This Time, Oprah Did Not Escape Me!

I honestly don't even remember what we did at work on Friday. We are so busy and all the days are starting to run together. But Friday after work two of the interns and I decided we were going to go out together later. So since the intern who stays in Queens didn't want to go home either, we both decided to stay in the city. So we went shopping at the shops at Columbus Circle and then went to hang out in Central Park. We ate a little dinner and started walking toward downtown because we knew that's where we were going to end up.

But right around Times Square we bought some nuts from a street vendor (they are covered in sugary goodness) and sat in the middle of Times Square to people-watch. We never ended up getting in touch with the third intern, but were in the Lower East Side by the end of the night so we stayed out. We were still shopping around 10:00 (shopping at all hours is one of the best parts of the city). Then we went to a restaurant/bar on the corner of First Ave. and First Street until it was time for me to catch the bus home. I had to be in Verona at a decent time Saturday, so I decided to just go home Friday night instead of staying in someone's apartment who I didn't know. The bus home got stuck in traffic on the highway, so the ride was an hour and a half longer than normal.

Saturday and Sunday were boring and uneventful, but I was able to get in touch with some students to interview for my article.

We had to be in to work at 8 a.m. yesterday, which made for a long day. But I am happy to say I finally saw and TALKED to Oprah. I was going to the bathroom and she was in front of me. I didn't recognize her at first because she had big sunglasses on, but I realized it as we were going into our stalls. She was humming as she was going to the bathroom, which I guess she can do because she's, you know, Oprah! Then we both came out of the stalls at the same time, not on purpose on my part (well, maybe). I was trying to think of something to say, but couldn't come up with anything because what do Oprah and I have in common? But before I could make a fool out of myself she started talking to me about how she was confused by the automatic faucets because somtimes she couldn't make them come on. Not the most stimulating conversation, but at least she acknowledged me! That made this summer complete. I tried to keep my cool as I was in there with her, but I practically sprinted back to the closet to tell the girls.

After work Monday I got together with a friend from high school. She was coming to the city for a while, so I met her in Chinatown. We went to Brooklyn first to drop off our stuff at her relative's apartment because I was going to stay there with them for the night, and then went back to Manhattan. We walked around the Lower East Side and were walking along the East River. You can't imagine how beautiful that is. The view at night was stunning, especially with the bridges and buildings lit up. We were walking around Pier 17, which has restaurants and shops, not many of which were open, but also a great view and relaxing atmosphere. Then we were getting lost and wandering in the financial district and headed back to Chinatown.

We were almost back to our bus stop and were talking about where Little Italy was in relation to us when we walked by a side street that had a huge lit-up banner that said "Welcome to Little Italy," so we took a detour for a while to see what it was like. And it made me decide I want to live there.

Well, maybe not. But I did love it. It was adorable and there were cute little restaurants and bakeries everywhere. It was only about three blocks long on one street, but you could tell that it was a completely different culture from even the next block over.

We then headed back to Brooklyn and went to bed pretty much immediately because I had to be at work at 8 a.m. again this morning. Emme rode back into the city with me even though it was so early because she wanted to see my work. We got back into Manhattan a little early so we stopped and got a bagel and coffee and ate outside. Then I went into work and she spent the day around the city. I think I'm going to see her again this weekend, which I am excited about because I love having a familiar face in the city. Plus, Emme and I have been wanting to come here together since high school, so we are going to try to fit as much into the two days as we can.

Work is finally coming to a close. As much as I will miss this city and this experience, I can't wait to go home. I think that classes and school life will be a lot easier after the stress and exhaustion of this summer. I'm ready to get back into a routine I am used to. And I haven't seen some of my family members for three months! I know Luis is going to be huge by the time I see him.

Anyway, enough blabbing and stalling from going to bed. I have to be in at 8 again tomorrow morning, and my body is going to hate me if I don't give it some rest.

To anyone who is reading this, feel free to call me and chat so I can hear a friendly voice! I hope everyone is doing well.