Research

The Oyster Bar in Grand Central Station, love the arches!

 

For over a week I have been researching everything about my trip. There is so much to do and see - overwhelming options. My tourist goal is to see some things at a leisurely pace and enjoy whatever I do. I also want to fully experience and get as much as I can out of the conference.

The SCBWI Conference (Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators): SCBWI is an international organization. I joined it at the beginning of the pandemic, so I have only participated in virtual workshops and activities. What I have done has been very helpful and educational. I think the society is well organized and very connected to the publishing world. The entire conference is said and done in just a day and a half. I like that. Conferences exhaust me, and I do not like the closed-off meeting rooms. All of the offerings at this one seem to have a purpose and look good. Among other things I am meeting with a publisher and taking a writing class.

Tourist Stuff: The event takes place at the Midtown Hilton, which is close to several things I would like to see; MOMA, Grand Central Station, the Top of the Rock, the Theater district. I have been poring over maps for several days, hoping to not look like a country bumpkin who doesn't know where I am going.

Can't do New York without seeing a play! I have theater tickets for a play at Studio 54 called Pictures From Home. It is the adaptation of the 1992 book of the same name. The book is a photo memoir by Larry Sultan about his parents. I love memoirs, and I love photo journalism. I have the book and found it funny, personal, and warm. That is what drew me to the play. I like everyone in the small cast; Nathan Lane, Zoe Wanamaker, and Danny Bernstein. It is directed by Bartlette Sher. Should be interesting. I have a dinner reservation for after the play at La Grande Boucherie - its French, and fancy, and looks like a total splurge (photo below). A real night on the town. Just wish I could share it with Don. There will be photos. My other New York eating experience is in the lower level of Grand Central Station at the one hundred and ten year-old Oyster Bar (picture above). Aside from those two special meals it will be Kind bars and Mandarin oranges for me.
 

French Food on W. 53rd & Broadway