Monday, February 28th, 2011 - A Smelly Homeless Guy on the Subway

I just got back from vacation and was already dreading the morning rush to work. So it is no surprise that my commute today included a nasty New York moment.

When the subway train rolled into Times Square today I thought to myself "what luck! empty subway seats!" - after all it can be tough getting a seat during the morning commute. I stepped in, ready to sit down and continue my reading, when I was halted in my steps by the most horrible odor. I looked to the left and located the source - a homeless guy sitting (maybe sleeping?) hunched over on the left end of the train. I thought maybe if I went to the complete other end it would be ok. It wasn't. As everyone evacuated the train through the back door, I had to make a run for it at the next stop. It was unbearable.

Now don't get me wrong, I feel bad for the guy. But I've encountered a LOT of homeless people, both in New York and in other cities I've lived in - and NONE of them smelled this bad. I can't describe it, all I know is it was not the way to start my Monday.

Verdict: Hate New York Today (no surprise there!)

Saturday, February 26th, 2011 - Newark Airport, International Arrivals

So here is what I realized today - Newark's international arrival area is awesome! Surprisingly easy to navigate, uncrowded - we whizzed through customs - it was what arriving home should be. It was my first time flying into Newark on an international carrier and I have to say, I think I might specifically look for flights going into EWR rather than LaGuardia or JFK going forward.

Verdict: Love New York Today

Tuesday, February 15th, 2011 - A Night at Grand Central

Living in New York (and being a West-sider, a distinction I should cover at some point) it can be easy to forget how truly beautiful Grand Central Station is. The lobby is just gorgeous; massive, with people rushing to make trains. You can always tell the tourists because they're the ones pausing to appreciate the building and actually take pictures. So recently, I decided to join them and snap off a picture or two. Enjoy!

Verdict: Love New York Today

Monday, February 14th, 2011 - Happy Valentine's Day!

Another year, another Valentine's Day. What is there to say? I saw a number of ladies carrying around single roses, arm in arm with their men. When I got off my subway ride home though, there the fun began. I have never seen the flower shop at the bodega so decimated - two whole rows empty! Men lined up to buy bouquets before reaching home. Very cute and very comical.

Verdict: Love New York Today

Wednesday, February 9th, 2011 - Penn Station is a Mad House

Seriously, Penn Station is crazy during rush hour. People dart and dash, walking by so fast that if you're not watching where you're going you will run into someone within seconds. Today as I walked through I saw a guy's ipod earbuds get stuck on a woman's purse as she passed by. She had no idea she was dragging them along with her and he quickly grabbed them back and shook his head. Danger Zone.

Verdict: Love New York Today

Monday, February 7th, 2011 - Subway Alarms

For those unfamiliar with the New York subway system, every exit has a swinging door that, when opened from the track-side, will set off a very loud alarm. It is repetitive, annoying and very very loud. Unfortunately that doesn't stop impatient people who must. get. through. the. subway. doors. now! So they push through the door and set off the alarm that all of the rest of us are then forced to listen to. Super annoying.

Verdict: Hate New York Today

Sunday, February 6th, 2011 - Woodbury Commons!

I have to say that one of the perks of living up here is proximity to Woodbury Commons, which may be one of the best outlet malls in the country. They have it all: Gucci, Prada, Fendi, Ed Hardy (ok, maybe not so much on the last one). Now don't go expecting the Williams Sonoma outlet to be there because it was shut down much to our dismay. And Chanel is gone as well. But the rest of the stores more than make up for it and we got to see some stunning icicles as well. 

Verdict: Love New York Today

Tuesday, February 1st, 2011 - Danger Zone

Obviously this year we've had a seemingly unprecedented amount of snow. Which is why for the first time I'm seeing these cones with hazard tape up everywhere. Maybe I'm slow but at first I couldn't figure out what they were for and then it finally hit me: it's a warning about falling ice. You see these around a lot of the bigger buildings and I've now realized that I'm walking through a danger zone every day when I walk to work. Awesome.

Verdict: Have New York Today