2nd of 88 Keys to the City

 

Sometimes after work at 63rd and West End I walk toward our 3^rd Street home.  I haven't made it all the way yet as I usually get distracted by something interesting and end up taking the subway the rest of the way from whatever point I tire out. 

After my initial foray into the Piano Quest and armed with my Sing for Hope map I head home on foot, with 42^nd Street and the New York Public Library my target.  

(Little did I know that the flashing lights of Times Square hid from view a piano in plain sight.)  

Since the weather was perfect and there were a lot of people out and about  I decided to cut through Bryant Park.  The huge field of perfectly manicured grass is remarkable when you consider its surroundings of iron and steel skyscrapers and noisy traffic.

If you don’t know already, Bryant Park is home to the cleanest and loveliest public restroom in the city.  If you stop in, feel free to slide the lady there a couple bucks.  It’s not an official practice, it’s her job, but she certainly has earned that type of appreciation. There are even flowers on the counter.

I digress. 

I find the piano but alas, it is behind the barricades of the Library Garden. Not wanting to invite trouble from the NYPD I move on toward Grand Central planning to return another day.

Heading across 41^st Street I become aware of bronze plaques beneath my feet so I turn back to read one.  In turn I decided to photograph them. Turns out there are 96 of these plaques and as it happens there is a website devoted to them as well with all 96 plaques therein.  But there is no fun in that is there!? This is one of my own 96 with a Met Museum pen as guest star.

Since my Library Way Walk carried me back to the steps of the Library from Grand Central I decided to risk arrest.  I head up the Great Stairs past the Lions then walk quietly past the men sleeping in the quiet promenade.  Once I arrive at the end cap garden I am happy to find two lovely young Japanese women sitting by the piano which was a mosaic of pretty yellow and blue glass by the artist Kathleen Ruel. 

The three of us laughed and made conversation with our hands and tones.  It was great fun to play for such an enthusiastic audience that I stayed for nearly an hour playing everything I could think of. They applauded for each piece even though they were having their own spirited conversation. Not only did I appreciate their attention but their company; safety in numbers.

Arigato ladies!