Trp to NYC

Last Friday I went to NYC as Louise to the Javits Center for the annual Photo Expo. I enjoy the interaction and expressions from some people, usually people VERY polite but seem to be becoming more accepting or they just aren't sure or maybe don't care any longer that there's a Cross-dresser near them, although I have to say, I usually look better and dress classier than most of the women I see and I am critical about the way women look. 

When we were nearing NYC, there was a young lady sitting next to me who started to make herself up, she had a pretty full assortment of items in a makeup bag. At the same time there was another woman in the seat next to ours  (about 45-50) who obviously had some social issues and was listening to an IPod with ear phones and was hopping up and down and mouthing the music, she definitely had juvenile manners. As she was expressing her enthusiasm I rolled my eyes which the lady next to me saw in the refection of the plastic cover behind the divers seat (I like to sit where I can see forward). I guess she released I was somewhat stable and avoided any comment about the (nut) and said "your makeup is beautiful", we only had a few minutes conversation but it was very friendly.

I chose to use the restroom on the bus this time, usually I enjoy the reactions when I walk into the men's room at Port Authority but the be honest the mirror was much better on the bus and the room was clean, it was just difficult walking from the front to the back and the front again while the bus was moving. Also, I found that I could take the elevator down to where I wanted to be without walking all over the bus station to the rest room and my feet were starting to hurt because my Doctor suggested I stop my "water pill" and my feet started to swell (just my luck).

Once I got onto the street I headed to the Javits Center, it's not a bad walk but in heels and swollen feet it's like "Chinese Torture" and I'm not really a Masochist. Once I got to the front of the Center I sat down to let my feet rest, a gentleman saw me and started a conversation and sat down RIGHT next to me. He was polite and possibly he didn't realize what I was, but he kept the conversation going as if I was a "Normal" person, it was just casual, where I was from and if I was a photographer.

Once I got into the Javits Center I glanced around to get an idea of which way to go, I went to the last row and just walked up and down. I was sort of disappointed, no one made any comments, although their focus was on the equipment, a few venders made eye contact and smiled but they saw I wasn't interested in their item so politely waved as I walked by, one man called me over and said, I see you almost every year, you always look so nice, I just wanted to shake your hand and compliment you. He said he was in some city in Ohio and when he came out of the Hotel he saw a large billboard which said "Marriage should be between a man and a woman", he said he was taking a picture of it and a man came up to him and said I'm glad you agree with our view, he said "that's not why I'm taking the picture" it's because I want to show people how retarded some people still are, I did have to inform him I am married to a woman.

 

I spent about 3 hours at the show and had made previous arrangements to go to dinner with another CD, Allison. I took a cab over the CDI apartment (a new location), which is a very nice place. Allison has just retired and has been on HRT for about 5 years (I think she said). She has just come out in public, although her wife knows she is NOT accepting. Allison looks VERY good, 100% convincing and a nice highly educated respectful person. I'm grateful for her thoughtfulness in meeting and going to dinner with me.

After dinner Allison left and I walked back to the bus station, by now my feet felt elephant size. I had to wait about an hour for our bus and fell asleep on the trip home; I didn't wake until we parked in AC, so the trip and pain were moot for me on the way back. I called my wife and she picked me up within 20 minutes.

I'm not really sure I'll go back again; to be honest it's a lot of effort anymore. I have to be up by 5 AM to get made-up, dress and get to the bus. I forgot to mention, I texted my son and told him I was in the city and he asked if I wanted to go to dinner with him and the family and stay overnight. He was working in Edgewater and I would take the Ferry over and he would pick me up, but coming back is about 45 minuets from his home and then either the ferry or he would drive into the city, I figured it was too much trouble and I'm not comfortable staying overnight even if I'm not en-fem, besides I'll be up there in a couple weeks for my granddaughters birthday.