I go to a salon on Broadway just south of Times Square and would RECOMMEND my stylist Vera. I have been going to her for several years and she has done an EXCELLENT job each time. I have also seen her do other people's hair and again she does a great job. She has quite a following. The Salon is on Broadway and 38th St.

Let me know if you would like a phone number.

travelbuff I would - thank you so much,
Dawn

Dawn, I think that is a great way to go - no kidding! And who knows, with that file in hand, you might just decide to do it; that would be great.

...Of course, the MTA doesn't have trains half as nice as BART, with those padded seats and clear communications. But it is the biggest transit system in the world - and you could say you did it! :)

To me, more than anything else the thing that would be nervewracking about the NYC subway is its sheer scale - combined with not understanding the signage. (IMO signage is even worse in Boston where I grew up: everything is relative to some mysterious "inbound" and "outbound", which to me is much more subjective than "uptown" and "downtown" LOL!) But contrary to popular belief, NYers are very helpful if you need to ask them for help!

If you're planning on going down to lower Manhattan to do any sightseeing, that would be a perfect opportunity to try the subway. It really will save you time going that distance, and is just as straightforward as what I gave you before: using the same directions, take the A or C to Fulton Street, or the E to World Trade Center. The Fulton Street station is a little closer to City Hall, and straddles Broadway; World Trade Center is at the edge of ground zero. You'd do the same in reverse to get back to the hotel, following signs for the Uptown train and getting off at 42nd Street.

And just think, you have a few months to psyche yourself into it! :)