Okay folks, here’s my messy adventure at the global arts festival in New York. Buckle up.
First off, I grabbed that early Greyhound bus from Boston. Figured I’d save cash but damn, my neck still hurts from sleeping against the window. Got to Port Authority around 10 AM feeling like a zombie carrying my backpack.
The Ticket Disaster Almost Happened
Rookie mistake: Thought I could buy passes at the door. NOPE. Saw long lines at every venue entrance when I walked through Lincoln Center. Panic mode activated. Pulled out my phone right there on the sidewalk and frantically tapped away on the festival app – thank god someone sold their day pass last minute. Paid extra but whatever. Lesson learned: BOOK ONLINE BEFOREHAND.
Getting My Bearings
Place was HUGE. Grabbed one of those paper maps near a popcorn cart (felt like 1998) but got lost anyway. Finally spotted those volunteers wearing bright green shirts and bum rushed one. Nice lady named Carmen circled three spots with a marker:
- The interactive light tunnel thing
- That Korean drum group everyone was buzzing about
- Weird modern dance show in a warehouse
Headed straight to the drum performance. Stood in back cause I’m cheap and didn’t wanna pay seating upgrade. Bad call. Could only see drumsticks flying above peoples’ heads. Still, those rhythms punched me right in the chest. Worth it.
Art Attack and Food Hunt
Wandered into this pop-up gallery behind a food truck alley. Wild stuff – sculptures made from old cellphones, paintings that looked like melted crayons. Weirdest was a TV playing static that the artist called “digital ghosts”. Whatever man, at least it was free. Grabbed a greasy empanada that cost $9. Tasted like regret but killed the hunger.
The Evening Surprise
Saw crowd moving towards Hudson River around sunset. Followed them like a sheep. Turned out to be this insane projection show on the buildings – giant dancing skeletons and floating eyeballs all over the walls. Stood there on some random dude’s backpack by accident. Apologized and he just laughed. Guess everyone gets clumsy when tired.
Trudged back to the bus station smelling like street meat and sweat. Passed out before the wheels even rolled. Still finding glitter in my backpack. My dumb mistakes actually gave me stories to tell. Would totally do it again – but next time bringing comfier shoes.
