a (couple of) funny thing (s) happened at the met

met up with DDT and her lil sis at the met this afternoon. i haven't seen her sis in 10 years, amazing how time flies and how people grow up.

i was excited, i've been meaning to check out the rooftop bar/cafe for over a year and for some reason or another it just hadn't happened. we made our way there after visiting the egyptian exhibit and the european scultpure and decorative art section. getting out of the packed elevator, we stepped out onto the rooftop to see several large metal sculptures.

#1 funny thing. . .

as i circled around the black piece, i noticed an older asian couple standing right next to the sculpture. the man was speaking animatedly to his wife and started banging his fist against the sculpture. to my astonishment, this continued for a good minute.

i'm guessing he was trying to figure out what it was made of?

finally, a couple of the museum's employees approached the man and the banging ceased. i had to walk away because i couldn't help but burst out laughing at the audacity of it. . .i guess a reminder that social etiquette varies by country!

after having a cocktail with the girls, we decided to check out the chinese/japanese art exhibit. btw, the drinks are terrible!! stick to wine or beer!

#2 funny thing

i had forgotten how big and complicated the met's layout was and the three of us had had to ask for directions repeatedly. once we got down the stairs, i asked one of the employees (rabbit) where the chinese art was. he explained how to get there and the three of us went on our way.

once we got back to the lobby, we looked at the map again and reconfirmed the directions with the attendants there. . .much to our surprise, rabbit reappeared. he motioned to us to follow him up the escalators.

rabbit: here, i'll personally escort you there!

V: wow, that's great customer service! thanks!

rabbit: so you from out of town?

V: no, two of us live in new york and my friend's little sister is visiting for the weekend.

rabbit: oh. where do you live?

V: i live in manhattan my friend lives in queens.

rabbit: oh, that's nice. rabbit proceeded to guide us to the exhibit for chinese and japanese art and gave us a mini tour. i don't usually do this.

V: we appreciate it! thanks!

rabbit: at the end of the tour. so what's your name?

V: V.

rabbit: ok V, it was really nice to meet you. my name is rabbit. y'know, i also work on saturdays and i hope to see you again.

V: oh ok, thanks.

wtf was that? was that a pick up? that's the first time a museum employee has ever tried to pick me up!!!