NYE at the Cloisters

Yesterday, everything I did—going to the Met museum (bazillions of people in the foyer and standing in front of the Rembrandts...the nerve!), going to the Co-op for groceries (waiting in line for 35 minutes to check out...what in god's name does everyone need to buy?), going on a quest for the elusive pair of low-heeled black boots with no tassles or fur (trading elbows with sale-crazed shoppers...there's a recession, folks!)—was a madhouse. For the first time in my short time in NYC, I ended the day wanting people to get the eff out of my face. It was bound to happen, right?

So today, back to my patient Western self, I went to what must be one of the most peaceful places in the city: The Cloisters.


Built by Rockefeller Jr. in the 1930's, it's home to some amazing Romanesque and Gothic art and architecture—some of which is incorporated into the building. The most incredible: the Unicorn Tapestries. I'd seen them before, on a trip to New York while I was in college, but I'd forgotten just how stunning they are. There are over 100 different plants represented in the weaving, along with incredibly detailed faces, buildings, animals, drapery, and—of course—unicorns. The series (they're not positive how they all fit together) tells a loose story about mankind killing a beautiful creature. Hmm, sounds familiar....

The Pontaut Chapter House:


Looking out at winter:


The new snow made it even more tranquil than usual. The whole space has a reverent feel to it, which was pretty much the opposite of the main floor of Macy's. It made me very thankful.




So it's New Year's Eve. And there's no way in hell I'm going near Times Square! First of all, it's about 30 degrees with 30-mph winds. Second, I got invited to a salsa-dancing potluck party in the East Village, which sounds much more fun and random than huddling with a million huddled masses waiting for the ball to drop. I'll stop by another shindig for a quick glass of champagne and then go make a tool out of myself trying to dance. There's gotta be someone out there who wants his foot stomped on....

Anyway, I got my dose of the mob mentality yesterday. I'm going to ring in 2009 with some old and new friends (like the person who's hosting the party, for instance, whom I haven't met!). Trade the reverence I found at the Cloisters for some irreverence. Have a wonderful night, everyone, and here's to another great year.