The Met

Okay, let's go a bit more in depth here. The MET is enormous, and there is no way you will even be able to walk through all of it in one day. The best way yo go to the Met is to choose a section or two of interest and stick to it. My favorites are the African Art and the European masters upstairs, where you can see that super-expensive Van Gogh with the flowers in the original. Forgot the title just now but most of us have seen a reproduction. Also, they have a good number of Vermeers, and if you know what you're talking about you know that there's nothing like seeing Vermeer's rare and serene canvasses in person. The reproductions just don't convey the quality and magic of "Girl with Pearl Earring."

But everyone has their favorite section, and the point about the Met is that it has a world-class collection and many pieces are significant world treasures.

Another point to note is that admission is by "Suggested Donation. " Back when I was a a student and just scraping by, I used to pay a dime to get in. Isn't that beautiful? Most people miss that detail and pay the full "Suggested Donation" but luckily this gorgeous place is really open to all.

Go to the Met for a first date. It's perfect. The building itself is intended to inspire awe and a sense of grandeur. I always feel like I've been to a spa after coming out of that place.

I've never been impressed by the Temple of Dendur, frankly. Just looks like expensive hype to me. I've also never been to the rooftop cafe (is it good?) but there's a decent cafeteria, plus a pricey restaurant on the first floor, near the Roman Art section.

The last time I was there you can get a cake a cup of caffeee for about $12. That was a couple of years ago. Since I haven't been there in a couple of years, I have no idea whether they raised or lowered the price.

If anyone has been there recently and an comment on the prices at the rooftop cafe that would be great.

I wish I had known you could get into the Met for a dime from the start; my first trip to the city would have involved a few more hot dogs and a couple extra cups of coffee. Though on my return visits to the Met I often felt a little bit bad about my low donations, though I usually visited the Met when I didn't have much money to spend.

Also I could never understand why so many officials lurk in every room of the Met, demanding that your ticket tag be clearly displayed on your clothing. Hello? It is practically free to get in. Relax.