I love New York! July 12, 2008
Posted by NettyD in Lifestyle, Millennials, Travel.2 comments
Hello all! I just woke up from my first night in Brooklyn, and I feel so excited. There is truly nothing like NYC. Nothing.
Yesterday I took an early train out of D.C. and landed at Penn Station around 10:45a.m. Then I jumped on the express train to Brooklyn, and met my dear friend Joy. She was waiting in line for an iPhone and by the time I reached her, they had all sold out. She had been waiting in line for four hours!! But even though the people around her in line were pissed off, and the sun was blazing hot, Joy took it in stride with a gentle shrug of the shoulders, and an “okay, let’s get out of here.” This is what I’ve always loved about my friend.
I’ve known Joy since we were freshmen in high school. We’ve been together through lots of things, good and bad. We were senior editors together on our high school yearbook and raised hell when we decided to change the Senior Superlative categories. We were tired of the boring ones like, “Best Looking” and opted for titles more like, “Most Likely to be in the Cast of Seinfeld.” We didn’t end up having it our way. All of the snobby popular kids would have been left out of the new categories and so they protested wildly.
Joy and I also traveled together to Europe the summer after high school graduation. We learned a lot about each other on that trip, including the fact that we both were unafraid of roaming big cities by ourselves and that we each had a talent for reading subway maps. One night while having dinner in Paris, Joy and our other friends couldn’t finish their red wine. So of course I drank all the glasses for them. Afterward, I remember floating down the streets of Paris drunk off my ass for the first time in my life. I can’t believe that was almost 10 years ago.
After graduation, Joy was accepted into NYU and she’s been living in the city ever since. Now that she’s older and more established, she’s living in the most expensive neighborhood in Brooklyn: Brooklyn Heights. Arriving into these parts yesterday, I was instantly reminded of The Cosby Show. There REALLY are rows of brownstones that house doctor’s offices below, and their living quarters above. So beautiful! Joy explained to me that Manhattan has become a bit too gentrified for most of the artists and young people of the city, so Brooklyn has become the new hip place to be.
After dropping my stuff off at her apartment, we headed for lunch at a yummy Thai restaurant and then walked around her part of the neighborhood. She lives three blocks away from the river and there is an amazing view of lower Manhattan from the park that resides there.
After a brief nap, we got dressed and headed to a sushi dinner. Then it was on to the old industrial neighborhood of DUMBO. On the way there, we passed through the Brooklyn Bridge Park. What amazing views of the bridge and the new man-made waterfalls they’ve created!!
Once in DUMBO, we hit up a bar and got a few drinks. This guy at the bar started asking us a million questions about where we were from, etc. I ended up talking a lot about California. It’s always hard for me to explain to someone where I’m from. Yes, I was raised in Virginia Beach, but since my life has taken so many routes since then, I never feel like it’s a suffice answer. Anyway, this guy was really drunk and I doubt he was even listening to what I was saying. So I guess my verbal vomit was more for my sake than anyone else.
After DUMBO, we headed back into Brooklyn Heights and stopped by the bar, KAMP. The theme of the bar is “The Great Outdoors,” and all the tables and chairs were situated as if you were sitting around a campfire. I ordered an espresso martini (with vanilla vodka) and Joy and I split a “S’mores for Two.” A waiter brought a platter of chocolate, marshmallows, and graham crackers to our table. Fire and all! We ate like pigs over girly chit-chat and such. It was great.
CLICK ON ANY PICTURE TO MAKE IT BIGGER
Brooklyn Bridge at sunset
Lower Manhattan at sunset
Blurry, but cool view of the Brooklyn Bridge and one of the man-made falls
My camera wasn’t cooperating, but still a cool view.
Joy, intently roasting the ‘mallow.
On Cable July 10, 2008
Posted by NettyD in Arts & Entertainment, Lifestyle, Sociology.2 comments
(photo courtesy of wykc.com)
So, I’ve spent the better part of my last four days in a state of hyper-mediation. That is, my eyes have been stuck in one position – straight on the boob-tube.
I haven’t had cable in the last five years, and now I’ve come to realize how surprisingly inept I’ve been with regard to cable technology. Terms like DVR, TIVO, and HD were never part of my vocabulary, but now I find them rolling off my tongue so easily. HELP ME!!
Even though I know it’s supposed to ease the channel-surfing tendency, the “Guide” button causes me more stress than I think it should. Within 30 seconds I can see a complete list of movies and programs that all sound good to me! So now I’ve started memorizing channel numbers (not just 100 numbers either, more like 500!), and then I utilize the “Last” button during commercial breaks.
The whole thing is seriously ridiculous. Granted, I don’t really have anything to do, or anyone to answer to, and maybe I should embrace my free time by catching up on every BRAVO marathon there is, but I still can’t help feel my brain slipping. I have three books I want to read, and every time I get the urge to pick one up I find myself saying, “Hmm, maybe a new episode of Shear Genius is on.” AAAHHHH!
Alas, I don’t think I’ll be getting cable once I settle into my own space this Fall. Maybe there are some people out there who can balance cable with reading, exercising and work. I can honestly say that I am not one of them.
Northern VA and Ani DiFranco at the Wolf Trap! July 8, 2008
Posted by NettyD in Arts & Entertainment, Concerts & Events, Environment, Lifestyle, Music.2 comments
I made it to my mom’s house in Northern Virginia – she lives about 20 miles from Washington D.C. The energy here is very different from all of the places I’ve been so far this summer. First off, it’s more urban and that means lots of people, cars, and just overall madness. Everyone here is connected to the government in some way, and there is a refreshing racial diversity among the upper middle-class. Northern Virginia is the part of the Commonwealth that has made it a political swing state in national elections. As a political junkie, I feel so comfortable in this part of the country.
Last night, my mom and step-dad surprised me with tickets to see Ani DiFranco at Wolf Trap. I’d heard so much about this outdoor venue and was excited to finally go. It’s the only National Park dedicated to live performing arts. Park Rangers were among our ushers! A lady by the name of Catherine Shouse founded Wolf Trap through a donation of 100 acres of her Vienna, Virginia farmland to the U.S. Government. She also donated funds for construction of a 6,800-seat indoor/outdoor theater. The gift was accepted by an Act of Congress in 1966. (wolftrap.org)
Coupled with the amazing venue was the live performance of Ms. DiFranco. Needless to say, her blunt political lyrics were a perfect match for the location. I had never seen her live before, and was completely impressed. She didn’t stop for one minute of the 90 she was on stage. She had about four different guitars that she rotated depending on the song she was doing. One of her band members was even a xylophone player! The crowd was full of hippies, lesbians, and a was a general cross-section of people who probably didn’t fit in very well in high school. It was great.
There is something about seeing live music that makes me feel like I’ve just received an injection of an intense spirit. Since last night, I’ve felt creative, free and full of love for the world. I wish I could see live music every day of my life.
Ani DiFranco
Wolf Trap inside and then the view from the lawn seats.
I’m home! (i.e. The 757, Tidewater, Hampton Roads, Vaaaa Beach) July 3, 2008
Posted by NettyD in Lifestyle, Travel.5 comments
(Image courtesy of idcide.com)
I survived the 7 1/2 hour overnight train ride from Charleston, SC to Richmond, VA! All in all it was a fun ride, although I did have a hard time sleeping. Towards the end of the ride, an Asian gangster boarded who was obviously high on something. He was really nice, but he didn’t know where the hell he was. Every time the train stopped, he would pace the cars asking, “Is this Alexandria?” Alexandria, for those who don’t know, is a city in Northern Virginia. He had like four hours to go! Everyone on board kept rolling their eyes at each other. It was actually really funny.
After arriving in Richmond at 5:30 in the morning, we had to wait until 8:00 for the rental car office to open. We waited at an upscale McDonald’s that had CNN-HD. I thought a large coffee would get things going for me, but somehow I woke up in a daze realizing that I had passed out on a Mickey D’s table for an unknown amount of time. I went to the bathroom to try and pull myself together and the reflection in the mirror prompted a loud, “Yowza!” out of me. Craziness.
Anyway, we got the car and drove an hour and half to our hometown – Virginia Beach! My sense of direction came back to me immediately. Even though I’ve been gone for years, I navigated through town like I had never left. It felt so natural. I’m so excited to see people I haven’t seen in years. There are about 3-4 different circles of friends I have here. Some overlap. I feel anxious and strange. Butterflies are living inside of my tummy.
I’m about to shower, eat and take a nap. The plans are already forming for tonight, so I’ll need my strength. NettyD is back y’all!
One night in Chucktown July 2, 2008
Posted by NettyD in Arts & Entertainment, Lifestyle, Travel.4 comments
Last night we went back downtown to peruse the bar scene on East Bay Street. We had a great time.
When we fist arrived downtown, we parked near the Ashley River and it was high tide. I couldn’t believe how much the water had risen since earlier that day. It made me think that if a Category 2+ hurricane decided to hit Charleston, there would be severe flooding. While we were walking down the side of the river towards the bars, we noticed a homeless man hanging off the side of the railing. There was a police officer talking him out of jumping. The officer asked him if he was okay, and the guy said he was not. We kept walking and didn’t want to be disrespectful spectators, so we didn’t see what happened. It wouldn’t have been a far jump, so I think he just wanted some attention. Poor guy.
Anyway, the first bar we went to was “Wet Willie’s” and it was karaoke night! The bar basically serves alcohol slushys. Behind the bar there were about 15 slushy machines and some had cute names. These drinks were served with either Bacardi Rum, Tequila Souza, or 190 degree grain alcohol! Yikes! I decided to get a margarita. My brother got the “Shock Treatment.” Gnarly stuff…
We then went into “Squeeze,” which was a perfect name considering the size of the bar. Luckily, it wasn’t too packed.
Our last stop was “Brick.” It’s a huge bar with dart boards, pool tables, and even a Wii screen!! I had never seen that before, but I thought that was a great idea. What’s more hysterical than drunk people trying to work their hand/eye coordination skills?
The walk back to the truck was fun. I decided that it was time for a random photo shoot! Enjoy!
CLICK ON ANY PICTURE TO MAKE IT BIGGER
See what I mean about the water?
Wet Willie’s !
Why, yes I am!
A total Squeeze!
Wii!
Tried to get Andrew in the shot, but he resisted at first.
Then, success! Sort of 
Then he took off when I tried to get a better one!
I want to live here.
Yay for having fun!
Glimpses of the tribe June 30, 2008
Posted by NettyD in Family, Lifestyle, Sociology.2 comments
Growing up in a Cuban family, I’ve experienced all of the identifying characteristics of the culture: traveling in packs, four+ people speaking at the same time, eating lots of heavy food as late in the day as possible, and tons of gossip about each member of the family (present or not).
What makes me the most proud of Cubans, however, is our passion. The same passion that reveals itself when normal people discuss politics comes at the same intensity when Cubans discuss something like buying a pair of shoes. When my non-Cuban friends tell me that I need to tone it down after getting worked up about something small, I always chalk it up to my genes. Still, I could not be more proud to come from a place that cares deeply about everything rather than not having an opinion at all.
Here are some shots from my weekend with my Dad’s side of the family.
CLICK ON ANY PICTURE TO MAKE IT BIGGER
My dad and his sister, my Tia Rose. She’s stoked about learning the treadmill.
With Dad and brother Andrew.
With grandma Lucy. Notice how we’re all looking at different cameras. Even in the digital age, when pictures can be copied and sent easily, Cubans still engage in photo shoots that would make even Annie Liebovitz jealous.
Tia Rose with her daughter Yvonne (my cousin and godmother) and her grandkid Stephanie (my cousin and goddaughter).
Bro and I at a pub in JAX Beach
Andrew and Cousin Matt at JAX Beach. Fun times!
Andrew and Dad’s dog, Zeus.
St. Augustine, FL June 30, 2008
Posted by NettyD in Lifestyle, Travel.add a comment
On Friday, Dad and I took a drive to St. Augustine. For those who aren’t history buffs, this is said to be the place where Ponce de Leon landed in 1513. The city was actually established in 1565 by the Spanish Conquistadors. Throughout the years, the city has been under the control of the Spanish, the French, and the British. It’s made for a unique blending of style, architecture and culture within one little spot. Today, St. Augustine is a popular tourist destination. By day the little shops and museums thrive on out-of-towners. By night, however, many Floridians trek here for the popular nightlife scene. Apparently, the town is full of ghosts and it seemed that every time I turned around I would see a sign to promote ghost tours. Even during the day I felt a slight eeriness. Good times!
CLICK ON ANY PICTURE TO MAKE IT BIGGER
Statue of Ponce de Leon. This is said to be the approximate spot where he landed in 1513.
Old entrance into the city. Parts of the old barricade still stand on each side of these towers.
The oldest wood schoolhouse of the USA. The puppet in the window freaked me out.
Thought this was a cool pub name.
These signs were EVERYWHERE!
The fort.
The haunted lighthouse. If any of you watch the show “Ghosthunters,” on the SCI-FI channel, you’ll probably recognize this. They’ve done two episodes here and have found lots of paranormal activity!
Cathedral of St. Augustine. The oldest Catholic parish within the present day U.S.
City Hall
City Hall courtyard
Flagler College
Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles. Governor and Captain General, Conquistador.
Founded St. Augustine in September of 1565.
Inside the lobby of the old Alcazar Hotel. Now it’s a museum.
The Cubans are everywhere! Here’s a Cuban restaurant set up like the old-time Havana hangouts.
Cool painting of Cuban dancers!
Total Southern style architecture. This is a restaurant with a great upstairs porch/balcony.
A fuel efficient way to get around town!
Krystal Burger June 27, 2008
Posted by NettyD in Lifestyle, Sociology.2 comments
(Image courtesy of krystallist.com)
Today I experienced a staple of the fast food scene in the Southeast-Krystal Burger.
The chain was originally founded in 1932 in Chatanooga, TN. The gimmick is basically to serve really tiny burgers on really tiny buns. They do it now with chicken too. Many of you in the Northeast may be familiar with White Castle burgers. The two chains seem to have a North vs. South rivalry going on, even though I’m not sure if White Castle really exists anymore.
I got a classic combo which included four tiny burgers, fries and a drink. The branch we were in had Wi-Fi access too. Such a trip. Apparently, Krystal Burger is a late-night hangout-a magnet for drunk people who need cheap grub.
Not sure if I would eat it again, but I’m glad I at least tried a piece of pop culture.
Managing the Frizz! June 26, 2008
Posted by NettyD in Health and Well-Being, Lifestyle.2 comments
(Image courtesy of kidzone.com)
I expected the heat and the humidity of the South. What I forgot, however, was how my hair reacts to this environment. All I can say is that I have been frizzified!
Yesterday I went to get a pedicure and I was sitting in the spa chair when I noticed my reflection in the mirror. It was a fright. My hair did not look like this before I left the house, but as soon as the humidity hit me I suddenly became Bride of Frankenstein. Yowza!
So I mentioned this out loud, and the lady in the chair next to me (a total southern belle) said to me, “Oh honey, you just get you some body lotion and smooth it on there when it’s dry. You’ll be lookin’ sleek.”
On the outside, I was courteous and thanked her for the advice. On the inside, however, I was like, “This woman is bonkers.” But when I got back to my Dad’s house, I decided to try it. And sure enough it worked! I didn’t believe it at first, so I went outside for a 20-minute walk to test it out. When I came back in, the frizz was contained!!
So folks, the lesson here is to never underestimate the beauty advice from a true Southern belle. These girls know their stuff!
Jacksonville, Florida! June 25, 2008
Posted by NettyD in From the blogger, Lifestyle.2 comments
(Image courtesy of city-data.com)
I made it to the East Coast in one piece! The flights were uneventful, which I think is always a good thing to say about flying in general. I was surprised at how packed the planes and airports were for a Monday/ Tuesday.
It’s now 8:45p.m. EST on Tuesday, and I have not slept since I woke up at 6:30 a.m. PST on Monday. So, that’s approximately 36 hours with no shut-eye. WOO HOO!! I couldn’t sleep on the plane – it just wasn’t going to happen. I read, watched the in-flight movie, and stared at the necks of the other passengers as they attempted to sleep in akward positions. It didn’t seem appealing at all.
My stepmom picked me up at the Jacksonville airport, and once I was on the ground, I had a very strange shot of adrenaline shoot through me. We talked like chatty Bettys until my Dad came home. It was awesome to see my Dad after four years!! We’ve spent the day catching up over wine and food. Then we took a short drive around their part of Jacksonville. It’s called Fleming Island and it’s near the St. John’s River-a river that runs South to North. Pretty cool.
Jacksonville is an interesting city. It still has a southern plantation vibe going on, but the people are very diverse. We drove through something called a PUD (Planned Urban Development). I had never heard of this before, but basically it’s a neighborhood, within a neighborhood, within a neighborhood. It includes golf courses galore, swimming pools, boat docks, bike paths and its own schools. It was interesting. What I liked about it was the attention to preserving nature. Everything was very green and well-maintained.
Tomorrow I’m biking around town to do some exploring. I’m thinkin’ I might get a pedicure too. Yay!
