Wandering around NYC for a week
Oct 16th, 2012, 05:02 PM
#1
Wandering around NYC for a week
So this will be a different trip report. I have no idea if any of this will ever be helpful to anyone, but here goes.
Inspired by The Best Trip Report Ever on this forum, I decided to use the bus as my primary means of transportation. I like the subways but hate them in summer. The hottest I've been was on a subway platform in July - and I'm from the south. I've walked from the 90s to Central Park South in 103 degree temps. I'd rather take taxis as much as possible, but I decided that if edeevee could navigate the city via bus on her first trip here with mama, then I could too! Here's the link to her wonderful report. It may be the most valuable part of my trip report -
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...-on-fodors.cfm
Inspired by The Best Trip Report Ever on this forum, I decided to use the bus as my primary means of transportation. I like the subways but hate them in summer. The hottest I've been was on a subway platform in July - and I'm from the south. I've walked from the 90s to Central Park South in 103 degree temps. I'd rather take taxis as much as possible, but I decided that if edeevee could navigate the city via bus on her first trip here with mama, then I could too! Here's the link to her wonderful report. It may be the most valuable part of my trip report -
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...-on-fodors.cfm
Oct 16th, 2012, 05:17 PM
#2
Where I stayed - in a wonderful UWS apartment. This isn't going to help most readers because short-term apartment rentals are no longer legal in NYC. If you want access to a kitchen, there are hotel options with kitchens or kitchenettes. Those are handy if you plan to cook. I don't in NYC. The most I may do is zap something in the microwave and/or scramble eggs. I do love having access to a fridge and microwave but that's possible in many hotels.
I'm very lucky because 20 years ago a good friend moved up to the city. The company moved her furniture and belongings but I drove up with the fragile stuff and the dog. While she immediately went to work, I spent a week setting up the apartment and teaching a country dog how to become a city dog. At lunch we'd meet at the carpet store or other, pick out something new for the apartment and the newly purchased item would usually beat me (via delivery) back to the apartment. It was fun setting up a new apartment without having to pay for any of it.
Fast forward, my friend fell in love, moved from the Times Square area to the UWS. It was great visiting and staying in the 2nd bedroom, until the baby came. Back to staying in hotel rooms until a few years ago when we realized that a great solution was for me to visit while they went on trips - free lodging for me and someone to love and dote on their pups while they are gone. So I'm lucky enough to call a gorgeous apartment I've visited for more than a dozen years "home" while I'm in the city. And so back home I go.
I'm very lucky because 20 years ago a good friend moved up to the city. The company moved her furniture and belongings but I drove up with the fragile stuff and the dog. While she immediately went to work, I spent a week setting up the apartment and teaching a country dog how to become a city dog. At lunch we'd meet at the carpet store or other, pick out something new for the apartment and the newly purchased item would usually beat me (via delivery) back to the apartment. It was fun setting up a new apartment without having to pay for any of it.
Fast forward, my friend fell in love, moved from the Times Square area to the UWS. It was great visiting and staying in the 2nd bedroom, until the baby came. Back to staying in hotel rooms until a few years ago when we realized that a great solution was for me to visit while they went on trips - free lodging for me and someone to love and dote on their pups while they are gone. So I'm lucky enough to call a gorgeous apartment I've visited for more than a dozen years "home" while I'm in the city. And so back home I go.
Oct 16th, 2012, 05:30 PM
#3
Getting to the city - I procrastinated and waited so late I was worried about the cost of my ticket. I lucked out - my ticket, purchased less than a month ahead = $270.
Getting into the city - Grab a cab at the airport. I have been spoiled by car services (paid corporately) in past years, but the easiest/fastest way is to grab a cab. Just go to the taxi line, wait your turn (even if the line looks long) and you'll be in your ride very soon. All of the cabs accept credit cards now - although drivers would prefer to be paid in cash.
The plan was good. Reality was less than good. Really bad storms in the area. The airlines cancelled several flights. Instead of arriving around noon, I was rebooked on a flight that was to arrive at midnight and played the standby game all day long.
The red phone trick - When the first flight was cancelled everyone of the plane was waiting in the same line. I no longer fly for business so didn't have the resouces formerly available to me to get a faster resolution. About 15 minutes in the wait, a woman walked by and said "Go to the red phones behind Gate X". Only a couple of people listened to her, but I decided to try. Sure enough there were 4 phones on the wall. I called. Someone answered. In just a few minutes I was rebooked on a (very) later flight and on the stand-by list for the next flight going out. Scan the QR reader with my smartphone at the kiosk a few feet away and I had printouts of all the changes. Repeat 2x during the day. Actually, when I saw I was 30something or 40something on the stand-by list for each flight, I just went directly back to the phones. Finally a seat opened up with an afternoon arrival. I booked it! Yay! I knew I was switching from LGA to Kennedy, but that was okay. At least for getting there...
Getting into the city - Grab a cab at the airport. I have been spoiled by car services (paid corporately) in past years, but the easiest/fastest way is to grab a cab. Just go to the taxi line, wait your turn (even if the line looks long) and you'll be in your ride very soon. All of the cabs accept credit cards now - although drivers would prefer to be paid in cash.
The plan was good. Reality was less than good. Really bad storms in the area. The airlines cancelled several flights. Instead of arriving around noon, I was rebooked on a flight that was to arrive at midnight and played the standby game all day long.
The red phone trick - When the first flight was cancelled everyone of the plane was waiting in the same line. I no longer fly for business so didn't have the resouces formerly available to me to get a faster resolution. About 15 minutes in the wait, a woman walked by and said "Go to the red phones behind Gate X". Only a couple of people listened to her, but I decided to try. Sure enough there were 4 phones on the wall. I called. Someone answered. In just a few minutes I was rebooked on a (very) later flight and on the stand-by list for the next flight going out. Scan the QR reader with my smartphone at the kiosk a few feet away and I had printouts of all the changes. Repeat 2x during the day. Actually, when I saw I was 30something or 40something on the stand-by list for each flight, I just went directly back to the phones. Finally a seat opened up with an afternoon arrival. I booked it! Yay! I knew I was switching from LGA to Kennedy, but that was okay. At least for getting there...
Oct 16th, 2012, 05:37 PM
#4
The plane landed. Yay! Got off at Kennedy. Yay! Headed to baggage claim. Oh. It was then I realized that my bag would not be there. Sigh. Went directly to the baggage claim office. Filled out the report. They said I should receive my bag in 4 to 12 hours. The building has a door man, so "no problem". Off to the taxi stand. Grab a ride. Loved the drive into the city. Greeted by the doorman "I remember you! Welcome back!". Walked into the apartment with my backpack, grabbed the pup (the doorman had done the midday walk for me) and I'm back on the street of the neighborhood. I'm in bliss. I'm home again.
And dog-tired. I've missed the dinner party down in the Flatiron. Not really that hungry. Grabbed some hummus and crackers and some chilled pinot grigio and waited for the luggage to arrive.
And dog-tired. I've missed the dinner party down in the Flatiron. Not really that hungry. Grabbed some hummus and crackers and some chilled pinot grigio and waited for the luggage to arrive.
Oct 16th, 2012, 06:05 PM
#5
The GTG - I was very excited that the NYC GTG dates fell within my trip. Looked forward to seeing old Fodorite friends and meeting new one - IRL anyway. I also was excited to hook up with friends I'd not seen in a few years and when one former co-worker wanted to come in the city on Saturday I asked if she would be willing to join a group lunch. She was game. We arranged the logistics. I was out running errands when, as if it were out of a TV show, I was walking down the block when I saw her approaching the light at the opposite block. We hugged at the corner, a bit difficult because I was holding sweet pup's leash and a couple of bags - including Crumbs cupcakes. She had bakery boxes in hand, so I hid the Crumbs when we got to the kitchen and reveled in her treats from Rispoli's Italian bakery in New Jersey.
We settled down with treats and drinks and chatted like mad...until it was clear I was going to have to get a bath and go to the GTG - and my luggage STILL hadn't arrived. My friend went with me to the walk-in closet and we searched for options that may work for me. I pulled things off shelves and skimmed through the hangers. My friend exclaimed "Where are her SUMMER clothes" - and I realized where. With her. In Hawaii. I grabbed a Tshirt, undies from her drawer (with her prior permission) and got a quick bath and we were off. In borrowed clothes, no makeup and a friend in tow.
ON the way, I shared that this travel group was an internet travel group. She was not fazed. I said I "knew" a few of them but there were many I didn't know and I couldn't guarantee how things would go. Still unfazed. We jabbered all of the way about other stuff, and even after we got there and cooled off with a drink. She had a blast. She said she had never been on Fodors, but may in the future (I don't think she's popped up yet). In the world of sychronicity and There Are No Coincidences, it turns out that all of us at our little table had professional connections from prior years. I had been in NYC interviewing for a position when ggreen had been in the same building. We didn't know each other but knew the same people. Ellenem and I had already discovered that our professional paths had crossed before. It's bizarre to have seemingly random people sitting at the table and realize that 10, 15, 20 years ago there were strands connecting each of us. We had a blast at our table, and it was fun meeting others sitting at other tables. So glad I got to meet the Asia group, Bob and gpanda's widow. Fodors editors - although poor KatieM was probably bowled over by everyone's excitment that our Katie (H) was there. She wasn't. But the other Katie was very nice too. The swag was great - cute new pins and great leather luggage tags. Great food, good drinks, good service. Lots of laughter. Another wonderful GTG.
We settled down with treats and drinks and chatted like mad...until it was clear I was going to have to get a bath and go to the GTG - and my luggage STILL hadn't arrived. My friend went with me to the walk-in closet and we searched for options that may work for me. I pulled things off shelves and skimmed through the hangers. My friend exclaimed "Where are her SUMMER clothes" - and I realized where. With her. In Hawaii. I grabbed a Tshirt, undies from her drawer (with her prior permission) and got a quick bath and we were off. In borrowed clothes, no makeup and a friend in tow.
ON the way, I shared that this travel group was an internet travel group. She was not fazed. I said I "knew" a few of them but there were many I didn't know and I couldn't guarantee how things would go. Still unfazed. We jabbered all of the way about other stuff, and even after we got there and cooled off with a drink. She had a blast. She said she had never been on Fodors, but may in the future (I don't think she's popped up yet). In the world of sychronicity and There Are No Coincidences, it turns out that all of us at our little table had professional connections from prior years. I had been in NYC interviewing for a position when ggreen had been in the same building. We didn't know each other but knew the same people. Ellenem and I had already discovered that our professional paths had crossed before. It's bizarre to have seemingly random people sitting at the table and realize that 10, 15, 20 years ago there were strands connecting each of us. We had a blast at our table, and it was fun meeting others sitting at other tables. So glad I got to meet the Asia group, Bob and gpanda's widow. Fodors editors - although poor KatieM was probably bowled over by everyone's excitment that our Katie (H) was there. She wasn't. But the other Katie was very nice too. The swag was great - cute new pins and great leather luggage tags. Great food, good drinks, good service. Lots of laughter. Another wonderful GTG.
Oct 17th, 2012, 05:57 PM
#10
So I won't bore you with a daily report. I'll try to group things together instead.
Shopping - didn't do much of it. Of course, I went to Fishs Eddy. Twice. It IS my favorite store. The first time I browsed for a bit and then went to the back sale section. I found the sweetest creamer (I used them to heat and serve syrup for the waffles on the weekends). 99 cents. I went all out. But of course I found other things I wanted so on my last evening I ducked back in to buy a couple of more things. I've gone to Fishs Eddy during almost every visit since they've been open. They used to have three stores in Manhattan - now just one near the Flatiron. If you like quirky things, especially dishes and glassware, don't miss Fishs Eddy. My favorite umbrella came from there too, with their Manhattan skyline motif. Here's a link (that takes you to their sale page) - http://www.fishseddy.com/specials.ht...3&sortby=SHAPE
Harry's shoes - After two days of walking in shoes without support, I was in pain. I chose slip on sandals for the flight. They were Merrell's. They were new They were cute. I thought they were perfect for a quick flight to NYC and planned to change almost as soon as I got there for dinner with friends down in the Flatiron district. Lost luggage messed up that plan - and my feet. On day 3 I gave up and limped to Harry's. At that point I didn't CARE what the shoes looked like. I walked in wanting Mephistos with the footbed of the shoes I bought for Paris. Of course the service was fabulous. Of course, I tried on about every brand they carried. Finally, the salesman brought out a pair of shoes that were so unlike anything I have worn...but it was the footbed I wanted. I bit the bullet. $200 spent. Walked out and immediately my feet felt better. I've gotten to like the style better but I know I'll never be without a pair of Mephistos. They are truly the best shoes I've ever worn. And I got to shop at Harry's too - http://www.harrys-shoes.com/content.php?p=About-Us
Shopping - didn't do much of it. Of course, I went to Fishs Eddy. Twice. It IS my favorite store. The first time I browsed for a bit and then went to the back sale section. I found the sweetest creamer (I used them to heat and serve syrup for the waffles on the weekends). 99 cents. I went all out. But of course I found other things I wanted so on my last evening I ducked back in to buy a couple of more things. I've gone to Fishs Eddy during almost every visit since they've been open. They used to have three stores in Manhattan - now just one near the Flatiron. If you like quirky things, especially dishes and glassware, don't miss Fishs Eddy. My favorite umbrella came from there too, with their Manhattan skyline motif. Here's a link (that takes you to their sale page) - http://www.fishseddy.com/specials.ht...3&sortby=SHAPE
Harry's shoes - After two days of walking in shoes without support, I was in pain. I chose slip on sandals for the flight. They were Merrell's. They were new They were cute. I thought they were perfect for a quick flight to NYC and planned to change almost as soon as I got there for dinner with friends down in the Flatiron district. Lost luggage messed up that plan - and my feet. On day 3 I gave up and limped to Harry's. At that point I didn't CARE what the shoes looked like. I walked in wanting Mephistos with the footbed of the shoes I bought for Paris. Of course the service was fabulous. Of course, I tried on about every brand they carried. Finally, the salesman brought out a pair of shoes that were so unlike anything I have worn...but it was the footbed I wanted. I bit the bullet. $200 spent. Walked out and immediately my feet felt better. I've gotten to like the style better but I know I'll never be without a pair of Mephistos. They are truly the best shoes I've ever worn. And I got to shop at Harry's too - http://www.harrys-shoes.com/content.php?p=About-Us
Oct 17th, 2012, 06:13 PM
#11
Broadway shows - If I had my druthers I'd go to a show every day. I had a list of shows I really wanted to see, but the schedule filled up fast so that didn't happen. I did go see The Best Man and I loved it. I really wanted to see Candice Bergen and Eric McCormack, but they had moved on. I was THRILLED that the show had been extended. I like Cybill Shepherd (saw her last in San Franscisco). Kristen Davis did a good job. James Earl Jones was AWESOME. John Larroquette was very good. Gore Vidal's play was as timely now as when he wrote it. Very good choice!
Tickets for shows - I prefer to buy tickets online from Broadwaybox.com using their discounts if the show is something I really want to see. Their discounts are often close to the prices a the TKTS booth. I consider a $10 difference neglible, especially considering how "valuable" time is in NYC. I'd rather save an hour spent in the ticket line and know I have the tickets I want. I do check what was at the TKTS booth the week before, the % of seats sold on the Playbill website and the Broadway Box discounts in order to create a plan. I had a list of 3 "maybes" if I had time to fit them in. I didn't. That was okay.
http://www.broadwaybox.com/
http://www.tdf.org/TDF_SupportPage.aspx?id=68&do=v
http://www.tdf.org/TKTSBoards.aspx
http://www.playbill.com/features/art...ses-Sept-24-30
Tickets for shows - I prefer to buy tickets online from Broadwaybox.com using their discounts if the show is something I really want to see. Their discounts are often close to the prices a the TKTS booth. I consider a $10 difference neglible, especially considering how "valuable" time is in NYC. I'd rather save an hour spent in the ticket line and know I have the tickets I want. I do check what was at the TKTS booth the week before, the % of seats sold on the Playbill website and the Broadway Box discounts in order to create a plan. I had a list of 3 "maybes" if I had time to fit them in. I didn't. That was okay.
http://www.broadwaybox.com/
http://www.tdf.org/TDF_SupportPage.aspx?id=68&do=v
http://www.tdf.org/TKTSBoards.aspx
http://www.playbill.com/features/art...ses-Sept-24-30
Oct 17th, 2012, 06:30 PM
#12
Choosing plays - I thought everyone knew about this resource but remember a Fodorite regular who didn't, so... Check the most recent version of Broadway Banter. If I want to find it quickly, I do a search for HowardR's threads. This is one of my favorite regular features in the Fodors forums. Even when I'm not planning a trip, I'm reading reviews by the lucky ones who get to go to the shows often. When I'm finalizing decisions, I lean on the recommendations of HowardR, Centralparkgirl and NeoPatrick. They haen't steered me wrong yet (even though HowardR didn't love Wicked)
The current version - http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...d-168789-2.cfm
Where I eat before a show - http://www.westbankcafe.com/menu.html
I'm a creature of habit. When I find a place I like, I return over and over again. For years, that place was Sam's. I searched for a few years after Sam's closed...and then found my new favorite, the West Bank Cafe. I love the food, the space, the service and the location. It's steps away from the theaters, but not in the crush of the craziness. I've been chided by some Fodorite locals for suggesting it, but I've had folks who have gone (or sent family members there) and every one has given the place a very enthusistic review. It's my favorite in the area. What can I say?
The current version - http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...d-168789-2.cfm
Where I eat before a show - http://www.westbankcafe.com/menu.html
I'm a creature of habit. When I find a place I like, I return over and over again. For years, that place was Sam's. I searched for a few years after Sam's closed...and then found my new favorite, the West Bank Cafe. I love the food, the space, the service and the location. It's steps away from the theaters, but not in the crush of the craziness. I've been chided by some Fodorite locals for suggesting it, but I've had folks who have gone (or sent family members there) and every one has given the place a very enthusistic review. It's my favorite in the area. What can I say?
Oct 17th, 2012, 06:52 PM
#13
The best part of the trip? Meeting up with friends and family -
1st night - missed dinner due to my late flight, so ate in
2nd night - visiting with my NJ friend, so ate in
3rd night - visited with ellenem in the Village and had wonderful Hungarian food and gelato afterwards
4th night - visited with travelbuff and toured a bit of Harlem
5th night - visited with laurieco and had wonderful Vietnamese food
6th night - visited with a family member and ate (again) at a favorite Greek restaurant
7th night - finally got to visit with my friends in the Flatiron and they grilled out on their deck. Delish
RESTAURANTS - Links for the restaurants mentioned above -
East Village - Hungarian, Veselka - http://www.veselka.com/
West Village - Gelato, Grom - http://www.grom.it/eng/
UWS - Vietnamese, Saigon Grill - http://saigongrillnyc.com/
UWS - Greek - Kefi -http://www.kefirestaurant.com/
Order in - Pio Pio for Peruvian - http://www.piopio.com/ (Matador Combo for several people or lots of leftovers)
Thai, from the nearby restaurant that was the first Thai food I ever ate (ages ago)
All of the above are very good, moderate in price and restaurants I'd return to over and over again (and have)
1st night - missed dinner due to my late flight, so ate in
2nd night - visiting with my NJ friend, so ate in
3rd night - visited with ellenem in the Village and had wonderful Hungarian food and gelato afterwards
4th night - visited with travelbuff and toured a bit of Harlem
5th night - visited with laurieco and had wonderful Vietnamese food
6th night - visited with a family member and ate (again) at a favorite Greek restaurant
7th night - finally got to visit with my friends in the Flatiron and they grilled out on their deck. Delish
RESTAURANTS - Links for the restaurants mentioned above -
East Village - Hungarian, Veselka - http://www.veselka.com/
West Village - Gelato, Grom - http://www.grom.it/eng/
UWS - Vietnamese, Saigon Grill - http://saigongrillnyc.com/
UWS - Greek - Kefi -http://www.kefirestaurant.com/
Order in - Pio Pio for Peruvian - http://www.piopio.com/ (Matador Combo for several people or lots of leftovers)
Thai, from the nearby restaurant that was the first Thai food I ever ate (ages ago)
All of the above are very good, moderate in price and restaurants I'd return to over and over again (and have)
Oct 17th, 2012, 07:06 PM
#16
Wandering via the bus - This trip was very different from any before. Inspired by edeevee I decided to see as much of the city as possible via bus. Perhaps my favorite day was the day it rained. I got to my first planned visit, it started raining at my second and instead of being disappointed I rode around the city enjoying being dry and watching the city go by. On the other days, when there was a choice to make, I'd choose a new route (not necessarily the fastest) and sit back and relax. Like edeevee and mama and friends found out, it was a great way to explore the city. NOT great if you have a tight schedule, but otherwise it works. It also kept me off the horrendously hot subway platforms in summer.
As much as I enjoyed my excursions, the bus travel confirmed for me how wonderful the Hop on/Hop off buses are for newbie visitors to the city. I would be standing at the bus stop, looking at the map, deciding what bus to take next..and I realized how NICE it is to not have to plan. The HOHO bus routes take you to the favorite points in NYC. Yes, if traffic is backed up in Times Square, get off and walk to the next stop outside of the congested area. But other than those blocks, it's a great way to get around. I took them on my first visits in the city, and with newbies to the city as well.
In any case, grab a MetroCard or buy a pass for the HOHO bus and enjoy exploring the city! 7 days, unlimited rides = $29 = best deal in the city http://www.mta.info/metrocard/mcgtreng.htm
Quick story, I ducked in my first subway station to buy a MetroCard from the machine, went through the gates, stood in the stuffy air of the platform, bought a cold water, walked to keep moving because I really hate the heat in the summer (can you tell?) and then walked right out of the exit. I'd prefer walking (even on achy feet) than wait for the subway. I think I rode the subway twice during the week. Thanks to edeevee (if you ever read this) for turning me on to the bus!
As much as I enjoyed my excursions, the bus travel confirmed for me how wonderful the Hop on/Hop off buses are for newbie visitors to the city. I would be standing at the bus stop, looking at the map, deciding what bus to take next..and I realized how NICE it is to not have to plan. The HOHO bus routes take you to the favorite points in NYC. Yes, if traffic is backed up in Times Square, get off and walk to the next stop outside of the congested area. But other than those blocks, it's a great way to get around. I took them on my first visits in the city, and with newbies to the city as well.
In any case, grab a MetroCard or buy a pass for the HOHO bus and enjoy exploring the city! 7 days, unlimited rides = $29 = best deal in the city http://www.mta.info/metrocard/mcgtreng.htm
Quick story, I ducked in my first subway station to buy a MetroCard from the machine, went through the gates, stood in the stuffy air of the platform, bought a cold water, walked to keep moving because I really hate the heat in the summer (can you tell?) and then walked right out of the exit. I'd prefer walking (even on achy feet) than wait for the subway. I think I rode the subway twice during the week. Thanks to edeevee (if you ever read this) for turning me on to the bus!
Oct 17th, 2012, 07:16 PM
#17
Thanks cpg! I arrived Friday and the luggage showed up late Saturday night. Two days in unsupportive shoes (and borrowed Crocs), capri pants (gasp!), and borrowed Tshirts and other stuff from my friend's closet. Friend is a LOT taller than me and her Crocs were large and ORANGE (I wonder if crefloors will see this TR). I looked like a clown, walking around the neighborhood. I. Did. Not. Care.
The luggage came in time for me to wear something decent to church. I wore shoes I'd just bought in Savannah. Went straight from the church to Harry's, then on to the matinee and met up with ellenem that evening. Those shoes from Harry's saved the trip!
I'm not much of an impulse buyer but I did buy a small bottle of verbena lotion from L'occitane at the airport. That became my perfume. AFTER the GTG my friend texted and told me where the Lancome samplers were in the closet. It all worked out, but I sure was glad to get my clothes and toiletries - and to get out of those capri pants.
The luggage came in time for me to wear something decent to church. I wore shoes I'd just bought in Savannah. Went straight from the church to Harry's, then on to the matinee and met up with ellenem that evening. Those shoes from Harry's saved the trip!
I'm not much of an impulse buyer but I did buy a small bottle of verbena lotion from L'occitane at the airport. That became my perfume. AFTER the GTG my friend texted and told me where the Lancome samplers were in the closet. It all worked out, but I sure was glad to get my clothes and toiletries - and to get out of those capri pants.
Oct 17th, 2012, 07:28 PM
#18
My favorite places to wander -
#1 - and my first stop - the 91st street garden and Riverside park - l'occihttp://www.nycgovparks.org/park-features/riverside-park/virtual-tour/91-garden
If you remember the last scene of You've Got Mail and the flowers in the garden in the middle of the paved path, well...there ya are! It's lovely. Any walk in Riverside Park is lovely. But most of all I just enjoy watching folks enjoying being outside in the city. Nannies with babies. Dogwalkers with dogs. Couples strolling. Runners running. People sitting on benches reading. I like seeing the same people day after day. I like the happy clamor coming from the playgrounds. I like talking to people about my pup or their pup or the flowers or butterflies. The volunteers were working in the garden and clusters were chatting and answering visitors' questions. Happy place.
#2 - Central Park, any part really. But mostly we just walk to the park, wander around a bit and then come on back home. Sweet pup loves the change of scenery and smells.
#3 - The Cloisters. I absolutely fell in love. But that description will have to wait for another day. Night y'all.
#1 - and my first stop - the 91st street garden and Riverside park - l'occihttp://www.nycgovparks.org/park-features/riverside-park/virtual-tour/91-garden
If you remember the last scene of You've Got Mail and the flowers in the garden in the middle of the paved path, well...there ya are! It's lovely. Any walk in Riverside Park is lovely. But most of all I just enjoy watching folks enjoying being outside in the city. Nannies with babies. Dogwalkers with dogs. Couples strolling. Runners running. People sitting on benches reading. I like seeing the same people day after day. I like the happy clamor coming from the playgrounds. I like talking to people about my pup or their pup or the flowers or butterflies. The volunteers were working in the garden and clusters were chatting and answering visitors' questions. Happy place.
#2 - Central Park, any part really. But mostly we just walk to the park, wander around a bit and then come on back home. Sweet pup loves the change of scenery and smells.
#3 - The Cloisters. I absolutely fell in love. But that description will have to wait for another day. Night y'all.
Oct 17th, 2012, 07:42 PM
#19
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Enjoying the details of the rest of your visit, though want to mention that Veselka is a Ukrainian restaurant. Waiting for your reaction to the Cloisters--I just made a return visit after many years.
Oct 17th, 2012, 07:58 PM
#20
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Please note Veselka is the Ukranian word for rainbow. And the founders are Ukranian and even describe the food today as "Ukranian Soul Food." And while there are some similarities, most Ukranians speak a distinct language from Magyar and practice a distinct relegion and there is a large active Ukranian Orthodox Church and museum just a few blocks from Veselka. In fact Magyar is a non-Indo European language while Ukranian is a Slavic langugae which is written in a varaition of Cyrillic script. And yes there is some bleeding and belnding of the cultures at the Hungry/Ukranian border but that constitutes a very, very tiny portion of the Ukrainian population.
http://www.veselka.com/index2.html
http://www.veselka.com/index2.html
