NYC.
I
‘ve never been to New York City.
The farthest east I’ve been is Weirton, West Virginia, where they brew and bottle their own beer and make steel like it’s their job. Because it is.
I’m going to New York City this week with my wife and my family-in-law (mother-, father- and brother- to be exact.) I’m really curious to see if all the stereotypes of New Yorkers are true:
“They’re all rude.”
“You’ll get mugged. Wear a fanny pack.”
“All the cabbies smell.”
“They’ll stab you if you go into the Park after dark.”
“All they eat is pizza.”
“Bums urinate on the subway.”
“The city never sleeps. Wait, that’s Las Vegas. Isn’t it? Shoot. I’ll just have a bagel with lox and call it a day.”
You get the idea.
Have you ever been to New York City? What should we see? What should we avoid? Where’s the best place to get pizza? Best place to get coffee (if you say “Central Perk” I will kindly respond by saying, “it’s not a real place. Trust me, I’ve already looked into it.”)?
My father-in-law is from this area. He even played college football for the Syracuse Orangemen. I must say, I’m glad he’ll be with us, leading us on our maiden voyage to what could be a “strange land” for this Midwestern guy. I’m glad he’ll be there, a.) because it will be fun to get to know him and my mother-in-law better and, b.) he will serve as our interpreter/guide/overall thug in case any New Yorkers give us guff. (After I asked for his blessing to marry Kerry – my now-wife, his daughter – he gave me a hug and slapped my back so hard I thought a vertebrae had dislodged and fallen out the bottom of my shoe.) Skadoosh suckas!
So, I bid you all farewell and shall return to this glorious blog on Monday, July 14th. Follow my trip via Twitter at www.twitter.com/JustinWise.
Alright J-YOU have to go to the Apple store on 5th ave. It is really cool. If are up for a really cool history lesson that is incredibly moving go to Ellis Island and take the audio tour-but don’t go on Friday morning as that is often field trip day-I think even for summer programs. If you don’t-at least take the Staten Island Ferry as night-gorgeous views of the city. Ground Zero of course and the Dean and Deluca in Rockafeller Center is a great place to people watch. Oh-for you and Kerry-go to Cafe Lalo on the Upper East side-it’s this great little cafe that they filmed You’ve Got Mail in-it truly is enchanting. Hmm…if I think of more I will let you know. Have a blast!
Oh and J-I walked all over the city one night by myself in the rain. Don’t be afraid-it’s not so scary!
Sorry I’m too late. I’ve gone to NYC the last 4 years. No, New Yorkers are not rude. They’re some of the friendliest people I’ve ever met. As far as getting mugged, I felt very safe and I’ve gone by myself. I don’t know about bums but homeless gotta go where they gotta go. Even in Des Moines urination is done in the stairs to the skywalks etc. Must sees are Grand Central Terminal (yes terminal not station). Ellis Island. Walk the Brooklyn Bridge. Central Park. Times Square.
I did not see any urination while I was there… the only rudeness I encountered was at Katz’s deli (the one where that scene from When Harry Met Sally was filmed at, but they make a mean corned beef sandwich… There is an amazing restaurant called Penelope’s and it’s cheep too, it’s a few blocks away from Park Ave, not sure which direction, so sorry that’s not much help… and then, the best cupcakes Ive ever eaten were at Magnolia’s bakery, it’s open late and night and there might be a short line to get in, but it’s worth it.. I don’t even like cupcakes, and I loved it there.. so those were my favorite places! We felt safe every place we went, so no worries!