The concert was in liberty state park with a view of the WTC-less sky line and lady liberty. It was pretty rad. Opening for ben was the flamenco guitar sibling duo Gabriela y Rodrigo who were absolutely mesmerizing. I never knew hands could move that fast. It rained for the first two hours which, despite the music, was a bit of a downer. One highlight was when one young jersey girl yelled out "ben, take awff ya shuuuhrt!" a few times during his first couple songs. Ben ignored her.
After the show we returned to our hotel in Times Square. Now hold on people...I know that Times Square is probably one of the worst places to bring an NYC virgin to, but it was actually a great deal. Our SD bud, Nikki, had a room at the Broadway Millenium for a conference and being able to wake up with a view of Times Square from way above was a real treat, even for me. And on our way out of town we got to drive through a very severe lightening storm. 10am, dark sky, lightening bolts, cracking thunder all admist tall sky scrapers and the glaring lights of Times Square. Thanks Nik! It was great to be back there in that NYC vibe where everyone is just a little bit miserable but carries on.
Back in old Westport we were able to relax finally, however Sage spent the next two days in bed wearing his blueberry sweatsuit, with a 101 fever (which of course we blamed on the subway, but it may have also been his habit of sitting on NYC sidewalks to eat his late night pizza).
The next 5 days were spent with my sister, dad and joanie soaking in some sun, some more thunder storms and lots of great food. My sister leaves for India today and it was the last time in a year I would see her. Like a good Carney younger she set out to document her gustatory review of american food before enduring months of yellow stuff on rice. We made sure beef was on the menu at least 3 of the nights but also caught a lobster at Back Eddy. She has become a great little gourmet cook, under my care in part. I am so proud! We also managed a couple visits with the Drews in their new improved house down the street and a boat outing to Cuttyhunk for some hearty blueberry pancakes (pics below of the island and the amazing view from the breakfast place we go to every summer).
On the last day we took the boat up the west fork of the Westport river. We all took turns navigating the channel. Sage ended up taking a nap below deck on the way home.
And of course we had to make one more stop. On the way to the airport Allison took us to Bob and Timmy's pizzeria on Federal Hill in providence. The patio in their new location on Spruce street is a great place for an afternoon meal and beer. I write an entry on this pretty much every visit. The four cheese is still to die for!
