fourteen hours on a train was far less grueling than it sounds. i didn't even start getting bored until around hour ten. instead, i discovered that it was like medical testing: you're stuck there, so you might as well enjoy it. have naps. eat. read. listen to music. the train was mostly empty, so there was plenty of space to sprawl out, and an abundance of electrical outlets (making sure i have a dvd for the ride back).

so far new york feels no different than home, which is surprising. it feels neither big nor scary, and looks just like a particularly sprawling old montreal. rather underwhelming, and not nearly as impressive as i'd hoped. i'm finding that the magic is in the details of this trip. so far i have:

• learned all the neighbourhoods


• talked to stephen colbert


• eaten pizza


• found the coolest store ever


• seriously considered purchasing a fetal pig


• taken a cab for sixty blocks and paid only ten dollars


• shopped until 10pm, just for the novelty

today we go see a squid battle a whale to the death.

how's this for karma: back in october, i sent two requests for tickets- one to the daily show and one to the colbert report. the daily show was the only one who got back to me, and i snagged tickets for the january 24th show.

as you've all noticed, i'm sure, i was not in nyc on january 24th.

i wasn't able to leave work this week, since the new girl is still in training, and didn't succeed in trading my spots for another date, so it was with a heavy heart that i simply gave them away.

at the same time yesterday that i would have been lining up to go in, i received the following email:

You are now booked for The Colbert Report
Show Date: March 8, 2007
Showtime: 7:00 pm
Number of Tickets: 2

providence!

anyway, i'm sending out an open invitation for anyone who wants the second ticket- but be warned, my only criteria is that you actually watch and enjoy the show! furthermore, i'd be happy to have anyone who simply wants to go to NYC for four days come along for the ride. after all, the show is only going to take up a few hours of time, and i want to make a proper trip of it!

the deets:

depart: morning of wednesday, march 7th (train arrives nyc in pm)
return: evening of sunday, march 11th (train leaves nyc in am)
cost: $225 for train, plus $100 for hostel
plans: colbert report on thursday evening; museum of natural history on friday; thursday morning, friday evening and saturday are open to suggestion!

so... anyone want to join me?