Susyn And The City
I'll Take Manhattan!
Ok, so I’m not Carrie, Charlotte, Miranda or Samantha, but I did have a blast in New York City earlier this month.
I was in town to film a web series in New York City. It’s a fun web series called Which Way, whose logline is described as a cross between Fame and Saved By The Bell. I play the mother of the lead character. The role is ongoing so I will be back to Gotham to film more soon. I will let you all know when the web series is available for viewing.
I thought it would be fun to do a trip diary.
November 2-4. I flew into LaGuardia on November 2. After a rehearsal on November 3, I was ready to get to set. On Friday, November 4, I arrived on set. I love being on set. It is an amazing and a magical experience. I’m not one to “run lines”, I usually am doing the prep work beforehand so I am ready for rehearsal and to film. But as the consummate professional, if a fellow actor, director or other crew member wants me to run lines, I do.
One thing that I haven’t “cracked the code” yet on is Craft Services. That’s the table with all the food, usually fattening food. Whenever I film, I usually gain a pound or two because when you aren’t filming you are usually sitting around waiting to film your next scenes and you are usually “nibbling” at the Craft Services table. Who can resist the food at the Craft Services table? It was a full day of filming, to an actor that means more than 12 hours. Man, did I have fun.
Then, I was off to catch the Colorado-Southern Cal game, which I was invited to by the New York City contingent of the University of Colorado Alumni Association. I’m a Colorado alum, but, a win was not in the cards for us that night.
November 5. I went to a spinning class, went to LuLuLemon, my favorite athletic apparel shop (whenever, I am traveling, I always make a point of visiting the local LuLuLemon store), went to a vegan restaurant (I’m vegan. Actually pescetarian, as I love my sushi.), walked around the city (I love to walk), stopped in some quaint stores, then got ready to take the train to meet my cousin and his wife in Philadelphia. I got so excited on the train because they had outlets to plug in my iPad and iPhone!
November 6. MoMA Day. I was so excited to go to the Museum of Modern Art. I love modern art, with my favorites being Pablo Picasso and Jackson Pollock. I also ate at this totally cool Mediterranean restaurant.
November 7-10. The rest of the trip was spent on meeting people who I have only known online, exploring New York City via subway and on foot, visiting a friend in Brooklyn (I found an excellent loose leaf tea store and an excellent chocolatier while there), of course shopping in Greenwich Village and SoHo (hey everyone, Tretorns are back and I have a pair!).
I had the opportunity to attend some industry-related events as well as go to a great sushi place and after-party for a good friend’s birthday. That was some of the best sushi I have ever had. I wish I remembered the name of that sushi place, but I pigged out with sashimi and sushi favorites – I count sea urchin, eel and salmon roe as my top three sushi faves!
I even got the opportunity to go the Actors Equity Building. Actors Equity is the union for stage actors. I’m in that union as well as SAG (Screen Actors Guild) and AFTRA (American Federation of Radio and Television Artists). I went to Central Park a couple of times. I saw the San Remo Apartments which is my favorite apartment building. And, I’m hoping one of these days I get to stay at either the St. Regis or Carlyle Hotel. Both looked fabuloso!
And, of course, I went to Apple’s flagship Fifth Avenue store…three times!! I should be Apple’s poster-girl like Flo is for Progressive!!
Before I left on my trip, I made a two-page list of everything I wanted to see and do in New York City. The only three things I didn’t do were see a Broadway show, visit Ground Zero and go to the Guggenheim. I thought I did a great job.
While I am a California gal through and through, I loved being in New York City in the cool climate, standing amidst a whole mess of friendly people, having a ball on the subway, train and bus system, seeing the sights and shopping, eating and drinking at new places, walking and realizing, yes, Susyn, there are seasons on the east coast – I loved the colors in Central Park – gosh, I love the fall!! 
On my last day, I got a chance to go spinning at my now favorite NYC spin studio, Soul Cycle, did a couple of last things, met another friend for lunch and then it was back to my temporary residence to pack up and high-tail it to La Guardia to catch my flight back to Los Angeles.
As luck, or karma, would have it, my flight was delayed by three hours because of the fog, I missed my connection to LA, but I got to spend a day with my husband in Louisville (he lives and works there – yes, we are a commuter couple – third time in our married life of 16 years. I’ll do a post soon on how we keep our marriage going strong while being a few thousand miles apart.)
On November 11 (11/11/11), in the late afternoon, I was off to Los Angeles. It was good to be back and continuing with my routine. But, I missed the rush of New York City, the sights, the sounds, the tastes, the friendships, all of it.
I’m in love with you New York City. Head over heels. I don’t think my feet have touched back on the ground yet. And, I’ll be back to continue our love affair really soon. You’ve captured my heart.
About the Author
Susyn Elise Duris Has Written 5 Articles For Us!
These days, I am a marketing consultant, working in the technology, communications and entertainment sectors, actress (working mainly in the indie film, episodic TV and web series mediums), producer (my production company, Steel Pawz Productions, is producing the web series "The Dating Life"). My love of social media keeps me on my toes. I guess I am never satisfied, I am always in a state of learning. I am a student of life. My goal in life is to always be present to life. If you aren't, something really cool is going to pass you by. Social media and writing keeps me on my toes and always striving to learn.
Hi Susyn,
Took my 18yo niece on an adventure trip to NYC this summer and I agree with you, it’s a great city! We walked way too far searching out “cool” clothes, learned to stand in the middle of the street to hail a cab and found food from high end to low (Maui Tacos anyone?) Will look forward to your next Big Apple update- like you, we can’t wait to go back!