Monday, October 20, 2003

New York City Journal #3

Well got up early today and went uptown to the world famous Metropolitan Museum of Art. But it was not open on Monday. Stupid guidebooks not telling me that.

Oh wait. I guess both guide books mentioned that the museum was not open.

Anyway I went across Central part to the Museum of Natural History. Which was nice. Very crisp enjoyable day here.





The Museum was nice—a twitch expensive, but I’m cool with that. They need to pay people like that nice (if ultra passive-aggressive) Ross Geller. I saw a very cool movie called India land of the Tiger or something like that. It was interesting, focusing on the adventures of an English tiger hunter who went on to become a conservationist. Through his experiences we learn a little about India as he learns how to respect all of natures creatures.

Good movie, but I thought it interesting that in a movie about India they chose as their main point of reference a European. I can see why, and he’s certainly not an unsympathetic character. He translates his knowledge of India into things we can understand a bit better. At least in theory. Still wouldn’t it be nice to see India through Indian eyes?

Then I went to the Planetary show, narrated by Tom Hanks. Tom Hanks is one of the most trustworthy actors in America. I’d let him watch my kids (if I had any). And yet the show was still creepy. Is there a law that says all planetary shows have to be creepy? The opening they let the screen go clear for a moment with lights behind it so you can be impressed (I guess) at the size around the screen. It reminded me a bit of that bit at the Haunted Mansion where the dude, your host, says “There are no windows and no doors to this room. So you may never leave! Of course theirs always my way.” And then the lightning flashes and you get a shot of him—hanging from the balcony.

Anyway saw lots of other cool things—here’s some pictures.

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