Part 4 of 5 (I think.) Here are the rest:
Monday was expected to be the best weather day for our trip, so I decided that would be the day we go to Central Park. I want to start out by saying that when I travel, I do a lot of research. Too much, actually. I know there is no way in hell I could hit everything I saved in Google Maps or wrote down in my nifty notebook, but I can’t help it. (Jacki note: I would like to see this notebook. I am also a planner who makes lists, lots of lists.)
So from what I read, the best way to see the most of Central Park in a short period of time was to rent a bike. My husband booked us some bikes to rent online, and we had to go pick them up, but they were a few blocks from the park, so we would be navigating the roadways in NY on bikes.
That didn’t last long.
I was so overwhelmed because there are people everywhere. People walking, people driving, people on bikes, construction workers, and no one follows any type of rules in NY, it seems. Like it’s straight up every man for himself.
I gave up and walked my bike on the sidewalk the rest of the way, which also sucked but I didn’t think I was going to die every 2 seconds this way.
Lost in Central Park’s Roadway Maze
Once we got to the park, we didn’t really know where to go. I had a list of places, but the map wasn’t exactly intuitive, and there was basically no signage. (Jacki note: I haven’t made the trek to Central Park myself and now I may not want to? This sounds like a nightmare scenario!)
Turns out, Central Park is its own roadway system, and the locals don’t give two fucks if you aren’t familiar with how things work there or try to assist you; they just scream at you for doing something “wrong.”
The Hills Nobody Warned Me About
On top of the chaos that was the labyrinth of the roadway system, the path was extremely hilly. I am a Floridian girl born and raised, so I am used to flat. This was a nightmare.
I was pedaling with all my might and barely getting anywhere. If I had been a bystander, I bet I would be laughing my ass off, but instead I was burning up my thighs.
This wasn’t my proudest moment, but at one point I yelled, “What’s the quickest way to get out of this fucking place?!”
No one in all the reading I did ever mentioned either of these factors. So for those of you who haven’t been to Central Park, that may be worth noting to save your legs and your marriage.
Front Row Panic at The Comedy Cellar
Quick turnaround at the hotel to get ready for our night at The Comedy Cellar.
We got in the reservations line this time, but made sure we were at least halfway down in the line so as not to get seated in the front. We love comedy shows, but we don’t want to be a part of them.
Welp, that strategy did not work because we were sat literally front and center. I could practically touch the mic stand.
Panic started to set in, but then the usher came by to ask us to scoot in so they could fit more people next to us, and Travis took that opportunity to ask the guy if maybe someone else would like to sit up front.
Thank god that he asked because I never would have.
We were moved closer to the back of the room but still pretty much center. It was TIGHT in there.
I will say, after the show they send you a text and/or email asking for honest feedback, and I mentioned how uncomfortably packed it was in such a small venue, and the owner actually did write me back and apologized, which was refreshing.
Anyway, the show was mostly great. There were a couple of comedians I wasn’t too fond of, but nothing that ruined the show or anything.
Shaun Murphy and Godfrey Steal The Show
I was introduced to comedian Shaun Murphy, who killed it.
Godfrey went up right before Attell, and he was phenomenal. I am very familiar with Godfrey and have even met him before through a podcast I used to work for, and he has always been very cool, but I had never caught one of his shows.
His set was non-stop laughs, and I will make sure that I go to his shows whenever he is in my town; he definitely made a couple of new fans.
Watching Dave Attell Work His Magic
Then it was time for the legend himself. He came out to the stage, and it was like watching a master class on how to do standup without seeming like you are even trying. He’s just so deadpan funny, and I love it.
Another bucket list item checked off the list!
I can’t believe I have now seen two of the greatest comedians of my time (in my opinion, of course) in their respective comedy homes.
I saw Marc Maron at The Comedy Store in L.A. back in February and now Attell at the Cellar in NY? How lucky am I?
The comedy Gods have blessed me.
