Going to NYC!

Here is the email I just sent out. I'm posting it as a time-capsule piece.~~

Dear Dana, Darcy & Em,

We are leaving for New York late Friday night and getting back late Sunday night. All transportation and lodgings are taken care of. All you need to do is pay me $75 (preferably cash and by the weekend so I can spend it on books and clothes . . . just kidding!).

I've included the trip itinerary and a few packing tips (including the weather forecast), just because I love you girls (order of priority goes from oldest to youngest). I know you girls know how to pack, I'm just doing this so you can be at ease that you have everything you need, which allows you to stay loose and have a great time.

MOST IMPORTANTLY: bring ID, Money, and fit everything into One Bag. If someone can find us a ride to West Falls Church late Friday night, that would be awesome. If someone could bring a good map of NYC, too, that would be helpful. And if you have anyplace you want to go particularly, bring the address and directions for that too.

The WEATHER: the high will be 90 and low will be 70 both Saturday and Sunday in both DC and NYC. Thus, obviously, dress for hot weather. 30% chance of rain on Sunday, but it's scattered, so we can avoid it if it comes.

PACKING:

The most imporatant thing to realize is that YOU WILL BE CARRYING EVERYTHING YOU BRING FOR MOST OF THE TRIP. This is a garuntee until we check into the hostile and after we check out on Sunday morning. So think about what you are packing. Bring everything you have in ONE bag, preferably something you can bear comfortably on your back for walking, such as a backpack. Don't even take a purse, if you can avoid it. (they don't call in backpacking for nothing) The lighter the better.

Other Tips:

--wear the same pants/shorts both days, but bring extra undergarments/shirt.

--Don't bring any extra footwear. Wear the most comfortable closed-toe walking shoes you own.

--Sunglasses are advisable. Waterbottle optional, probably better option is to buy a bottle and throw it away when done.

--Shirts and shorts are FINE and advisable, the city is full of very casually dressed people.

--Dana, I would advise a light, compact sweater for the play Saturday night, because you can get cold at slight breeze.

--Bring ONE book (okay, maybe 2). Someone with a tiny Bible should volunteer to bring theirs and everyone can share. Bring a camera, of course, and cell phone/charger.

--Bring a truncated toiletry kit. I think the hostile provides towels and shampoo/soap. If not we'll handle it then. Pack assuming they are. If need be, I'll make a run to the CVS. I'll bring toothpaste and shaving cream and sunblock for all to share--seriously.

--Scenario: From my past experience I would suggest one extra (total of 2) shirt and one extra (total of 2) set of undergarments (including socks) because it is nice to have this if your clothes get soaked from perspiration or precipitation. Most likely, we'll break a sweat and it would be nice to change into dry things before the bus ride back.

--Don't bring raingear, we'll have to use the gothic architecture as a shield if it rains.
The less you bring, the more shopping you can do!

ITINERARY:

1. The only kink yet to be worked out is getting someone to drive us to the Falls Church Metro station Friday night, preferably after 10pm. They can use my car if trustworthy, so if you know anyone . . . pass it on.

2. We can take metro station to ChinaTown, but we don't HAVE to be in ChinaTown until 1:30. Before then we are free to roam, and depending on how early we get dropped off, we could maybe get something to eat, chill out at a bar, booze up . . . you know.

3. At 1:30 we will need to be at 513 H ST NW Washington, DC 20001, which I'll get directions for. We'll load the bus. It's a nice bus, air conditioned and fairly comfortable chairs. Whether or not you'll be able to sleep in them is a toss up, but it can be done--especially if you have a significant other with shoulder to lean on. Don't bring pillows unless they are inflatable or you want to throw them away or carry them the entire weekend. THere is also a very small restroom which consists of a toilet with no sink and usually no paper-you get the idea.

4. We should be pulling to ChinaTown around 6am, we'll go to Central Park using the subway (which will cost you a total of $14 for both days), and we'll wait . . . and you girls can go off by yourselves if you ask nicely.

5. One we get the tickets we are free. The only other idea I had was to see either the Metropolitan Museum of Art or the Modern Museum of Art. The rest is up to you three to figure out, whether you want to plan ahead or act intuitively is up to you (both work fine in this city).

6. Our hostile should be very easy to get to and we could probably drop off our bags there after noon, IF they are giving us a key and the door locks.

7. We are free all day Sunday, just have to be at 88 E. Broadway by 5:30pm to get on the bus and head back.

8. Once we get back we'll get back on the Metro and go to Falls Church. Steve Rybicki will pick us up and take us home.

-Brooks