A Trip to the Met--Perfect

Nantucket, Massachusetts

No, there are no knights in shining armor roaming the crooked roadways and sandy lanes here. But if there were, I would take my grandson Ethan to explore.

That's what he and I did last Thursday at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. One hour. That's how long we spent there. We were in line when the doors opened at 9"30, then talked to a docent to see what might be best for a 5 year old's first real visit. The answer: the Egyptian temple, the roof garden, and the medieval armor.

We started with the armor, and a sheet that asked questions about the armor--what designs could you find, for example. I was concerned that Ethan would be a little afraid--the armor is daunting, and the knight in the picture ( armor made by the
leading craftsman at the time, a German ) is covered as is his trusty steed. I was hoping he wouldn't dwell on the jousting stick. And he didn't. When we walked in to the main exhibit room, the guard greeted us:
You're my first customers today." It was quiet, no crowds to work around. Perfect for a first visit. Then, we headed for Egypt.

Mind you, we were marching right by hundred of years of art as if it was a shopping mall and we were only interested in Neiman Marcus, bypassing all others, eyes straight ahead.

The magnificent Egypt collection was a little too conceptual for a 5 year old to wrap his mind around. It is a mamouth room that overlooks Central Park. I can only imagine how small that must make someone who is 3 feet or so in height feel. Finally, we went to the roof to see the Koons sculptures--huge outside, colorful pieces. And, it was time for a snack. Ethan had been to the roof before but he was much younger. This time, he could see the Chrysler building, and recognize it, and even pointed out a building on the west side where a school friend of his lives. The vendor gave Ethan a banana, and after devouring it, we headed back out to Fifth Avenue to catch the crosstown bus home. We were right on schedule, something that can be difficult with any child. As we walked to the bus stop, the M79 pulled up to the curb. I was pleased. We would be at Ethan's in just the right timeframe to meet his nanny and his brother as planned.

We got on the bus, Ethan sliding the Metrocard into the slot like a pro. He sat down near the front with me, intent on watching the Central Park bridges that the bus would pass under on our way to the west side. Suddenly, he looked up at me, and in a very grown up voice, he declared loudly:"Grammie, that was perfect timing."

Yes. And a pretty perfect morning, too.