Last year, lots of the bloggers I follow participated in Sian's "Storytelling Sunday" series. I read lots of your stories, but I never shared one of my own! So, in the spirit of trying something new in the New Year, here goes!
New Year’s Eve, 2001
In 2001, P. and I were newly dating, and he was living in
Manhattan, just a few blocks from Times Square. Neither of us had ever seen the
ball drop in person before, so we thought we would check it out. Being a spur
of the moment decision, we headed out about 7 pm, thinking we could just walk
into the crowd! Silly us! When we got to the end of the block (46th St), we were faced with barricades and police officers who kindly told us we
didn’t have a chance in h@#$ of actually seeing the ball drop…we’d have to walk
uptown 10+ blocks to even get into the area. We both looked at each other, and
knew this was more than we were up for!
We made the quick decision to head back to his apartment, change into
sweats, and watch the festivities going on from the comfort of his sofa! I think we were both somewhat relieved, as 9-11 was still fresh in our minds, and everyone was a bit fearful of what might happen in such a large public gathering. I don’t
remember if we toasted with a glass of champagne (more likely a bottle of beer!), but the
photographic evidence shows we did enjoy some crackers given to us from our friend Rutger!
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| Clearly the pre-digital era, as this one most definitely would have been deleted if I could have seen it in advance! |
A lot of things have changed in 10 years (we got married, left Manhattan for Queens, then Connecticut), but we still tend to celebrate New Years in the same way...at home, just the two of us!
Thanks for stopping by!
A great story for a New Years Eve :) I would love to see that ball drop live!!
ReplyDeleteExactly the path I would have chosen. My nephew took his wife to Times Square a few years ago when it was brutally cold. They were penned in a small area and had to stay there for many hours, give me the TV lol
ReplyDeleteYes, I admire folk trekking out to the big gatherings, I always wonder how they manage when they want to go to the toilet!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year Becca, well done for joining in :)
Yes at home with those you love is the best way to see in the new year. Have a great 2012
ReplyDeleteI remember making it to Trafalgar Square in London one year it was a squeeze and I was terrified of being seperated from my friends at home is safer :)
ReplyDeleteThe only time I ever ventured to a large public place for New Year it got cancelled so, like you, I now stay home safe and cosy, it's by far the best way. Thanks for sharing your story.
ReplyDeleteIt's so good to have you join us! Thank you. And with such an appropriate story too. I love it. A very Happy New Year to you (and a special wave from Uncle Dave who usually lives in Connecticut!)
ReplyDeleteA great memory. Yes we tend to stop at home too but what better way to start the new year than with the ones you love.
ReplyDeleteA lovely story for New years eve. We have only been to one party in the 24 years we have been married - at the Millenium - apart from that we are always at home and I like it that way :)
ReplyDeleteHaving been to the Thanksgiving Day Parade in NYC a few years ago, I can only imagine how busy it must be for the 'ball drop'...I would have gone home too!
ReplyDeleteAlison xx
Ooh, I'd love to do that! But it sounds like you had fun staying in too :D Much less cold.
ReplyDeleteI'd like to brave the London new year's celebrations one year. But again, it seems like you have to leave really early.
I love that you had the photographs. They really add to the story. I only ever did a NY eve in London once with the children. We were terrified of losing them. Home is best!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!
We hear a lot about the 'ball dropping' in America and it must be such a great atmosphere to see it happen. However, like you, I'm not sure I could bear to force my way through the crowds and wait ages, so I would have gone home too!
ReplyDeleteAhhhh, pre-digi photos, so many memories & yet so many pics we wish we could re-do :-)
ReplyDeleteSo glad you joined the story telling circle! Love your look back!
ReplyDeleteRinda
Pre-digital photos do have a certain something don't they? Lovely to have you join us. NYC has a special place in my heart, NYE at home is always my preference I have to confess.
ReplyDeleteTV always has the best view!
ReplyDeleteI've always wondered about going to Times Square if we were ever in New York on New Years eve but I think I'd much prefer staying in where its nice & warm & dry. Think you made the best decision.
ReplyDeleteI think I would have been a bit hesitant to be in a crowd like that during that year too. Love the story and it's also cute that you have those photos documenting it. :o)
ReplyDeleteI'm claustrophobic in crowds so I much prefer seeing the ball drop on television! Great story.
ReplyDeleteGreat that you still have the photos.
ReplyDelete