NYC & Jersey

So this past weekend my friends and I decided to take a trip to the city. A few of my friends took the train: the station's right in Poughkeepsie, it's about $30 round trip, and takes about 1h45min. I decided to drive my car because after hanging with them in the city, I drove to New Jersey to see my uncle and his family. I drove two of my friends which was nice so I wasn't lonely (:

I've been to the city before but it was still a real nice time being off campus with my friends. However, I have to say the coolest part of the trip was meeting Buddy Valastro from the show Cake Boss. Yes, you read that right, I met him! And not only that, he personally told me to come extern at his bakery! Wait what?! I'll repeat: Buddy Valastro told me to come work for him! Here's how it basically happened:

*Friends and I walking past Port Authority, see the Cake Boss Cafe*
"Oh my goodness, we have to go in!"
"OH MY GOODNESS! BUDDY'S HERE!"
"WHAT?!?!"
*There's half a glass wall separating the public from where they make the pastries so you can watch. Buddy was there piping some cupcakes with his son. There were quite a few people taking pictures of him, but not too many*
*Me thinking to myself: self you have to let him know you're in culinary school, otherwise you're just another average tourist/fan*
"Guys, we have to tell him about school"
*They weren't gonna do it, so I mustered up all the courage I had*
"Hey, Buddy"
B-"Yes"
"My friends and I are going to culinary school for baking and pastry"
B-"That's real cool. Where are you going?"
"The Culinary Institute of America"
B-"Wow, that's a great school. How long have you been there? How do you like it?"
"We just started two weeks ago. And we love it! It's absolutely amazing!"
B-"Yeah, you guys should come do your extern here. We're always looking for people who love the industry and want to learn more"
"Oh my goodness that would be amazing!"
B-"Seriously you guys should come here to do it. We'd love to have you"

So when Buddy offers you a job, do you accept? OBVIOUSLY!
It was a really cool experience. I didn't give him my name since he was working and what not, however when I apply for the extern I'll make sure and remind him that I came and talked to him. I usually hate talking to strangers, especially famous ones(as if that happens often) but I'm so glad I said something!

Whew! And my trip didn't even end there! I had a great day going to Chinatown, the 9/11 Memorial, Times Square, Rockefeller Center, etc. 

I picked up my cousin, who was conveniently in the city too, and we drove down to Jersey. It was so nice being in a house with family just hanging out with no schedule. I slept in a super comfortable bed, took a hot shower in a real bathroom and just had an incredible time! I was able to stay the whole weekend into Monday because I didn't have class. 

So yeah, I'd say I had a great time. How was your weekend? (: