I’m referring to New York, of course. The Empire State building, which I walked by a short while ago, is still pretty lovely (it has to be said that I’m more of a Chrysler building man, myself – must go and have a look for it).
It’s been several years since those days when I used to use New York as my Summer base camp, and it’s been too long. Four or five years, I think. I’d forgotten how much I missed the city, to be honest. It is certainly good to be back and see it all again, including the bitterly cold wind that can be channeled down the grid streets with the bits of snow side by side underfoot.
The city is even greater in my mind now that you can so easily connect to the airport using the subway, train and the AirTrain. (As I’ve discussed in other posts I am sure the same enhancement (but massively more so) will happen to Los Angeles when the new subway/train lines are built). When I was last here, the infrastructure for the AirTrain was still under construction, so it is good to see it complete. Same goes for the Time Warner center at Columbus Circle, with its rather bizarre and unexpected (but wonderful and successful – it’s like a party in celebration of food) placing of a Whole Foods flagship supermarket (plus) right in the center of the development.
It brought tears to my eyes (really) when I emerged from the train at Penn station to see the “Hot and Crusty” pastry store inside the station that I used to always get a scone and a coffee from while running for a train to Princeton, each day in the Fall of 1999. Happy memories.
It brought further tears to my eyes to get on the uptown #1 subway train only to see everyone in a dash to the next carriage at the next stop because their first choice had been spectacularly stunk out by a guy lying in the corner. In this case, tears from the smell, you see. Ah… it’s like I never left. I love the subway here, warts and all.
Will find some time to wander about and visit some old favourites tomorrow. Right now tired from the day of strange business here. Will fill you in a little bit shortly.
-cvj
I also prefer the Chrysler building to the Empire State, although I prefer the Flatiron building to that.
After 15 years living in London, even if it is the coolest city in the world, I’ve had enough of cities. I’m glad to be here in rural North-East America.
f. – All my information on that sort of thing is probably out of date now…
Jeff:- Maybe!
-cvj
Hi Clifford,
You know, I think I might have been on the same subway carriage on the uptown #1 that you refer to!!!
Cheers
Jeff
The question of an affordable hotel room would be the first on my mind when thinking about a visit to Manhattan. Whats currently the bright idea in this regard?
Best,
F.
Hi Clifford,
I have never been in NY. People keep telling me I have to…
Two weeks ago, when I was in California, one night I couldn’t find a hotel room in LA (well, not below $200, two nights before the Oscars). Since I was only driving around anyway I drove up to Santa Barbara (sweet memories and such), and went to the Cafe where I used to go. The lady working there looked at me, came immediately up with the drink I used to have, and asked me where I’ve been so long. I was really impressed.
I kind of feel like you’ve made a place home when people recognize you in your favourite cafe (the PI bistro doesn’t count).
Best,
B.