So yesterday, Kathleen and I had an errand to run so we went to Manhattan after work. We got off the train at 59^th and Lexington, and immediately noticed fire engines headed downtown. Looking down the street, there was a huge column of billowing smoke engulfing the street. It was right across from the Chrysler building, so we were both afraid to that something had happened to Grand Central.
Smoke and crowds down Lexington Ave:

I called Ryan and Kelly to find out what was going on via the internet, since no one knew what was going on. Soon after, we found via cnn.com what had happened. In the meantime, Kathleen and I gawked along with countless others in the middle of Lexington Ave, which they had closed off, and talked with people who had been in Grand Central or in office buildings nearby. I cannot believe that more people were not seriously injured. Seriously, how something blew a giant hole in the street in front of Grand Central during rush hour without more injury to people is beyond me. But anyway, I’m sure everyone has seen all the pictures and read all about it on the news and stuff. I don’t have anything to add. Sorry to have such a voyeuristic posting.

Oh yes, but Kathleen and I ended up walking over the Queensboro Bridge to get home. I think the trains were running everywhere but Grand Central, but neither one of us wanted to get on a hot, crowded, slow-running train. And it’s been something I’ve been meaning to do for a while. The Brooklyn Bridge gets all sorts of attention, but no one ever wants to walk to Queens…
Walking over the Queensboro Bridge: