Winter Lights

I ventured up the Hudson to see the light show at Sunnyside. Joined by my relatives, Evelyne, Kathy and William, we wandered the path around the property enjoying the show. The curators tried to patch together a story related to Rip van Winkle but I think it was a stretch to link the themed areas. There were metal men bowling, neon fish swimming upstream, candy canes, a plastic bottle cave arch, glowing mushrooms, and disco balls. I liked the glow the lights created but I have to say I found the whole show a little disappointing especially when compared to the Halloween Blaze show the put on in October. But I must say it was well organized and had what I can only claim to be the world's best port-o-potties I've ever seen!

When I returned to NYC, I decided to walk home from Grand Central to take in some holiday cheer draping the city. The snowflake city windows at Sax were fun. The tree at Rockefeller Center was particularly sparkly this year. Since it was late and most of the shops were closed, it wasn't too crowded. I wandered up 5th Ave., saw the big star they hang over the street up at 55th or 56th. The Louis Vutton windows were a Vegas pow of color and shapes. 

This was in sharp contrast with the white monochromatic theme of the Bergdorf Goodman windows this year. Personally I felt that while the detail and texture was still there, and the whimsy (monkey swinging on a chandelier, a bird-headed woman), the plain palate just was a blander repeat of the much more lush and intriguing version of last year's windows inspired by Tony Duquette. 

I wandered past The Plaza, stopping to peer through the windows of The Oak Room. This is the first holiday The Plaza has been fully open due to extensive renovations making large portions of the famous hotel residences. Window watching along Central Park South is rather enjoyable, voyeuristically glimpsing the lives of the ultra-rich. Surprisingly many dress like slobs. Money can't buy class or taste as evident by the Hilton girls. 

I wandered over to one of my new NYC favs - the dancing star lights at Columbus Circle. The stars are hung in the glass arcade overlooking the Circle. I love to go inside, ride the escalator up to the second floor and watch the colors and LEDs bounce to the holiday music. The show is truly a fun techno way to appreciate the holiday cheer in what could be just another commercial space bombarding visitors with more ads. Luckily I could ignore the Borders and Johnnie Walker signs and just enjoy the moment. Great to absorb all the lights New York offers up during the holidays.