New York, New York (Ryan Adams)

"And love won't play any games with me
Anymore if you don't want it to
The world won't wait and I watched you shake
But honey, I don't blame you
Hell, I still love you, New York
Hell, I still love you, New York
New York"

Monday we made our way back to the city for more sightseeing. We perused the Museum of Natural History, spending most of our time in the Peoples of Latin America. I wished they’d had more on the Mapuche tribes and traditions of Chile, but they had a good deal about Mexico and the Amazon.

When we left, Jason was stopped on the front steps by a nameless reporter who wanted to know if he would answer some questions about the Moon Landing Exhibit. We were both skeptical, but Jason agreed; I begged out saying I hadn’t really seen the exhibit. From a nearby van emerged a cameraman and some other lackey, and they began the interview. The reporter asked Jason if, presented with evidence that the museum had withheld pictures that contained evidence of alien life, he would like to see such pictures. Jason replied that of course he would, if such pictures were actually in existence. He then asked why Jason thought those pictures might be held back; Jason answered that that was a very good question, that if those pictures did exist, one would have to wonder at the motives for keeping them secret. The reporter thanked Jason and ended the interview. I wish I new the name of the agency asking the questions so I could look it up on YouTube!

Across from the museum was an entrance into Central Park. We could tell that it would be beautiful in any other season but winter, when there was some kind of foliage. We walked past Strawberry Fields (named for the Beatles song) and some people having a very loud argument about what God had told each of them. Apparently God was telling them different things. I wanted to ask where God could be located because I had some pressing questions of my own. We grabbed a hot dog (which, by the way, was surprisingly unimpressive—stick with the Chicago dog, if you can) as we wandered for the full New York experience. We strolled past a large fountain where a man with a plastic light saber was conducting what was very probably some kind of nerd-tour (this coming from two very decided nerds—there’s no judgment here!) and a very small bridal party was taking pictures. People were jogging, walking, talking and taking pictures everywhere. It was damp and muddy and bare, though, and it really will be spectacular in the spring.

To settle the debate between New York style and Chicago style pizza: Chicago wins again. You fold a huge floppy slice to be able to get the thing in your mouth (and probably to keep the grease from running onto your shirt!), and while it IS tasty, deep dish is more satisfying. So there, New York. What else you got?

We took the ferry from Manhattan to Staten Island with our Chicago friends the Lundeens. It was cold and windy, but free, and you cruise right by the Statue of Liberty. She really isn’t pretty, but she is magnificent, and I felt a strange pride and patriotism seeing her there against the New York skyline.