I'm still laughing over the comparison of Times Square to Minnesota. Obviously John G. has never been to Minnesota. There are a lot more similarities between SoHo and neighborhoods in Minneapolis than there are between anything in Minneapolis and Times Square. For those of us who don't live in huge cities, perhaps half the excitement of going to New York is the crowds and the huge "buzz" of an area like Times Square. I have tons of little boutiques, galleries, and charming small restaurants at home, as well as some tree lined streets and quieter residential areas. But what we don't have are Broadway shows, tons of bright lights, Radio City Music Hall, skyscrapers, Joe Allen's, LeBernadin, Rockefeller Center, crowds of "crazies", and miles of honking taxis. Now that's what I like about New York. You can add me to the list of "crazies" if you want -- I'll go peacefully.

While right in the middle of Times Square, the Casablanca Hotel was a nice escape. It was very elaxing and tranquil. I loved my stay at the Casablanca. In Rick's Cafe, they served complimentary breakfast in the mornings and wine and cheese in the afternoons. The service here was also amazing. Everyone was so helpful and nice. It was really nice to be insuch a comfortable and warm environment and have the excitement of New York City right outside.

Oh, Patrick, will you marry me? You capture it exactly for us "tourists" as to why we are thrilled to go to Times Square. New Yorkers, I understand you CAN'T understand that what we WANT (in small doses) are all those things that Patrick describes. Just accept it and let's be at peace with it.

JoAnn - why did you drag up a message that is a year old??!! If you want anyone to see your post about a recent stay at the Casablanca Hotel, start a new thread. Your post has nothing to do with the original post about the situation in SoHo in October of 2001!