New York, New York, Not

Back from flying trip to New York to see Jake, Anne and Wil before they moved to Madison, WI. We arrived at LaGuardia International (surprise, it had not changed from the last time I was there, except then I was heading from Long Island, not Manhattan).

Jake met us right out side the secure area, we got the one suit case and piled into a taxi for a daring ride to midtown Manhattan. Not bad, quick given the usual amount of traffic, narrow streets and, well you know, New Yorkers. The ride was pretty quick and we dumped off on 2nd Avenue right on the corner closest to the hotel. The hotel was quite nice, not shabby as I expected but not cheap either. I would expect a bit more posh for the prices we paid, but I guess I was expecting more for my money than one can buy in Manhattan.

After registering, plunking down the suit case we headed up the hill to Jake and Anne's "Studio" appartment at 5 Tudor Place. It was maybe three or four blocks from the hotel. It was a nice place, quaint. Across from the United Nations building but you can not see the UN from their appartment. They do look out on the East River. Nice view of Queens. Though in a few years the vacant lot in between them and the East River will have yet another building blocking the view. But they are moving out so . . .

The studio appartment is tiny but they seem to have it under control. One would not consider a cocktail party there but a couple of guests would be okay - for a while. It really is an efficiency type set up and one must remain efficient to live there. But it comes with door men, a small kiosk for necessities and location above all. It has a small park out front of 10 Tudor and 15 Tudor. Across the street from Jake and Anne is 2 Tudor. All these buildings date from 1927 or so. And Jake and Anne's place is on the 19th floor, only two above them. Did I mention it is 225 or so square feet in size!

And they are cramed in there with Wil, the baby that yet demands more efficient use of what little space they have. And a cat named Elsie. But they seem happy and satisfied and well adjusted.

Oh yes, there is also Elise, the cat. Elsie stayed camped out in a small spot in a closet as far away as she can get. The night Judie and I baby sat Wil so that Jake and Anne could have a night out together, she came out couple of times. Its not that she dislikes Wil, she seems to tolerate him just fine, she is very shy and nocturnal in nature. Perhaps she will be more out going in Madison with more space to gad about in.

Jake walked us all over the place, he is really a good tour guide of Manhattan. We took a Gray line bus at Times Square and did the Manhattan. It was bitterly cold and the bus had an open canopy in the back. Naturally, the only seats available were right next to the open area. As the tour went, people got off and we moved foward to more comfortable area.

The next day we rode the subway up to City Park and walked through the area. Really enjoyed see the park, nice in the middle of a massive city. And yes, we walked and walked and walked. Judie did not get to see the Macy windows, there was a mass gaggle of people gawking at them.

Having been in Paris, Tokyo, Soeul, Los Angeles and yes, even New Orleans, we found the New Yorkers quite nice and not pushy. No, we did not seen any crime, no bums on the streets like we did in Phoenix and surprisingly clean streets. There were no panhandlers and we did see lots of dogs on leashes, etc.

Yes, it was expensive but it was also good food with large servings. We ate at the Capitol Grille, excellent steak, and great service. Yes, it was pricy but given the circumstances, okay.

They will soon be moving, heading out for Madison. They hope to lease their appartment, that should not be to much of a problem as it is really fixed up well. It has been updated and they are getting ready to install a new airconditioning/heating unit to make it even better.

Yes, we enjoyed ourselves. But I glad I do not have to ever go back there again. Not my kind of living, to much walking and very pricy.