New York City points of view

     Well, this may be my last posting. We are leaving for home tomorrow and we expect to spend the day packing up and getting to the airport. Don did discover that we can take the M15 bus to Grand Central where we can get a bus directly to the airport. That will be good if we don’t have to drag suitcases up and down in the Subway!

     Some impressions of New York City: The people seem more friendly and helpful, perhaps due to the influence of 9/11. People are always offering me a seat on the Subway or bus, and, I must say, I am not too embarrassed to accept! The streets are always crowded and people still jump the lights (which makes me very nervous). It seems like the parks have become less accessible – most of the plantings have fences around them as do the lawns, so people sit on benches along the paths, but cannot walk among the greenery. We did not see many homeless people – perhaps we were just not in the right areas. Almost all the cars you see are taxis! When checking out at Trader Joe’s we had to wait in one of 2 lines. When we got to the front of the line we were directed to a numbered check out station to pay for our purchases. And I thought LA was bad! There are an amazing number of young families – on public transportation, the streets, and the parks. Even the dads seem to be good caretakers. It used to be everyone was dressed in dark colors. Now you see everything imaginable in fashion. My favorites are the light, swingy sundresses that look so cool and summery. There is construction everywhere. New Yorkers seem to be in love with new buildings, but they are also careful about preserving and refurbishing their old buildings. As Don says, you don’t see many fat New Yorkers! Everyone seems to walk (or run) everywhere. 

     It has been a great trip - but then it is always nice to go home!

Dinner with the Kleinbubs, our last event!