A first time for everything...

August 9, 2006 at 4:33 PM

Yep, it was a first. After 30ish years in education, I misssed the first day of school! Thankfully, I didn't have a classroom full of eager faces waiting for me, but it still made me feel guilty. The good part of the story is... I was STUCK in NYC! Big smile. One of my daughters has been in NYC for a few weeks working on a business project and I scored a buddy pass from a Delta employee to fly up for a weekend visit. Had no trouble getting there Friday afternoon, but was still #133 on the stand-by list late Sunday evening when I tried to get back home. Delta had lots of problems, so it was Tuesday before I got back. How grim! (another BIG smile)

NYC was great. I've been to NY several times in the last few years, so on this trip, I just pretended like NYC was my new home town and didn't do any of the touristy stuff. Christen was staying at the Hudson Hotel (a real treat) and the location was perfect for exploring plus there was a Whole Foods market in the big shopping complex on Columbus Circle. We shopped, walked Central Park and zipped around to different areas on the subway like real New Yorkers. The musicians on the subway and in Central Park are so cool. Had dinner at Mercer Kitchen Saturday night and that was a great experience. We stumbled on a young artists market in Soho and bought unique handmade items plus it was a great time for end of summer sales every where. Christen had to work Monday, so I strolled Madison Ave. and window shopped the designer stores, bought a street vendor hot dog and sat in the park and did some major people watching. Why is it that dogs in NYC don't bark? I must have seen 150 dogs over the 4 days I was there and not a single one of them ever barked. Our PBGV is a real barkster, so I'd like to know the secret. PS...I love NYC.

From John Chew
Posted on August 9, 2006 at 10:06 PM

My violin teacher is actually on 58th street (the same block as the Hudson Hotel) between 9th and 10th avenue. I used to go for drinks with friends at the Hudson Hotel. It is such a fabulous and chic hotel. I've never stayed there (I am a NYC resident after all) but I've taken advantage of its bar. Drinks are expensive though!

I love the AOL-Time Warner building. I like the huge open glass area that allows an almost panoramic view of Columbus Circle. I think the space is utilized so much better. I've eaten at Whole Foods once and think it is great.

I looked up Mercer Kitchen. I've never eaten there before, but the owner/chef has several other restaurants in the city. I believe he also owns the French restaurant "Jean Georges" also near the AOL-Time Warner complex on Columbus Circle. I had two amazing meals there with my girlfriend. We splurged once when I was still working as a tax consultant and spent $300+ for dinner. The wine we ordered was almost $100. But, that was a memorable meal. I have to keep Mercer Kitchen in mind. I'll save my dimes and pennies for that.

I'm glad you enjoyed your stay. In the area of the Hudson Hotel there are actually quite a few famous violin makers. Charles Ruffino, and some others. But for now, my Kallo Bartok and JKS bow keeps me happy.

Thanks for writing about your time in New York!

From Pauline Lerner
Posted on August 10, 2006 at 6:39 AM

That sounds like a lot more fun than the first day of school.

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