When I first toured an extensive swath of Manhattan as a kid, I
was younger than 11, and remember equating the experience to being in the
middle of a theme park. It still feels that way, if not more so, twenty years
later.
During the stroll from the Nasdaq board area to the charcoal-sketch
artist’s easel, we bypassed a group of kids getting their pictures taken with an
adult-size muppet character. These muppets also routinely set up shop along
several blocks of 6th Avenue during the holiday season, and I had a big problem
with them, and the sidewalk congestion they create, until a few months ago. I’d
been sitting on a bench near 42nd Street, cooling off from something that had
just happened, and a defeated-looking middle-aged man (who might be somebody’s doting
young grandfather) appeared by the bench behind me, fumbling through a huge bag.
We exchanged sad smiles and I forgot about him until he left his spot at the
bench to slowly walk toward Times Square, wearing a full-on Elmo costume.
Now whenever the street muppets wave at me, I wave back.
I do wave back too, because I think that behind that costume there is a human being that is grateful to have that job.
ReplyDeleteI deeply admire the people inside those costumes... most of these costumes are terribly HOT and it takes some real patience to play that pleasant jovial character especially when most people are ignoring you. I wave back too - and I've always wanted to hug one from behind (just to freak them out a little LOL!)
ReplyDeleteI have always wanted to visit Midtown Manhattan but the small town girl in me is terrified. It sounds like a blast.
ReplyDeleteSomeday...
Most days I am on auto-pilot, absorbed in my own concerns as I walk down the street. However,
ReplyDeleteon the days when I am more open to the world, I find I can see a LOT of fun things in New York. Yes, New York really is a theme part, and I love it.
Hello there, I'm just stopping by from SITS. I'm glad you guys had fun, it sounds like a blast. Have a great Thursday.
ReplyDelete