18. VISIT THE "FRIENDS" BUILDING
Original Bucket List: HERE
[When Monica sang karaoke with the See-through Shirt]
What a day of nostalgia! I finally got myself down to the corner of Bedford and Grove Street in Greenwich Village to visit my dear old Friends. As soon as I turned down this block, I'll Be There For You began instantly blasting in my head. THERE IT WAS. Just like I had always imagined.
I've seen a lot of things on film and then later in person and thought, "really? that's it?" because it was either smaller than I expected, lamer than I expected, or just simply not at all what was portrayed on film. But! Experiencing the Friends building in real life is quite the contrary. Not only is it all that I hoped it would be, but it was also on the prettiest, tree-lined block! It made me happy to think that Monica and Rachel could have lived in such a cute part of the city.
I chose to make this a Friends themed day by visiting the apartment right before going to the opening of Central Perk -- the Pop-Up Coffee Shop in Soho that is designed just like the "real" Central Perk from the show, celebrating Friends and their 20th Anniversary.
I arrived at 199 Lafayette Street and could see a line wrapped around the block. I thought, "not that bad" and hopped in line. Unknowingly, I committed myself to a ninety minute wait, but I finally got in. And let me tell you, it was totally worth the wait! The space was designed with actual pieces of furniture from the show along with the infamous orange couch. Best yet, because I went on the first day I happened to catch (the real) Gunther just in time to get my coffee poured by the blondie. It was surreal.
I was totally fanning out. Here is what I captured:
There was tons of memorabilia...
[autographs]
[The Big White Dog!]
[Phoebe's Porn Video]
[Ross's Science Boy]
[Joey's Soap Opera Digest]
[Smelly Cat Cat Litter - for purchase]
[Outfits from the Cast Members]
[When Monica sang karaoke with the See-through Shirt]
[Phoebe's Coat and Guitar]
[The Big Orange Couch]
[Monica and Chandler's Wedding Invite]
[Love note from Chandler to Monica]
"Monica, I thought this would be the most difficult thing I would ever have to do. But just now, when I saw you coming down the aisle, I realized how simple it is. I love you and no matter what little surprises are thrown at me, I will always love you."
...and last but not least, the infamous, laminated:
[List of celebrities it's OK for Ross to sleep with]
All in all, my experience at Central Perk Coffee Shop was totally enjoyable. I've been a fan of Friends since forever. I've seen every episode (admittedly), so it was a total trip down memory lane. I got to end the day by sitting on the infamous orange couch, which was super comfy! Thank you, New York City for being so cool.
