a night at the museum

Yesterday, I got an invitation to join some friends at the Met for drinks. I didn't realize this was even an option! The thought of it was very intriguing, but I had no idea what to expect.
It turns out that on Fridays and Saturdays, the museum is open late (who knew!? I'll be able to go a lot more often). The Great Hall balcony is transformed into a bar complete with dozens of small tables, servers, and a string ensemble. Two days ago, I never thought I'd be sitting next to a display of seventeenth-century Persian dishes, listening to a professional classical music performance, and sharing a bottle of Chianti with Candice and Virginia. I can't wait to stumble on more of these opportunities -- I have a feeling they're not just an only-in-New-York experience, either! What surprising events have you stumbled on?

saron expatriates, unite!

Two Fridays ago, I was sitting at my desk and felt a hand on my shoulder (people in New York don't touch each other). Then a voice said, "David said that I shouldn't scare you." It was my old down-the-road-and-around-the-corner-neighbor, Joan (!!!), whose son, David, has lived here for a while and who freelances for us sometimes. (And people in New York definitely don't leap out of their chairs to hug someone.) Joan and Carl were in town visiting for the weekend, and they happened to be in the neighborhood. I was stunned -- they were close to the bottom of the list of who I'd ever see in my office, somewhere around to Rue McClanahan and Karl Rove.
So, the four of us, along with Ian and co-Saron expat, Amy, who's been here for several years, made plans to get together to watch the Packers game (valiant effort, gentlemen) and have dinner two days later. It was a lot of fun, and also so weird to see them all together...here.
Definitely a good out-of-the-blue surprise! So, what I'm saying is, come on out anytime. We'd be glad to see you!