The second day in New York, Inky took me to the Cultural Services of the French Embassy, which included seeing a French flag in the United States. So cool!
That included a trip to the bookstore, and they have a gorgeous painted zodiac ceiling.
For breakfast, we devoured some macarons from Ladurée. I couldn't believe there was a Ladurée in NYC; I've only seen them in Paris! The green awning and window displays are practically the same. I had an interesting macaron that's flavor was Marie-Antoinette. I'm not sure how to describe it in any language!
After that, I got to take a walk in Central Park. I got to borrow this gorgeous dress of Inky's friend's, and I never wanted to take it off. It was one of the prettiest dresses I've ever worn.
Enough about the dress; Central Park is great. It reminds me of the Citadelle in my hometown of Lille, and you'll see what I mean when Sabine posts about the Citadelle.
Here, you can see a sailboat race.
The city skyline in the background:
This is what really made me think of the Citadelle...
Here is where things got scary and weird. Sandrine and I decided to go to Times Square before I met Inky and her friend Shoshana for dinner. We were such typical French tourist girls that it was hilarious, but Times Square really is everything everybody makes it out to be. It's the biggest tourist trap in America, and I love it!
Isn't this incredible?! What really got me were all the advertisements for Broadway shows. I was in theatre geek heaven. I wanted to see a musical more than life, but I didn't think I had the chance or money to snag a ticket for any of them. My eyes widened, and I became such a fangirl. I have to be on Broadway someday. That's my dream. The only thing standing in my way is my English. Ok, actually, a lot of things are standing in my way...
Here is where things got weird. Sandrine and I heard this girl who was crying hysterically. She was literally uncontrollably bawling her eyes out. Sandrine's English is far superior to mine, so she listened closely to what this girl was saying. This girl has a high, shiny strawberry-blonde ponytail. She was wearing a weird vintage suit. Sandrine and I agreed that the suit was the weirdest thing ever. Why would you ever wear something like that to stroll around the city? The girl knew she was in New York City because she lives right across the river in New Jersey and has been here several times. However, something about the city, she said, was different. She was also asking if we'd seen somebody named Toni. After Sandrine snapped and pretty much freaked out on the girl, we found out that Toni is her best friend. The two girls were running from alleged Mafia members when she all the sudden ended up in New York City...without Toni. The poor girl was so confused and kept stating that she needed to find the Four Seasons.
"The fancy hotel?" Sandrine asked.
"NO! THE FOUR SEASONS! MY FRIEND TONI KNOWS THEM! Well, not really. They just hang around her neighborhood."
We figured it out after the girl pointed to some ads for some musical called Jersey Boys. This girl really wanted to see the musical because it would somehow help her go back home. I don't even know. Sandrine and I discussed it in French. I really didn't want to leave the girl. She was a trainwreck and clearly confused about everything. Sandrine proposed that I see Jersey Boys with her since I was dying to see a musical and then ditch the girl before I met Inky for dinner. Good plan. There was no way in hell Sandrine was going to see Jersey Boys. An American named Liz that she knows loves the show and the Four Seasons, whoever they are because they apparently aren't just a hotel, part of Earth's rotation, or a piece by Vivaldi.
Oui, I went to see this show with this crazy girl.
Here she is in her weird vintage suit. I found out that her name was Lorraine. Sandrine and I couldn't understand her at first since she doesn't pronounce "Lorraine" the French way. She also has an accent on top of having an American accent. Lorraine doesn't speak French, but she "speaks Italian curse words that Toni's family" taught her...
This girl went absolutely crazy once we were inside. She kept asking if people knew Frankie Valli. I guess my English wasn't that bad if I could understand that. I don't even know who that is. I think it could be one of the Mafia men she was talking about.
I had to really try my hardest to understand her. I paid close attention and had to translate whatever she said back into French in my head. I think I understand. She was excited for the concert and couldn't wait for them to sing "Sherry". She said that she finally bought the Sherry and 11 Others record a week ago. I thought this was a Broadway show, not a concert! I was so disappointed.
I was disappointed...until the lights dimmed and the first song began to play. To my surprise, it was in French! Plus, it was an old early 2000s French pop song! I was so happy! Even if I couldn't understand the whole show, I understood the song!
Lorraine, however, wasn't amused. She asked why it wasn't "Sherry" and why it was in French. I gestured at her to be quiet. She was good at being quiet until they sang "Sherry", and she loudly sang along.
It was a Broadway musical. Lorraine was the confused one, not me! She was really mad and whined afterwards. "THESE ARE NOT THE FOUR SEASONS. I ONLY KNEW THE SONGS UP UNTIL 'BIG GIRLS DON'T CRY'....well, every song except for that French garbage. Oh, I liked that character named Lorraine. Good name. This was the worst day of my life. Big girls DO cry, and one is crying right now."
It was a good day for me. I saw my first Broadway musical, and although I couldn't really understand the lines and therefore couldn't exactly laugh along, the songs were easy because a lot of the verses were repetitive. Very English-learner friendly.
Like almost every theatre geek, I knew that we should wait by the stage door. I wanted the actors to sign my Playbill! Plus, Lorraine was still asking to see Frankie Valli. I thought it would be awesome for her to meet the actor who played him! As soon as he came out the door, I shrieked, "Frankie Valli!" Lorraine looked happier and very excited. The actor even gave her a kiss, which he didn't give me--the actual theatre girl here. I was so jealous. I was even more furious, though, because Lorraine insisted that it wasn't Frankie Valli. I don't know what Lorraine didn't understand. Frankie Valli is just a character, not a real person.
I had to meet Inky and Shoshana for dinner, but this girl insisted on coming with me. Here I am with Lorraine and Inky.
Before dinner, I had to relax. My feet were killing me! I decided to use my relaxation time do research the musical I just saw. Lorraine kept asking me what my cell phone was and why people were so obsessed with them. She has never seen one until today. Wow, I couldn't believe it!
I did find out so much. The Four Seasons was a 60s pop group, Frankie Valli is a real person and the real lead singer, and the musical what somewhat like a biography. There was also a movie adaptation, which I might have to watch now! I found out that the suit Lorraine was wearing was a costume from the movie. I was learning things, but things still weren't adding up. Who is this girl? What's her story?
I would worry about figuring out who Lorraine is later. I was just excited to eat and hopefully practice my English with Inky and friends, if they wanted to talk to somebody who speaks so slowly.
Here I am in between Lorraine and Inky:
Lorraine thought this menu was weird and "exorbitantly overpriced". I thought it was pricier, but it's a specialty restaurant. Lorraine said you could get clothes for those prices. No, you can't...unless you hit sale season at the right time.
She also had an issue with Maryellen. I don't know who that is. It's apparently a girl that looks similar to Lorraine.
Shoshana decided to move her chair and join us. I hope Lorraine didn't bother her.
The whole day was a blast, and Lorraine definitely made it more interesting. After dinner, she just vanished. No goodbye, no anything. Just--poof--and gone. The whole thing was bizarre...
Do you like Broadway musicals as much as I do? Which shows have you seen?
Bye!
Coralie
