When we first got off the train in Rome, I kept forgetting I was in Italy, we hadn't yet spotted any of the classic sights, but we're just strolling through the crowded streets with hearing all kinds of different languages and I simply kept thinking I was in NY. At least as I imagined what NY would be like.
And up until May 8th of this year, I didn't realize how wrong I was.
In my second to last post I told you I sneaked a quick overnight trip on our anniversary in NY on our way to Venice and then eventually our cruise.
First, let me warn you if you fly SW, they assume you have no knowledge of NY airports, so they include Long Island ISLIP as a NYC destination. Since the one way flight into ISLIP was about $100 each and JFK or Newark was at least $300 to $400 each. I grabbed into them. Then when I went looking into getting from Long Island to NYC, we were stayhing at the Belvedere. I found we would have to lug our luggage over about 20 types of public transport or I could try to arrange our own transfer.
Thankfully, my traveler nephew found a site called Book A Limo who is apparently a limo broker. For the bargain price of $100 we got a 45 minute ride with a sweet driver in a great car. He had been in NY 26 years, originally an Indian who had raised two daughters who were becoming doctors. He proudly wore the American Dream in his sleeve.
We decended the escalators to find this sharp dressed man holding a sign with my name on it. It was the first in many great surprises.
He helped us with our luggage and while it was dreary and drizzling, he made our long ride into NYC
. It was if the seas suddenly parted as just as we were getting within view of NYC, the skies parted and the sun shined on the New Workd Trade center.
It was nothing like I imagined. And certainly in no comparison to Rome. While Rome is interesting with all its ancient history, it has none of the unexpected charm of NY.
We never felt unsafe, even when entering the subway for our first ride.
The only disappointment was although the Belevedere was a great hotel, we discovered we could have saved $110 a night if I hadn't booked in advance. They did discount our rate $50. We decided to just move on.
We managed our way down to the 9/11 memorial on the subway. I have been in subways on DC and Rome, but Bob was a bit nervous since he is one who has to know what to do 45 days before he has to do it.
But we were fine.
Getting late and more family drama going on. More to come. Stay tuned.
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1 comment:
I haven’t been to Rome, other than Rome, GA. But have been to NYC. I would never live in the cesspool of a leftist, over taxed government run city, but the people there were very nice and helpful. I felt the southern comfort from those I ask for directions or advice. I am glad I went the two times I have been there, but I will never give them my money again as long as the government there is socialist. Besides, I like a large coke on a hot day and you can’t find one there. I am glad, however, you enjoyed you trip. For extra fun you should have taken a taxi ride through town. More fun and scary than a Six Flag ride.
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