nyc
Boardwalk Empire - The Subway Edition
I’m not a big fan of the HBO series Boardwalk Empire. I tried watching a few episodes when it debuted earlier this year. But I just couldn’t get into it. But I can get into this advertising campaign. I heard about it a few days ago, and now Laughing Squid has a few photos. I’d love to see this in person. Too bad it won’t be around for long. But if you are in NYC, you should stop by and see - but only on the weekends.
More photos can be found on Laughing Squid’s blog post.
Irene
This is a photo of Grand Central Terminal in New York City. Mid-day. Nearly empty. It’s one of those photos you wish you could capture yourself, but probably won’t ever be able to do so. It was taken by the MTA and posted on Flickr. The reason why it’s nearly empty is due to Hurricane Irene.
Grand Central Terminal is a sight I’d like to revisit again. The place is huge. And when it’s filled with people it feels amazing. Oh, and they’re going to have an Apple Store there someday soon.
New York City Recap
Grand Central Terminal
It has been a week since we came back from our trip to New York City. I thought about writing a day-by-day account of our adventures in The Big Apple, but I think the Twitter postings during our trip suffice.
What I will do is point out some highs, and a few lows, on the trip.
Getting Around
Best Experience: Virgin America and walking. As expected, Virgin America provided an enjoyable airline experience. The plane is new and comfortable, and you have slight legroom. You get as many free drinks as you want, but no free food.
You are going to walk if you are in New York City. You’d be surprised how far your feet can carry you in the city. So bring a good pair of shoes, and prepare for a few blisters.
That’s one big M&M
Fine Experience: The Subway. Not as clean and easy to navigate at The Tube, but once we figured out where we wanted to go, the Subway was the best method to get there.
OK Experience: Taxicabs. The only time we took a cab was from JFK to Manhattan and back. It was a $60 investment each way (including toll and tip). Nice to know the cost upfront, but it seems a bit steep. I’m not sure how much it would be if it were not a flat rate (of $45).
Eating
Best: Gray’s Papaya. An amazing birthday dinner experience to have two dogs with onions and drink, only for $3.50! Also, Katz’s Delicatessen provided an amazing dining experience. If you want a corned beef or pastrami sandwich, you better stop by Katz’s in the Lower East Side.
Katz!!! Yum!!!
Fine: The Red Flame. A decent place to grab a quick breakfast. It was convenient, located just down the street from our hotel. They get you in and out as fast as possible. Cafe Habana is a very crowded place in Little Italy. Try the Cuban sandwich and the corn. Yum.
Bad: Maxie’s Delicatessen. Overpriced awful food. Also, how can you not make a good cup of coffee?
The Sights
It’s the Brooklyn Bridge!
Best: There are so many things to see in New York City. What still stands out in my mind are the Brooklyn Bridge, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and Grand Central Terminal. I love Grand Central Terminal. The first time seeing it, and having breakfast downstairs on a subsequent morning, will not leave my memory any time soon. Times Square is amazing, the first time you experience it, both day and night.
Walking down the spiral staircase at the Apple Store.
Fine: Top of the Rock, the NBC Studio tour, the Apple Store on 5th Avenue, and SoHo in general.
From the Top of the Rock
Bad: The third time going through Times Square. All the people just started getting on my nerves.
Other Things to Note
We also saw Young Frankenstein, our first Broadway play. The play was funny and entertaining even though Megan Mullally wasn’t performing that evening.
The Sofitel was the hotel we stayed at in Manhattan. Very nice hotel, with a pleasant room and splendid staff. If we were to go back to New York City and wanted to stay in Midtown again, I would want to stay here again.
Overall, the New York City experience was a great experience. A big thank you to my beautiful wife for giving me a fantastic birthday present, and memories we can share the rest of our lives.
[Note: For photos of our trip to NYC, please see the Photographs section.]
Twitter Updates for 2008-03-30
- Just got back from Gray's Papaya. Deciding if we should get a drink before packing. #
- Having a Long Island (and Farrah is having a Dirty Martini) @ Gaby's downstairs in the hotel. #
- Need to start packing. Checkout is @ Noon. Then to JFK to wait. Wonder how much the cab ride will be? #
- @ The Red Flame for the last time. #
- Is it a flat rate fare FROM Manhattan to JFK? #
- @ JFK early. Taxi ride was quick. #
- @ JFK watching the "Secure Wrap" dude wrap luggage. Guess people are willing to pay to have their luggage wrapped in seran wrap. #
- My NYC cell phone observation - most people have a Blackberry. The only time I saw an iPhone was when I was near an Apple store. #
Twitter Updates for 2008-03-29
- It's cold and windy at the Top of the Rock. We can see the Empire State Building all lit up. #
- @ Katsu-Hama for dinner. Yelp, don't fail me now #
- Having a small breakfast @ Grand Central Terminal. We picked up some pasteries from Junior's. #
- @ the Met. Not too crowded, yet. #
- Looking @ a Van Gough. #
- In the Greek & Roman art section. Farrah was scolded for taking video of me doing a Tim Gunn impression. #
- @ Temple of Dendur. Very calming. Nice view of Central Park. #
- Trying to figure out the best way to Prada SoHo. #
Twitter Updates for 2008-03-28
- Intermission @ Young Frankenstein. Too bad Megan Mullaly isn't playing her role. The show is good so far. #
- We just got up. Trying to get our bearings on what to do today. #
- @ The Red Flame again for breakfast. #
- Trying to find the correct subway station to take to Lower Manhattan. We're trying for the Brooklyn Bridge even though the weather is raw. #
- We are on the Brooklyn Bridge right now! #
- Visited St. Paul's & WTC. Very emotional as a noon service was starting at St. Paul's. #
Twitter Updates for 2008-03-27
- We are planning to see Lower Manhattan. Later in the day it's Central Park. We'll see how it goes. #
- Standing in line for the bus tour. We are taking the Gray Line Tour. #
- On the bus. We're by the seaport side. It's pretty cold now. We should have brought that extra jacket. #
- Learned term: "Blocking the box." When a persons car, truck, etc blocks the intersection, not allowing cross traffic to go through. #
- @ the Museum of Natural history, Dinosaur wing. My camera battery is dead. Dang it!!! #
Twitter Updates for 2008-03-26
- Driving to the airport. #
- OK, Virgin America is in the International terminal. #
- We've landed in New York City!!! #
- Our plane was initially early - good tailwind - but due to JFK traffic, we're stuck on the runway. #
- Farrah & I are in our first NYC taxi ride from the airport. #
- Morning traffic is heavy. Funny, our cab driver hasn't said much. He's talking lightly to someone on his bluetooth. #
- Eating brunch @ a place called Maxie's Restuarnt Bar. Priced are a bit steep for breakfast. #
- So breakfast was a bad idea. The best thing there was the water. My bacon was basically burnt bacon bits. #