playing tourist

When Alexander was young, he was a master Lego-builder.  

I would watch in awe as my son precisely followed multi-page Lego instructions that I could not decipher. I imagined his skill and fascination translating to acute mechanical skills when he got older.  Unfortunately, Alexander's ability at construction only lasted through childhood.  I can't rely on him to fix anything.

In deciding what to do today, I come up with the perfect plan:  we’ll see The Art of the Brick, an exhibit on Lego’s at Discovery Times Square.  Before going to sleep last night, Alexander agrees to the plan and adds, “Get me up early.  I don’t want to leave too late as I have some reading to do tomorrow.” 

My son and I have different definitions of leaving early.  By the time he’s finally up, showered, and breakfasted, it’s noon. “Hey let’s go,” he announces.   I’m tired of waiting while you flip-flop around.”  He does make me laugh.

We make a short stop at Bloomingdales to return some defective shoes I bought for Alexander this summer.  By the time we make it over to Times Square, it’s almost two. We ask two girls to take a picture of us posing as tourists.  

It’s been a couple of hours since Alexander’s last meal so he asks about lunch.  He’d prefer a burger or sushi.  I want fast and cheap.  We end up at McDonalds — a place I haven’t been to in years.

We walk over to the exhibit and Alexander looks at the line of people waiting to get in. “Let’s play a game," he says. “How many people can you count here who are over the age of 13 and under the age of 25?”  Our final count, including those inside the exhibit, is two (including Alexander).

But it doesn’t matter.  We are fascinated by the inventiveness of Nathan Sawaya’s art.  He makes it look like child’s play.