Travel Tip: Bring something to do on the subway.

The last few days, it has seemed like I've spent more time on the subway than anywhere else. New York is huge! To get from place to place, it was often at least a 20 minute subway ride (if not longer). My purse is too small to carry books these days, so I pulled out my mp3 player that is still loaded with audio books from the drive to the coast. The audiobooks served a dual purpose--the books were entertaining and they helped cover the chatter of the crowded subway car.

However long the rides are, they always lead to great places. The Metropolitan Museum of Art is a shining example of one of those great places. The met is so large that you have to approach it with a game plan. There is no way to see everything in one day! I narrowed my focus to just a few exhibits, including the photography displays, an exhibit of 17th-early 20th century interior design sketches, the arms and armory wing, and a new exhibit called Punk:  Chaos to Couture. Other highlights included a small exhibit of work from Faberge, recreations of palatial rooms, and a display of Mod houseware. Anyone ever read From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler? There's a reason they were there for days. I spent about 5 hours and didn't see even a fraction of the art.

New York City is covered in art, though. The architectural design is astonishing. Even ordinary apartment complexes were a sight. I made a point to visit several other landmarks known for their design (although there is no way to see them all). The Cathedral of St. John the Divine had gorgeous stained glass as well as  a variety of interesting gargoyles. They actually have such a variety of imagery that they host guided tours and discussions about the symbolism. My personal favorite from their calendar?

Secrets of St. John the Divine: Spotlight on Hidden ImagesSunday, August 18, 1 pm – 2 pmWhat are a stripper and the signs of the zodiac doing in our stained glass windows? Find out on this tour that puts the spotlight on surprising images in glass and stone. Led by Senior Cathedral Guide Tom Fedorek.

Yup. A stripper. How's that for a cool cathedral? 

One of the best landmarks that I visited was the Brooklyn Bridge. Kristina and I walked across it at night, so it was the ordinary great view and sparkly lights. The bridge itself is old and cool, but it is in the best location. Walking from the Brooklyn side to the Manhattan side, you can see the Manhattan bridge, the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, and lights, boats, and skyscrapers all around. If I lived there, I would walk across it every day. Who doesn't like sparkles?

We also went to the Statue of Liberty. As the employee scanning our tickets put it, we took the ferry both ways to see "a big green statue". It was neat to see the statue in person, but it ate up most of a day. It makes a nice backdrop for a selfie. The ferry was fun though! And a nice change from the subway.