I Took Manhattan

Took a whirlwind trip to New York City last week.  I had not been to this thriving metropolis in some time, so it was good to see the sights and experience the grit and the grime and the local flavor.

I made many observations while I was there, and so I thought I’d share them with you.  Now, there’s nothing here of great significance or depth or value.  So if you’re looking for that type of blog today, keep on clicking (I recommend Burchett or Pritchard).

In the meantime, I apologize in advance if you live in NYC and disagree with me.  I mean you—and your city—no harm.  These are just my random thoughts, listed in no particular order. ...

Black is the new … black.  Why are New Yorkers afraid of color?  As my best friend’s mother used to say:  Any barn looks better painted.  (But I think she was actually talking about makeup).  Still, color makes us all look better and brings out the rosiness in our cheeks.

Jeans tucked into boots are de rigueur.  Where I come from, this look means you’re headed for your equestrian riding lesson.  And if you’re not female, not a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and don’t want to be labeled a “sissy” … well, don’t tuck.  And don’t say I didn’t warn you. 

Gloves, hats, scarves … they’re only for tourists.  I can’t tell you how many New Yorkers I saw braving the minus-10-degree wind chills sans these types of coverings.  With my four-plus layers, I think I may have had the last laugh. 

Bigger is better.  From towering sandwiches to mammoth slices of cheesecake, I have never seen such big food.  And they say everything is bigger in Texas.  Harumph.

Extras are extra.  That’s right.  You want your pie a la mode?  That’ll be an extra $4.50 please.  Melted cheese on your burger?  Another $5.  You want an extra napkin?  Bring your own.

Negative space … who needs it?  Cram as much as possible into your store’s front display windows.  Not an ounce of daylight needs to come through.  Fill up every possible nook and cranny.  In fact, just fit all of your store’s inventory in the storefront window, and you win. 

Some subways are clean.  Some are scary.  I traipsed around the city from the Upper East Side all the way down to Battery Park.  It was very interesting to see the condition of the subway stations depending on which ‘hood we were in.  Some were decorated with lovely mosaics, while others had more of an “industrial” and “deconstructionist” look going on. 

Everyone’s a “musician.”  A guy playing a trombone in a subway corridor.  A man warbling an incoherent phrase as he made his way in between cars.  An actress singing “A Spoonful of Sugar” in Mary Poppins (GREAT musical, BTW).  Everyone’s got some music in 'em in NYC. 

No “excuse me’s” necessary.  You bump into someone?  No problem.  Your tote-bag hits someone’s arm as you pass by?  Fuggedaboudit.  No one says “Excuse me” in NYC.  Guess it’s just understood.

It’s a great melting pot.  “Bring me your huddled masses. …”  And believe me, we were ALL huddling together on the cold and windy ferry ride over to Ellis Island.  Alabama.  Sweden.  Asia.  Russia.  You name the state, country or continent, and there was probably a representative there. 

Where’s the love?  In Little Italy.  If you need a hug or a peck on the cheek while you’re visiting The Big Apple, this is where you need to go.  And you can also get a decently priced plate o’ steaming pasta and sauce from Antonio while you wait.

Your #1 source for quality cashmere … If you’ve been holding out for the best deal on cashmere you can find, let me let you in on a little secret:  it’s not at Bergdorf’s.  Oh no.  It’s more conveniently located right on the streets.  100% gen-yoo-ine cashmere.  Uh huh.  Right next to the deal-of-the-century Prada bags.  Which are right next to the straight-from-the-factory Coach bags.  Which are right next to the. …

Water or water … Ordering “water” gets you bottled, expensive stuff.  Ordering “tap water” gets you tap water.  Glad that’s finally been cleared up.