Tuesday in NYC: Library, Food, & The Late Show

Tuesday, like Monday, started with bagels. Though we'd intended to go to the MOMA, we ended up heading to the New York Public Library instead, passing through Bryant Park to get there. The change in plan, for me, was a wonderful decision; though I may be biased as an English major, the library is the most beautiful building in the city.

Free tours were available at 11 a.m. and we got there just in time. Our guide led us through several stunning reading rooms and collections. The building's marble, she told us, is cut from the same place as the Parthenon. And though the bulk of the wood in the rooms isn't real, it looked no less impressive.

Since I study children's literature, the highlight of the building for me was the children's room, where Christopher Robin's real, original toys are kept. As Julie pointed out, I was far more excited than all the kids in that room.

Another cool feature of the library that we got to see on our tour was the little book train that transports texts from the underground archives.

We finished off in the gift shop, and while I longingly admired many tote bags, maps, and journals, nothing was within my student budget.

Our next stop was lunch at the famous food cart, Halal Guys, located right outside the MOMA. However, since Grand Central station was nearby, we made a detour over to peek in.

Starving by that point, the Halal Guys definitely lived up to their reputation. I got a combination sandwich and Julie got a falafel wrap. It was difficult to eat in the cold, but the food was quickly finished.

From there, we headed to Bibble and Sip, a dessert place known for their cream puffs. I got a lavender latte and we split an earl grey and matcha cream puff -- possibly the best food I ate on the trip and certainly the most photogenic.

Caroline and her boyfriend met us there since we all had tickets to see The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. We had to head over shortly after 3 p.m. to line up.

My boyfriend later sent me a picture of the audience, and we are somewhere in the left side of that crowd! Unfortunately, I don't think our faces made it on TV, but it was such a fun experience and I'd definitely make it a priority to try to get tickets again next time. Fun fact: most late night shows tickets are free since the live audience is such a crucial part of the program.

After the show, we got dinner at Ippudo Ramen, which was our most expensive meal but entirely worth it. They're also the only place I know with multiple, delicious vegetarian options.

While we waited to be seated (they estimated a half hour wait), we went over to peek at Times Square at night. Though I wasn't overwhelmed by the all the megatrons during the day, they were a bit daunting at night but definitely worth seeing. It didn't feel like evening at all, which explains New York's nickname as the city that never sleeps.

The pace of the day felt much nicer than Monday's since it was less hectic (and we got to eat more). We got home at a reasonable hour and fell asleep chatting around midnight.

Photos by Julie Zhang and Linh Nguyen.