Discovering Columbus

Yesterday we ventured into the city for the first time in several weeks to check out the Public Art Fund: Discovering Columbus exhibit.  It was a trip we were scheduled to make October 29th--the day Hurricane Sandy rolled into town--so you know how that turned out. Fortunately, they offered those ticket holders a chance to redeem the passes for a later date and once we knew we would have visitors in town, we chose yesterday as the perfect opportunity to see the statue with friends. Of course, it was pretty cold and there were no strollers allowed, so I wasn't sure exactly how long we would last in the city. But we made a good effort and the climb to the top wasn't so bad. Within seconds of entering the room, though, Elisa declared she wanted to go home and had to pee. And this is when the faux apartment starts to look pretty silly. A great couch and flat screen TV but no potty chair?  No, the designers did not think of everything when planning this great living room space.  But I ignored her pleas for the 10 minutes we were allowed to be in there. And after a few quick photos and ducking around everyone else's cameras, I was ready to bid adieu to the famous explorer.  It might hIt's one of those things I'm glad we did so that we can always pass by the statue and remember our visit with him up close and personal. 

And really, isn't that what living here is all about? We are so lucky to have access to some of the best sights and amusements in the world. And though I often feel like we aren't doing enough to enjoy them, we do pretty good for a family with two young kids.  So little things like this make me realize we are making a decent effort. It helps to have visitors who also push you to see and do things. Nacho's friends, Silvia and Jose, have been here for nearly a week and they have done just about everything I could recommend in the city. So it was a good reminder for us to get out and about even in this cold. And so an afternoon spent around Columbus Circle at this festive time of year was the perfect re-entry into Manhattan.  Now to enjoy a few more trips during this special time of year to really see the city all aglow.