***New York*** (2 Viewers)

[Mad Cow]

Yes,  we did the pedestal.  Pretty cool. Amazing weather day.  Clear blue skies and 60. Tomorrow more of the same.  Walked around Times Square a little after dinner, too.

Now tomorrow morning I have a break in the action with a few hrs of class.  Then it will be The High Line, hopefully a little MoMA, dinner then Les Mis.  That's a done day.

 

[Mad Cow]

Oh and yes the crown is open.

 

[Mad Cow]

Oh and including my 5 mile run, my Garmin 235 tells me I did 18.2 miles on foot today.  

 

[jon_mx]

So,  busy day.  5 mile run on East River.  Fantastic.  9/11 Memorial then Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.  Got to the Brooklyn Bridge and crossed over and back.  Subway to Javits for packet.  Subway to Times Square.  Walked around.  Went to Rockefeller Center and did Top of the Rock. Now at Trattoria Trecolori and it's very good.  Next stop back to hotel.  We are tired. 

That is quite a day.  

 

[rodg12]

Have they ever opened up the crown to the public?  Always wanted to go up there.  I remember being disappointed when I first visited and realized that was not part of the tour.  

It's open, but you have to book it 3+ months in advance.  When I called them today, there was a message saying the first Crown opening was August.

 

[El Floppo]

4yo floppinha got the G&T score needed to go to her brother's school!  

Too bad nyc doe couldnt afford hendricks though. We've been sweating this because were out of zone and not guaranteed a spot in the gen ed at his school. Would've been a major drag having two drop off and pick ups. Plus, the school has been great for Floppinho. 

PHEW! We can relax until middle school applications. 

 

[Major]

4yo floppinha got the G&T score needed to go to her brother's school!  

Too bad nyc doe couldnt afford hendricks though. We've been sweating this because were out of zone and not guaranteed a spot in the gen ed at his school. Would've been a major drag having two drop off and pick ups. Plus, the school has been great for Floppinho. 

PHEW! We can relax until middle school applications. 

Congrats buddy!  I hear the competition in NYC is brutal and a major PIA for parents (especially if you're on a budget).  Makes me wonder how my friends balance all of that in NYC.  I have a hard time just watering my plants.  

 

[DA RAIDERS]

.

 

[El Floppo]

Congrats buddy!  I hear the competition in NYC is brutal and a major PIA for parents (especially if you're on a budget).  Makes me wonder how my friends balance all of that in NYC.  I have a hard time just watering my plants.  

thanks, gb. we're at public school, so competition is more about where you live for general ed, or how the kid tests for gifted and talented (a program mostly within and a part of gen ed schools). if you live someplace nice (ie: expensive), chances are you've got a nice school right in your hood. except for Brooklyn. I think the private school entry is where things get crazy competitive, all for the right to send somebody 40k to teach your 5yo how to color.

 

[El Floppo]

.

there's no curling here.

 

[rodg12]

Just scored Pedestal tickets for the Statue of Liberty for Monday morning.

Tentative itinerary:

Saturday: Fly in to LGA, taxi to hotel, wonder around hotel vicinity (maybe St. Patrick's church and 5th Ave).

Sunday: MoMA and Guggenheim

Monday: Statute of Liberty/Ellis Island (9 AM ticket) then 9/11 museum and memorial (2 PM ticket), tickets to an improv show at UCB at 9 PM

Tuesday: Times square, get Broadway tickets, explore around somewhere, maybe Grand Central Station, maybe Washington Square, got Broadway that night

Wednesday: The Met, Top of the Rock at 7:30

Thursday: Highline (?), Yankees game that night

Friday: Frick Museum, wander around Central Park, meet up with friend of GF that night

Saturday: Probably going to Highline with the friend of GF, find a nice place to eat Saturday night

Sunday: Fly Home

Will definitely sprinkle in everyone's food suggestions throughout.  I appreciate all the help everyone in the thread has given me.

 

[Mad Cow]

Slower day so far.  Classes, then walked the High Line. Grabbed some lunch at the Chelsea Market. Got a lobster roll,  pretty good, very fun area.  Then subway to MoMA for just a little.  Fun seeing the masters like Van Gogh, Cezanne, etc.  Could have done without seeing 98% of the 1960s floor (4th) including the Dong Chair.  Good for some laughs though. 

Off to dinner in a bit then Les Mis.

 

[DA RAIDERS]

there's no curling here.

who the #### doesn't stay right?

 

[jamny]

Slower day so far.  Classes, then walked the High Line. Grabbed some lunch at the Chelsea Market. Got a lobster roll,  pretty good, very fun area.  Then subway to MoMA for just a little.  Fun seeing the masters like Van Gogh, Cezanne, etc.  Could have done without seeing 98% of the 1960s floor (4th) including the Dong Chair.  Good for some laughs though. 

Off to dinner in a bit then Les Mis.

You really lucked out with the weather! Gonna be a great spring weekend.

 

[jamny]

Little Italy, 43rd between Madison and 5th. 

There are other "Little Italy" locations, including one on 45th bt 5/6 (right across from Park Italian, actually) that are unaffiliated and much worse. 

I actually think the one across from Park Italian is pretty decent. I'll have to check out the other one. So many poor options in the city for pizza.

 

[fantasycurse42]

I've made an important decision just now; I will never ride the F ever again. Despite the convenience due to location for me, that is the ####tiest line in the city. Always delayed and always overcrowded, prob 30-40% of the time (during morning / afternoon commute).

I'll be walking an extra .5 miles a day, but I'll be happier using either the 2, 3, 4, or 5. In the future as well, I will walk a little further to avoid the F for most scenarios. The school my son goes to is close to the 2, 3, 4, and 5 and I've just noticed all year long how much less these lines are delayed and how they aren't nearly as overcrowded.

While waiting for the F at 14th for about 15 minutes just now, and my third time dealing with this in my last 5 days commuting (the next 2-3 F's that come will be crowded to the point where I don't want to get on), I walked the underpass to the 2/3, hopped on a 2 within 3 minutes of getting to the platform, got a seat, and typed this up on my comfy ride home.

Good riddance & #### you F Train!

 

[Koya]

I've made an important decision just now; I will never ride the F ever again. Despite the convenience due to location for me, that is the ####tiest line in the city. Always delayed and always overcrowded, prob 30-40% of the time (during morning / afternoon commute).

I'll be walking an extra .5 miles a day, but I'll be happier using either the 2, 3, 4, or 5. In the future as well, I will walk a little further to avoid the F for most scenarios. The school my son goes to is close to the 2, 3, 4, and 5 and I've just noticed all year long how much less these lines are delayed and how they aren't nearly as overcrowded.

While waiting for the F at 14th for about 15 minutes just now, and my third time dealing with this in my last 5 days commuting (the next 2-3 F's that come will be crowded to the point where I don't want to get on), I walked the underpass to the 2/3, hopped on a 2 within 3 minutes of getting to the platform, got a seat, and typed this up on my comfy ride home.

Good riddance & #### you F Train!

FC WAIT!  / F Train

 

[Nick Vermeil]

I've made an important decision just now; I will never ride the F ever again. Despite the convenience due to location for me, that is the ####tiest line in the city. Always delayed and always overcrowded, prob 30-40% of the time (during morning / afternoon commute).

I'll be walking an extra .5 miles a day, but I'll be happier using either the 2, 3, 4, or 5. In the future as well, I will walk a little further to avoid the F for most scenarios. The school my son goes to is close to the 2, 3, 4, and 5 and I've just noticed all year long how much less these lines are delayed and how they aren't nearly as overcrowded.

While waiting for the F at 14th for about 15 minutes just now, and my third time dealing with this in my last 5 days commuting (the next 2-3 F's that come will be crowded to the point where I don't want to get on), I walked the underpass to the 2/3, hopped on a 2 within 3 minutes of getting to the platform, got a seat, and typed this up on my comfy ride home.

Good riddance & #### you F Train!

You'll be back as soon as the 2 train strands you in the tunnel. 

 

[El Floppo]

F train is terrible.

signed,

daily F train rider.

Floppinho has no problem pushing his way on board- usually harder for me to follow. I've noticed too... if we get on a train before 8:10- always room. afterwards? sardines. fortunately Jr likes getting to school early.

I used to take the 2/3 when I was on RSD and 96th.,.. those sucked too- always packed (caveat: info is from last century)

 

[El Floppo]

who the #### doesn't stay right?

lol. I did say left, didn't I. amend. STAY TO THE MOTHER####ING RIGHT

 

[massraider]

I hope Mad Cow had a good run- beautiful, albeit brisk morning for it.

I don't want to bring politics in here other than to say this- this is the first Primary I've ever been involved with where I feel like my vote is actually going to matter... feeling pretty excited about it. I've only voted in NY and CA- primary races usually long finished by the time I vote.

plus I get to replace good ol' Shelly in a special election. I'm more excited for the campaigners to leave me the #### alone- non-stop phone calls, door bell ringing (including at my actual apartment, not building, on a saturday morning).

one of these is seemingly not like the others:

If you live in Manhattan's 65th State Assembly district (the Financial District, Chinatown, the Lower East Side, Little Italy and Battery Park City), you'll be voting for an assembly member to replace former Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, who'd held his seat for nearly 40 years before a federal jury found him guilty in November on charges of fraud, extortion and money laundering. Here are the four candidates in the running, nominated by their respective parties:

► Lester Chang (Republican Party), a businessman and naval reservist.

► Alice Cancel (Democratic Party), a longtime Democratic district leader from the Lower East Side, who works for Comptroller Scott Stringer.

► Yuh-Line Niou (Working Families Party), chief of staff for Queens Assemblyman Ron Kim.

► Dennis Levy (Green Party), president of New York State’s Committee to Legalize Marijuana.

My main man from Hotel Chantelle is big on Yuh-Line Niou.  The Times endorsed here, I think?

 

[Mad Cow]

United canceled our flight home through Denver due to the weather.  Not until Sunday mind you.   So we rebooked via Newark so I get to experience that one,  too.  Any thoughts on when to leave for an 8am flight? 

 

[higgins]

That's one airport that is convenient via the subway. Penn station west towards Newark is 3 subway stops, then the air train directly to airport. 

 

[jamny]

We travel a lot and I've never been to Newark airport.

 

[RUSF18]

That's one airport that is convenient via the subway. Penn station west towards Newark is 3 subway stops, then the air train directly to airport. 

8am flight if you didn't see...no way in hell he should be taking the trains.

You won't be dealing with any traffic. If you're checking bags, leaving at 5:30 will give you plenty of time. 6 if you're not. 

 

[Nick Vermeil]

Criminey. Newark?  You should just go hit port authority bus terminal before you leave town to complete the travel armpit trifecta. 

 

[higgins]

8am flight if you didn't see...no way in hell he should be taking the trains.

You won't be dealing with any traffic. If you're checking bags, leaving at 5:30 will give you plenty of time. 6 if you're not. 

Correctomundo, I did not see the flight time. You are good to go with a cab, but...you may want to check if your hotel is affiliated with any car service (rather than a cab) to get you there quicker/cheaper.
 

 

[dparker713]

Criminey. Newark?  You should just go hit port authority bus terminal before you leave town to complete the travel armpit trifecta. 

Newark's the best of the 3 major airports by a pretty comfortable margin.

 

[Major]

Criminey. Newark?  You should just go hit port authority bus terminal before you leave town to complete the travel armpit trifecta. 

Haha.  You can take one of these bus shuttles from Port Authority if you're traveling alone but if you're in a group, it probably make more sense to cab it.  A taxi will end up being roughly the same price with 4 people:  https://newarkairportexpress.com/Newark/Home

 

[Mad Cow]

We did 5.5 miles running at CP this morning.  Outstanding weather!  Blossoms going crazy,  blue skies,  great day.  Grabbed a waffle at the Waffle and Dinges cart and ate it by a pond then walked to Grand Central Station, saw that and grabbed the 6 back to our hotel.

We have done all we wanted to I think,  so today is all about just doing whatever.  Which is probably good for a Saturday here,  huh? 

 

[El Floppo]

8am flight if you didn't see...no way in hell he should be taking the trains.

You won't be dealing with any traffic. If

 

[El Floppo]

The ####. Neat board. 

I'm in times square RIGHT NOW yelling Mad Cows name. He appears to be dressed as spider man

 

[jon_mx]

The ####. Neat board. 

I'm in times square RIGHT NOW yelling Mad Cows name. He appears to be dressed as spider man

I always pictured him as naked cowboy.  

 

[DA RAIDERS]

Peter luger's. Worth it?

 

[Mad Cow]

Heading back out now.  Will yell El Floppo and see if I can find you. 

 

[Major]

Peter luger's. Worth it?

I wouldn't say it's the best but quality steakhouse.  I enjoyed it.  Get the bacon.  

 

[Mad Cow]

Fwiw the West Side Steakhouse was excellent.  Really enjoyed it. 

For dinner tonight,  we found a small Chinese place around 39th called Szechuan Gourmet I think.  Wonderful food.

 

[Mad Cow]

After showering, we headed south to Katz's Deli. Great food, pastrami was awesome.  Walked down towards Chinatown and Little Italy. Watched a little of a men's soccer game in a small park.  The Italian team was good but they cried like babies and Lebroned like crazy. 

Subway back up to CP.  Hit some stores, Century 21 and then walked through CP again up to the Museum of Natural History.  Spent 75 minutes there.  Worked back down towards Rockefeller and some shops.  Got dinner, back to hotel, dropped off crap then back for one last crazy hurrah in Times Square. Now back and packed.  Did almost 20 miles on foot today including the run.  

It's been fantastic,  my NYC friends.  Thank you for your help and kindness.  Loved it here.  Hope we make our flight now. It's gonna be early. 

 

[El Floppo]

Katzs and that soccer field is where you should've been yelling my name... that's literally my stomping grounds.

Sounds like you did it up,  MC. Glad you had a good trip. 

 

[RUSF18]

For dinner tonight,  we found a small Chinese place around 39th called Szechuan Gourmet I think.  Wonderful food.

My favorite in the city besides Wo Hop. It's a real popular lunch spot. 

 

[Nick Vermeil]

My favorite in the city besides Wo Hop. It's a real popular lunch spot. 

Wo Hop basement is the best. I'm due for a trip. 

 

[Koya]

Peter luger's. Worth it?

Absolutely. 

Its still the best steak I've had in a consistent basis.  IMO not at all over rated and worry every penny - though it's no more and at times less than comparable steakhouses. Just bring cash, no ccs accepted except house accounts.

 

[Mad Cow]

Katzs and that soccer field is where you should've been yelling my name... that's literally my stomping grounds.

Sounds like you did it up,  MC. Glad you had a good trip. 

Me yelling el floppo at that soccer game would have served 2 purposes then. 

 

[El Floppo]

My fattorite in the city besides Wo Hop. It's a real popular lunch spot. 

Still havent been, even thiugh Its right by work.

 

[Major]

After showering, we headed south to Katz's Deli. Great food, pastrami was awesome.  Walked down towards Chinatown and Little Italy. Watched a little of a men's soccer game in a small park.  The Italian team was good but they cried like babies and Lebroned like crazy. 

Subway back up to CP.  Hit some stores, Century 21 and then walked through CP again up to the Museum of Natural History.  Spent 75 minutes there.  Worked back down towards Rockefeller and some shops.  Got dinner, back to hotel, dropped off crap then back for one last crazy hurrah in Times Square. Now back and packed.  Did almost 20 miles on foot today including the run.  

It's been fantastic,  my NYC friends.  Thank you for your help and kindness.  Loved it here.  Hope we make our flight now. It's gonna be early. 

 Well played Mad Cow.   Got tired just reading about all your adventures.  I think you did as much sightseeing as I did in 10 years living there.  

 

[DA RAIDERS]

roosevelt hotel on e 45th street has decent prices, any thoughts?

 

[RUSF18]

roosevelt hotel on e 45th street has decent prices, any thoughts?

Perfectly fine. Nothing fancy but obviously a good location.

 

[fantasycurse42]

Wow the LES is a different world over the last few years... I went out in the area Saturday night for the first time in a while, different than what I had remembered, pure chaos over there.

 

[El Floppo]

Wow the LES is a different world over the last few years... I went out in the area Saturday night for the first time in a while, different than what I had remembered, pure chaos over there.

where'd you go?

welcome to my world/hell, btw.

 

[Koya]

PIANO'S still around? My cuz used to play there a lot way back (through mid 00s maybe?)

God its a beautoful day. If only we could post images... holding my afternoon calls overlooking a calm LI Sound, Jeep top off, clear view over to New Rochelle and Rye and even the towers in White Plains.