats and bags in the coat check, and were directed to seats that wouldn’t appear on television, so here’s some proof we were actually there.
The warm up guy wasn’t funny, so I practised my acting skills. My fake laughter only surpassed by my sounds of surprise and acknowledgement with the facial expressions to match.
That day at the taping there was a special surprise for the audience. In true Oprah style everybody went home with a car an American Girl Doll.
This was the official release of Luciana, and nobody else had access to the doll. Despite our excitement about our playful acquisition, we decided to donate our new friends.
As we left the studio one of the hosts said a general, “Stay warm,” to the queue being swiftly moved out of the studio.
My opportunity had come to speak to a television personality. I couldn’t have been more charming. “You too,” I declared.
“Thank you,” the host responded. It was a truly momentous exchange.
The rest of the day was spent in a variety of restaurants and retail outlets hoping they would be progressively warmer.
The most interesting, and festive location was Macy’s.
I dreamed, wished, imagined and believed it would be warm outside. It was not, but I decided to brave the cold and check out the Christmas window displays.
The movement, colour, and intricate detail warmed the soul a little. My fingers and toes, on the other hand, were barely hanging on.
I bid adieu to mum, and set off for Starbucks to meet my Blue Mountains Musical Society show husband, Ryan.
Starbucks was not at all warm, but you know what’s fun to do in the cold? Wait in line outside, so we waited in the TKTS line.
The 40 minute wait was a good opportunity to catch up on the past 6 months of life, which is good because Bronx Tale tickets sold out before we reached the front. Then when we were at the front, the mention of $245 for two discount tickets to Miss Saigon gave us mini heart attacks. If we hadn’t been frozen to the pavement I’m sure we would’ve fainted. We left without tickets, and went in search of shelter.
Was I wearing a million layers? Yes.
Was I wearing a belt around my face to keep my scarf up? No, but another man was making that unique fashion statement. I’m expecting it to catch on really soon.
After passing through Express and the Disney store we reached Playwrights Pub for dinner.
A minute or so after we arrived the lights were dimmed and a candle was placed on our table. It was a romantic dinner with my show husband.
Following dinner we ventured to Macy’s and strolled around every level.
We even found the giant piano and played a glorious tune for all the shoppers. As you can see, we drew quite a crowd.
Ryan was stylin’.
He was quite pleased with his purchase. He claimed his new belt was for his pants, but I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s ended up around his face. Ryan is always so onto the latest fashions.
We then parted ways until our next gathering. Hopefully in a warmer climate.
Good Morning America Tickets
