Meet Two: New York

Season is so much fun! This past weekend, we had a meet in Manhattan, New York. I had never been to New York before, and I had a great time! In the short time we were there, I totally felt like a tourist.

My dad and I arrived late Wednesday night. We didn’t want to pay for a cab, so we decided to take the subway. At midnight. It was a little bit creepy.... We got to our hotel, the Sheraton at Times Square, at about one AM Thursday morning. Our flight was right during our dinner, so after starving for hours, we went in search of a pizza place. One thing I noticed while walking the streets is just how awake New York City is at 1:30 in the morning. That’s why it’s called the city that never sleeps, after all!

The next day was for sight seeing. We had breakfast at Lindy’s, a diner by our hotel. We ate, mapped out our day, and set out for our first destination: Central Park. We walked through just a corner of it, but it was beautiful! The change between skyscrapers and nothing but grass and trees was incredible! 

Me in Central Park! It is a beautiful park.

Afterwards, we stopped at FAO Schwarz, the toy store. That place had the most toys in one place that I have ever seen! The only thing that really interested me were the Legos, and there were Lego creations there! Batman for the win!

Lego Batman and I at FAO Schwarz!

We also stopped by the American Girl store, walked through St. Patrick’s cathedral, and walked through Times Square. Then, we went to the tallest building in New York City: The Empire State Building! The whole building was incredible, from the marble lobby to the view from the 86th floor. It was extremely windy while we there, but I still enjoyed the beautiful view. 

Me at the top of the Empire State Building battling the wind. Even so, the view was incredible!

One other stop we had to make was at Macy’s. Yes, THE Macy’s where the Thanksgiving parade is! It is the biggest store I have ever been in. 

Me at the Macy's in Manhattan.

Later, we met up with my teammate, Monkey, to go to see Wicked on Broadway. The show was incredible, from the singing, dancing, and acting to the music and and the stage. 

Monkey and I in front of the Wicked sign by the theater.

After the show, we stopped at this place where you can “be on TV.” Really, its just a camera whose feed goes to a HUGE TV!

Monkey and I "on TV!"

Unfortunately, I got sick Thursday night. I felt terrible on Friday, and I didn’t do anything but sleep. I was very disappointed because I wanted to go to the Statue of Liberty. However, I knew it was best to rest so I could compete in the meet the next day.

The meet went pretty well, considering I was sick. I did amazing on bars; I got a 9.2 and I placed second. Beam was decent, but I was really shaky. I got an 8.475. Floor was rough. It took so much of my energy; I ended up falling but pulling off the routine. I scored a 7.75. Vault was good, not my best but not my worst. I got an 8.975. I don’t really care how the meet went because I actually competed. My biggest challenge was getting through the meet, which I did, and I did it well!

Two of my teammates and I after competing.

After some last minute shopping Sunday morning, we had to come home. We came home to last minute preparations for our meet in Logan this week. New York was so much fun, and I am so much closer to my team now than I was before!