New York Road Trip '08

It took about 10 hours to reach New York City from Detroit.  I arrived early Sunday morning and was in awe of the skyscrapers in the distance.  That sense of awe quickly vanished as I found myself dodging taxi cabs and crazy drivers.  Trying to maneuver throughout Manhattan in my car ranks among the most insane experiences of my life.  It felt like a videogame as I weaved around double parked cars while almost getting sideswiped by speeding taxis and buses while trying to spot landmarks like Times Square and Central Park.  I quickly realized that it would be best to ditch my car and get around by foot and subway.  I checked into the Milford Plaza in the heart of the city and then set out on foot to Times Square. 

I made the mistake of mentioning as I arrived into the city that I'm more of a "L.A." kind of guy.  Because, like a jealous woman, the city let me know what she thought of that comment by having a waitress spill a glass of root beer into my lap at the first place I sat down to eat.  But I laughed it off and shouted, "Welcome to New York!"  and enjoyed some tasty thin-crust pizza. 

Later in the day, I took the subway to lower Manhattan and boarded the ferry to Liberty Island.  As the ferry circled the island, I stared in amazement at this icon that I had only seen in photos.  I stepped foot on the island and walked around the statue, soaking it all in from every angle.  It was a very emotional experience to see Lady Liberty up close, thinking about all she stands for and everything she has witnessed.  It's an experience I'll never forget.

The site of the World Trade Center was within walking distance from Battery Park.  As I stood and watched the work to build a new landmark on the same site, I couldn't help but try to imagine what it was like to stand on the same spot on the morning of September 11, 2001.  The images, the sounds, the panic, the aftermath, played out in my mind and brought a tear to my eye.  I'm optimistic about the future of this location, but we'll always remember that day the world changed forever. 

As evening arrived, I found myself back in Times Square.  As impressive as it is during the day, it was almost overwhelming at night!  I thought my brain would short circuit from the sensory overload of images and colors and light.  The energy of the people was electric.  Just standing there, taking it all in, was exhilarating.  I've never experienced anything like it before.  After going 24 hours with little to no sleep, I finally found myself back in my hotel room and was asleep in what felt like seconds. 

I got an early start on Monday morning and wandered over to Rockefeller Center where I saw a crowd gathered for The Today Show.  As I peered into the window out of curiosity, I looked up at the monitor and yup, saw myself on national television.  So, I did what all the other Today Show gawkers have done in the past, I smiled and waved like a moron.  (You can see me behind Natalie Morales, above.)

I had some time to kill before The Late Show taping, so I wandered around the city, visiting Columbus Circle, Central Park, Radio City Music Hall, and yes, putting my fear of heights aside, I took the ride to the 86th floor of The Empire State Building and enjoyed the breathtaking view of New York in all directions. 

Finally, the time came to see The Late Show with David Letterman.  I was surprised to find out I would be seeing the premiere episode of the 2008-2009 season.  I was in line just before 2pm and was impressed with how organized the process was.  Each person in line was assigned a number inside the Ed Sullivan Theatre, then free to go.  We were told to be back at the Theatre at 3:30pm for a 4:30pm start time and would take our place in line according to the number we were given.  So, to kill some time, I wandered around the corner to the Hello Deli on 53rd Street where Rupert was working behind the counter. I bought a root beer and shook his hand and told him I enjoyed his segments on the show.  I also saw the Late Show crew preparing for a stunt on 53rd that involved dropping water balloons from the rooftop into an open convertible. 

Later, after I assumed my place in line, the crowd was ushered into the front lobby of the theatre where the rules were explained.  Then we were lead into the auditorium and the atmosphere was electric as we were assigned our seats.  We clapped along to the pop music that was playing over the speakers until a comedian walked out on stage to warm up the crowd. Then the band was introduced, with Paul Shaffer coming out last, which put the crowd into a near-frenzy.  After a song or two, David Letterman HIMSELF ran out onto the stage, chatted with the crowd and took some questions.  Then, as soon as he walked backstage, the theme song started and BAM, the show was underway.  The monologue focused on the Olympics and the upcoming Democratic National Convention.  The guests included Olympic Gold Medalist Shawn Johnson, 30 Rock's Tracy Morgan (also seen on Scare Tactics), and finally, Solange Knowles (sister of Beyonce' Knowles) performed Sand Castle Disco to bring the show to a close. 

At times, the whole experience felt like a dream.  It didn't feel real.  THERE was David Letterman!  THERE was Paul Shaffer on keyboards!  It wasn't a dream, but it sure was a dream come true. 

After the show, it was time to head back to Michigan.  I hopped into my car, crossed the George Washington bridge into New Jersey and began the 10 hour drive home in a daze.  The past few days rank among the most amazing days of my entire life. 

Am I still a "L.A. Guy"?  Well, honestly, yes.  I'll eventually find myself living on the West Coast at some point in the future.  But as much as I love L.A., I feel like I now have a mistress on the East Coast.