Wednesday, September 8th, 2010

One of the first challenges on moving to New York is becoming familiar with the subway system. The numbers, the colors, uptown, downtown, all said it is very confusing. Fortunately you quickly learn the ropes and become the hometown pro glaring at the talking tourists in the morning. That said, the subway always has its quirks, one of which is local trains occasionally running on the express line during rush hour. This is one of the main reasons I do not like wearing headphones on the subway - you won't have a shot at hearing the announcements in these cases and all of a sudden you're five stops south of where you intended. But since I'm on a positive roll, this post isn't heading where you think! Every once in a while you get on a train that goes express for part of the trip and then makes local stops - and when the first local stop is yours, well that my friends is a great thing.

Verdict: Love New York Today

Monday, September 6th, 2010

The three-day weekend is a tricky beast in New York, particularly Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day. On these holidays one is expected to leave town. Many venture forth to the Hamptons, others to Fire Island and still others to family homes in Connecticut or even further afield to somewhere like Maine. Tell people that you are staying in town over one of these long weekends and they will likely look at you like you've grown a second head, and say something like "Why on earth...". But the truth is that staying in New York on these weekends is maybe one of the best decisions a local can make. First, you save yourself the hassle of physically getting out of town, a challenge even in the best of times. No Hampton jitney, no car service to the airport, no rushing to make a train. Just the simple commute home. And then, the glory of a semi-deserted city filled mostly by tourists who don't venture anywhere you want to be at anyway. You can get into restaurants that you'd never have a shot at otherwise on these weekends! Run the errands you want to run, like actually venturing into Trader Joe's and not coming out a lunatic ranting about lines that go all the way to the produce section! These weekends are glorious.

Verdict: Love New York Today

Tuesday, August 31st, 2010

A Walk with A View

 In New York, occasionally you walk down a different street and you stumble onto an amazing view. I did just that tonight and found myself with the spectacular view at left (the blackberry is a handy tool in moments like these!).

The Empire State Building is impressive from many vantage points but perhaps none more so than this one. Any guesses on the block?

And it is a lesson that bears repeating when living in New York. Make a small change off the regular route, and take in the city that is around you; you'll probably be surprised by what you stumble upon.

Verdict: Love New York Today

Monday, August 30th, 2010

Shipping Part 1

There are many facets to shipping in New York. Today, since I'm in a half-way decent mood, we'll cover a positive: things get here faster. Take Gilt Group for example. If you live in New York and you place an order, it will arrive within one day of receiving the notice that your package has shipped. No need to pay extra for overnight! Poof, it's here immediately! So much inventory comes through New York or is based somewhere near by that it is a safe bet things will get here quickly.

Verdict: Love New York Today

Sunday, August 22nd, 2010

Sometimes in New York, fate smiles on you. It happens like this: you wake up on Sunday morning and think that breakfast would be nice. You head to the Clinton Street Baking Company and to your dismay, despite it being 9:45am, you find out that the wait is an hour. You are determined and so you put your name down and settle in to wait. And then, lo and behold, no one wants the bar seats by the door! And so it happens that in fifteen minutes you are seated and ten minutes later enjoying a delicious brunch.

Verdict: Despite the weather, love New York today.

Tuesday, July 27th, 2010

Making your way home after work can be tedious in New York. What a breath of fresh air to hear the Opera Collective performers joyfully singing. Beautiful.

Verdict: Love New York Today

Wednesday, July 14th, 2010

It is remarkable the things we take for granted in New York. The fact that we can walk anywhere we want to go, whether it is for dinner, groceries, the movies, Bed Bath & Beyond, whatever - we can hoof it there. Although sometimes we end up nasty when we get there (hello summer humidity) the fact is that we can always get there, and that is a great thing.

Verdict: Love New York Today

Thursday, June 24th, 2010

So this picture is from the launch of the first iphone but it conveys almost exactly the same mayhem that was today in New York Apple stores. You can view the insanity of the same store today here.

Here's the thing - this is just a phone. If you wait 24 hours, or (good heavens) until next week, you will probably be able to walk into the store and buy one. What is the big deal with people in New York needing to be the first one to have these gadgets? They actually camp out for this (and I'm sure the Plaza across the street from the Fifth Avenue location just looooves all the people waltzing in to use the bathroom during the camp out sessions - where else are these people going? Pop Burger does close every night.).

New Verdict Addition: Laughing at New York Today

Friday, June 11th, 2010

Living in New York is unlike living anywhere else for many reasons, some good and some bad. But there are days when you walk outside and you just can't believe that you live in a city this amazing. To walk outside on a beautiful afternoon and see everything from The Plaza on Fifth Avenue to the flags flying on Wall Street and revel in the magnificence of the city.

Verdict: Love New York Today

Wednesday, June 2nd, 2010

The weather was beautiful today. Not too humid like it has been getting recently - where you feel like a layer of film is covering you the second you leave your air conditioned apartment. No, today was cool - the perfect day to head to an outside bar for happy hour after work. I didn't, but you know, I could have, and it would have been great.

Verdict: Love New York Today.