|
NYC trip report
I can’t shake the feeling that unless I get my arse over to the Fodors board to give a trip report on my jaunt to NYC last month, the next time I ask for travel advice I’ll be told to look elsewhere. And I may be needing some major advice in the next few months…won’t say exactly where I may be going, I’ll just tell you that it is a location that is two words, and their initials are PR !!! : )))))
More on that in a few months.... Here is a brief trip report. Hubby and I drove to NYC from Baltimore, and it seemed to take FOREVER! Traffic was stop-and-go, and we spent a lot of time not moving at all as we neared the Delaware Memorial Bridge. We actually had no problems getting into the city. After we drove through the Lincoln Tunnel, we had only a few blocks to drive to our hotel (Novotel). I was terrified as hubby did not lower his speed as per my request but had the attitude “I’m going to drive just as fast as everyone else”. The Novotel had no valet parking, but we were directed to use a garage in the next block and told we would be given a voucher so that we would receive a discount, paying $22/day rather than the $45/day standard charge there. The Novotel was only “OK”. Maybe a C+ facility. It definitely could use some sprucing up. Bathroom was probably 35 years old, with no “counter space”. Carpet was worn, and towels were thin. But, the bed was very comfortable, and we had a view of Times Square, which, of course is great. The staff wasn’t particularly friendly. Several of the desk employees had that annoying habit of continuing to tap on their computer and stare into the screen, only occasionally glancing up, while answering questions you have. However, our hotel arrangements were made and paid for by my husband’s employer, so we were satisfied. Hubby went to work the next morning. My only real plans were to visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art, visit the Japanese department store, Takishimaya, in the afternoon to have tea, and arrive back at Times Square in time to buy two tickets to a play from the TKTS booth. I thought seriously about trying the subway (for the first time), and stood staring down the steps at the subway entrance right next to the Novotel. Hmmm…I thought….maybe this isn’t such a good idea…people seem to be going in and out at a very fast pace…what if I get swept along and into the wrong train? (visions of newsreels I’ve seen of subways in Japan with people crammed into cars kept appearing in my mind). No, I decided…I’ll get a taxi. I’ll go to the Mariott Marquis, where I knew I could easily get a cab, since we’ve stayed there before, and anyway, I could check the TKTS booth and see what time it opened. Well, it seems that the TKTS booth has temporarily moved to the Marriott Marquis, so that was handy. I told the bellhop outside the Marriott that I needed a cab and that I was hearing impaired. He kindly informed the driver (Slavic, again) that I didn’t hear well. The driver was very nice, but he TRIED TO TALK TO ME BY TURNING AROUND AND FACING ME WHILE HE WAS DRIVING!!! Yikes! When he dropped me at the MMOA, I was stunned. It was a lot ….LARGER than I expected. Oh well…not to worry…I’ll probably just need to spend three hours there to see everything rather than two. Clueless, I was, of course. (going to stop here because I am writing this in WORD and will try to cut and paste it to the board as some have suggested. If it doesn’t work, I will be very annoyed.) Vicki |
...and :-D
|
I am really embarrassed at how little I actually saw at the MMOA. I spent way too much time looking at the Egyptian art (it always fascinates me how long people have been making art). I tried to find my way to the American wing but ended up in the sculpture garden, which I found fascinating. How about that strange work of the mythological figure who was doomed to starve in hell, with his sons pressed up against him as they offer him their bodies to eat?!! I watched two artists sketching. I got some great pictures. I was thrilled to actually see “Leda and the Swan” , and I particularly liked the small black figure of a naked female, with a covering over her head, hugging her shoulders, obviously freezing. I felt cold just looking at it! I continued wandering around, looking for the American wing or a restaurant, whichever came first. I bought a heavy link necklace at the gift shop (what was I thinking?) and wandered some more. The gallery was very crowded and full of school children (end-of-the-year field trips, I suppose). I made the decision to leave and walk back to the Times Square, stopping for lunch along the way. I stopped in Central Park and sat a while, enjoying the young children playing on the grass, and making note of all the nannies pushing strollers. It was a beautiful day. I bought a few political buttons which I found humorous, from a vendor. Then, I began my 35-block trek!
It was really enjoyable. I felt like I was seeing things I had missed on my previous trips. I started snapping pictures of dogs (after asking permission from their owners), with plans to make a collage called “New York Dogs.” (my daughter said “only Mom would go to New York and take pictures of dogs!). I walked down the side streets, looking at the brownstones and beautiful houses. I took pictures of interesting people, including street workers. I asked two police officers if I could snap their picture, but they smiled regretfully and said “we’re really not supposed to pose for pictures.” I stopped at a café for lunch and got to sit outside! I snapped a picture of a “bag lady” rooting through the trash can. She seemed shockingly young to me. I changed streets (Madison & Park) every few blocks, taking everything in. I found Takishimaya (a very lovely and unique place, but pricey) and had tea in the tea room on the bottom floor. Feeling rejuvenated, I continued on my way, and who should I pass but ELLEN BURSTYN!!! She is such a striking woman now in her older years, and her face just jumped out at me in the crowd. A woman in front of me recognized her also, but her husband said “who is Ellen Burstyn?” (can you imagine??) Oh, and what’s up with that yucky statue of the naked pregnant woman with her skin peeled back from her thigh and breast that I encountered on my walk? Can’t remember if it was on Madison or Park, but it is in front of an office building and is very ugly. I have a picture of it if anyone would like to see it. At the TKTS booth in Times Square, I purchased two half-price tickets to Sweeney Todd. I hadn’t been paying attention to the weather and suddenly the clouds opened up, and I was caught in a rainstorm! I ducked into a shop and bought an umbrella for $3.99, which was about how much it was worth. Met my husband back at the hotel, where we showered and got dressed for Sweeney Todd. We enjoyed it tremendously – had great seats, and Harvey Fierstein was sitting right across from us! I was quite surprised and wondering why he hadn’t seen it already. Also wondered why he wasn’t in Las Vegas with his Hairspray tour? (saw a couple of weeks later that it was closed, but this was after I saw him). I pointed him out to my clueless husband, saying “he is a HUGE Broadway star.” He said “well, he sure doesn’t look like one.” (he had on a gray long-sleeve tee shirt). I had trouble following everything in Sweeney Todd, but I definitely enjoyed watching everyone perform. Particularly liked the sweet blonde cello player, and I read her website when I got home. The next day, I wanted to go to one of the bead/jewelry making shops in the Fashion District, and I found a great one (Metal….something….). I could have spent hours there but had to meet hubby back at the hotel for checkout and lunch at Gallagher’s, which is located right next to the Novotel. It’s really a neat place, but we are obviously NOT “old money”, so I felt like we weren’t treated as warmly as we might have been. Our waiter was quite intimidating – very tall and heavy, tuxedo-clad, and unsmiling. I have never had a “PRIME” beef hamburger, but that’s what I wanted. (what makes beef PRIME, and why can’t you buy PRIME meat in the grocery store?) It was very good. I waited while hubby got the car, and then we drove away….. I need a monthly trip there; I really do. There is so much I still haven’t seen. Vicki |
Same Time Next Year, The Exorcist, Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore. She's classic.
The 35 block walk sounds like a lot of fun. That is my favorite thing to do in NYC, just walk and walk and walk and see what comes along. |
<i>but we are obviously NOT “old money”, so I felt like we weren’t treated as warmly as we might have been.</i>
Gallagher's is a "has been" place. No reason you need to be old or new money there (or anywhere else imo). Next time check reviews on menupages.com http://menupages.com/restaurantdetai...mp;cuisineid=0 "what makes beef PRIME" http://www.ag.ohio-state.edu/~news/story.php?id=2716 You should give yourself a lot more credit than you do. You did great and your opinions are as valid as anyone else's. To that end, you should include a review of the Novotel at tripadvisor.com and also Gallagher's on menupages.com ;) Come back soon! |
How annoying. Another attempt at some links.
Beef prime http://www.ag.ohio-state.edu/~news/story.php?id=2716 |
Vicki
If you display your "New York Dogs" on the internet, I would love to see it. We loved seeing all the dogs in NYC when we were there -- both on the streets and in the parks. |
Great report--thanks for sharing! Your "nanny" comment about Central Park cracked me up. That is one thing my husband and I have commented on every time we walk through the park. I have never seen so many nannies in my life. What do parents in NYC do for a living that allows them to afford nannies?? I'm from the South, so i guess I just don't see that many around here.
|
I am topping my report in case it "missed" anyone. I sort of expected some feedback about that strange sculpture of the pregnant woman....has anyone else seen it?
Maj, since my dog pictures didn't seem of interest to anyone I showed them to, I erased them! Vicki |
|
Vickib2 - I'm glad you enjoyed your visit to NYC. The Metropolitan Museum can take a lifetime to really absorb, but short visits are always worth it.
It may be just me, but I kept seeing MoMA (Museum of Modern Art) when you typed MMOA; MoMA just underwent a huge renovation/expansion and it can't be done in 3 hours anymore either. Locally, it's MoMA, the Metropolitan (the Museum), the Met (the Opera Company), and of course, the Mets (the baseball team). Lee4 - The reality is that most families need two incomes just to make ends meet in NYC (housing costs are astronomical, taxes are high, etc.). Good day care centers are few and far between, usually have endless waiting lists, and are only open from 8am - 6pm, Monday-Friday, so a lot families have nannies because that is the only viable option. For many families the ultimate luxury is a stay at home mother. But this is a topic for another board and another time. |
Thanks bgans, I wasn't sure about "MMOA" but figured since Museum of Modern Art was MoMA, then Metropolitan Museum of Art must be MMoA! : ) I'll definitely start calling it "the Metropolitan".
Along these lines, we recently moved to Baltimore, and I have been calling Wash., D.C. "Washington". It has been suggested to me a couple of times that I use "D.C." or "the District." But, there is something about those two terms that make me feel like I'm trying to sound "cool." I am starting to use "D.C.", though. Thanks mclaurie, for the link. I had googled it but hadn't had much luck. Apparently, though, art showing body parts is popular. Vicki |
NYC is a big business city. Almost all my friends have/had nannies - since you need two salaries to be able to live comfortably - unless you name is Trump. (And if you take too much time off when you have children you can be mommy-tracked and then it's very hard to ever catch up when the kids are in school and you go back to work.)
As for what people do - stock brokers, traders, banking, attornies, advertising, communications, publishing, commercial photography, illustrators/art directors etc. (Even lower mid-level jobs are $100+ - so it definitely makes financial sense to work and pay a nanny). And that doesn;t account for all the people that have REAL money - and have nannies even when the women don;t have a job - and are just lunching/shopping/ playing on the charity circuit. |
After visiting NYC a few times, I assumed that a lot salaries are very high there---they would have to be in order to afford the city! I love visiting there so much but couldn't imagine trying to live there, just based on the standard of living I have currently (and the salary I make). My husband and I both work full time and will be sending our new son to a babysitter who keeps kids in her home once I return to work. Where I live, we seem to have lots of daycare centers, babysitters who keep kid in their homes (no more than 5 to 7), church run nursery schools, etc. You just don't see a lot of nannies around here at all. When a lot of us hear "nanny" we think that equals a lot of money. So, I'm assuming that nannies there are not any more expensive than what we probably pay for daycare down here (based on the NYC standard of living, of course). I did not realize that daycares are not as plentiful in NYC; that certainly explains the nannies a little more.
|
Hi Vicky,
So glad you enjoyed your visit to NY. And so glad you did the NY thing and walked! It's the best way to see and get to know any place, expecially a great city like NY. Next time you come, give the subway a shot. Just get yourself a map and don't be intimidated. And try the buses too. |
Hi Vickib,
Glad you enjoyed a great trip and got your arse over to the Fodors board! In late Oct / early Nov I'll be going back to NYC after 17+ years--can't wait!! And I'm glad you mentioned the bead stores in the fashion district--my sister makes jewelry and it sounds like the perfect place to find little somethings for her. |
To add to the nanny discussion, based on my knowledge, they run about $550-$650 per week. Depends on the hours, though. Relative to day care costs/availability and typical NYC salaries, nannies sometimes make a lot of financial sense. (I have heard of day cares costing over $2K per month.)
|
I just finished watching a very good movie (IMO), "The Five People You Meet In Heaven"...I bring it up on this post because you saw Ellen Burstyn walking down the street, and she plays a large part in this movie, both as narrator and as a key character. She is just lovely, still. And I love her voice, so calming, especially with this subject mater of loss and finding one's meaning in life and death. Very good movie, two thumbs up.
|
| All times are GMT -8. The time now is 05:53 AM. |