See you in Paris!
“See you in Paris” is one of my favorite phrases, and it’s what my friend said to me when she was in Boston a few weeks ago. She now lives in London, so we only see each other once or twice a year. Another friend has since decided to join us for the weekend, so I couldn’t be happier.
I’m beginning to lose track of how many times I’ve traveled across the pond for Thanksgiving. It’s become a tradition. Certainly one I can live with.
I leave on Friday, and I’m in rapid execution of to-do list mode. Work days leading up to vacation always seem to be more hectic than usual. Tasks pop up during the week that throw off carefully planned time management. In the end, it all gets done.
I originally thought I’d practice French an hour a day leading up to the trip to retrain my ear. That never happened, and there is no time now. I thought about bringing my CD Walkman, so I can listen on the plane and during layovers. Yes, I wrote CD Walkman. My recently purchased iPhone is the only modern device I own. My love of travel requires cuts in other areas. Don’t worry, I’m not going to bring it.
I will be sitting on a plane Friday night on route to Paris, and you can be sure I will have a smile from ear to ear. Well, at least until the person in front of me reclines their seat into my knees.
I made the same trip last year, and I was recently thinking about the guy that sat next to me on that trip. Whatever happened to him? I flew Air France on an Airbus 340. This plane has two seats, aisle, four in the middle aisle two seats. However, my row, way back in the plane turned to three seats in the middle, and we were staggered between the seats in front of us instead of directly behind.
As a result of the set up, I had to lean to the left or right to view the personal TV screen on the back of the seat in front of me, and I had to straddle my feet around the base of that seat. To keep things in perspective, I just reminded myself it was a direct flight, and I was on my way to Paris. No biggie.
I was in one aisle seat, there was a man in the middle seat next to me, but the aisle seat to his right was empty. As the plan filled up, I commented that I thought we’d luck out with the empty seat. Clearly, I expected him to move over into that empty aisle seat. Who likes the middle seat? Door closed, and he remained in the middle seat. Wow. Just my luck. It could have been a Seinfeld episode. “Move over!” “What’s wrong with you?” I could imagine Elaine saying.
I largely ignored him and watched movies, but during dinner service we talked a bit. This is where it gets interesting. The 50 or 60-something year old man was from the Cape. He was on his way to Switzerland to meet his girlfriend. I asked what she was doing there. It turns out they met online and had been “skype-dating” up to that point. Really? Who does that? Of course this piques my interest. So, I commented, “so this will be the first time you meet in person? Your first date?” Yep! Although, he hadn’t thought of it as the first date.
I asked if he had traveled internationally before. He asked if Mexico and Hawaii counted, and he wasn’t joking. I explained that off the mainland doesn’t count as International, but he gets credit for Mexico. Now, I was thinking of Jay Leno interviewing people on the street.
Anyway, he had to get his passport last minute, booked that trip, and he already had booked tickets for her to visit the US during Christmas. Ambitious I thought. That was a turning point. I found myself giving him travel advice. Explaining he should expect significant charges if he didn’t upgrade his cell phone calling plan before he left. I advised that he should text instead. It’s cheaper. A middle class guy well beyond a mid-life crisis. What was he thinking? This was an expensive adventure for him.
I asked if his kids knew where he was going and why. He said his son did. Good, let him worry I thought. I slowly realized that his guy probably didn’t move seats because he was an inexperienced traveler. I suppose he thought he had to remain in his assigned seat. Also, he was nervous.
I hope it turned out well for him. I’m hoping for an empty seat next to me this trip, but it not, I might get another interesting story to tell.
2011 Road Trip in Italy: Top 10 Memories
When you return from vacation, friends and family are eager to hear all about it. Inevitably they ask, “What did you like/enjoy the most?”
It’s nearly impossible to answer that question even if you are given specific criteria such as best meal or favorite day. I spent two weeks driving around Tuscany, Umbria and Abruzzo with one of my best friends. Each day was unique and memorable.
Ok, I know you want to know too. The best meal was dinner my first night in Roma. This is partially because it was the beginning of our Italian adventure, partially the quaint location- an outside table on a quiet dead end street – and partially the food and wine. We had so much to look forward to, and we knew it. We would ultimately eat better food, drink better wine and have more scenic views with other meals, but that dinner was delicious and special.
Our Itinerary:
- Rome
- Florence (via San Gimignano)
- Montalcino (via Montepulciano, Pienza etc.)
- Orvieto
- Perugia (via Todi & Gubbio)
- Spoleto (via Assisi & Spello)
- Sulmona (via Pacentro & Pescoconstanzo)
- Rome
My Top 10 Memories of Italy in no particular order (although a bit chronological):
1) Finally seeing David! This was my fourth brief trip to Florence. While I have seen quite a bit, I have never been able to get inside the Galleria dell’Accademia to see David. Oh, I’ve seen the replica outside of Palazzo Vecchio, but not once the original. Previously, my timing was off due to strikes and museum hours. This time we made reservations in advance. David was not to be missed again. David truly is a masterpiece. Carved out of a slab of marble?!? How? Who posed? Oh my! The replica is excellent, but you have a better sense of size and scope inside the museum. 
2) Returning to Montalcino, a town I fell in love with years ago. Small, historic and known for Brunello wine. It’s as beautiful as ever. My favorite night was sitting outside on a stone ledge overlooking the rolling hillsides full of olive and cypress trees illuminated by the moon shining brightly over an historic fort. Inside the fort there was a live jazz band playing and the sound was fabulous. In the morning, there was a weekly street market. I enjoyed watching the locals shop and catch up on local gossip. They were strangers and yet looked familiar. They reminded me of the old school elderly I grew up with. A generation that will be greatly missed.
3) Sunflower fields. Absolutely beautiful. There is nothing quite like driving along winding roads with endless fields of yellow sunflowers. I don’t think I’ve ever stood in a field of sun flowers previously. We were surprised by how dry the ground was. The dirt had deep cracks (similar to what you see in droughts), and we thought we might fall through to China bugs-bunny style or a snake might attack us at any time. Fortunately, neither happened.
4) Lunch time. Always a treat. I’m not just talking about the cheese with Truffles, bruschetta or homemade soups. Although, that would be reason enough. We always managed to find a breathtaking view during lunch. San Gimignano, a small, walled medieval hill town in Tuscany, tops my list of favorite places. We stumbled upon a restaurant down a small pathway that opened up to a view of Tuscany’s landscape that words can never accurately describe. The café was very simple, but the view was priceless and the kind you remember forever. I recall thinking, “wow, who are we?” We recognized how fortunate we were to be there. BTW, the Italians do not mess around with meal time. 1-4 is lunch time. Everything closes and people disappear. Except tourists of course.
Sunflowers in Umbria
5) Religious pilgrimage. I can’t image visiting Italy and not exploring churches. Even if you aren’t Catholic or religious, you have to recognize that many of the best artists and workers of the day built these magnificent structures. The frescos, the marble, the intricate details. I visited the graves of St Francis of Assisi, St Claire, St. Isaac and St Peter- all by chance. I think I fulfilled Sunday obligations for quite some time including a back log of no shows.
6) Climbing 360+ steps. Most of the towns we visited were on a hillside, so we probably climbed 1000 steps on a daily basis. If there was something to climb i.e. forts, church towers for a view or historical purpose, we climbed to the top. One town that stands out is Todi. The center of most medieval towns are closed expect for local traffic, so you usually park in a lot outside of the city walls and walk in. On this occasion, we parked at the bottom of a hill. It was a quiet Sunday morning, and there were few people around at the time, so we weren’t even sure we were entering at the right place. Nonetheless, we climbed more than 360+ steps to see that we could find. It was a beautiful town, and I would have climbed 5000 steps to see it. 
7) Keys to the castle. My father’s family is from a small town in Abruzzo called Pacentro. I went there to see the home where my grandfather lived. A local named Angela met me in the morning to show me around her town. We were introduced by the host at my hotel in Sulmona. Long story short, she happened to know where my grandfather used to live, and she spoke English. The people in Abruzzo are very friendly and go out of their way to make you feel like you are a member of their family not a tourist There is a castle in Pacentro. I asked if we could go inside (assuming it was open to tourists). Angela paused, looked at me thoughtfully and said, “I can get the keys to the castle.” She asked around, and then we went to the home of an elderly man. The next thing I know, I am walking inside the 15th century castle that was not open to tourists at the time. This is what I love about visiting small towns. 
8) Church bells. I loved hearing the sound of church bells in every town. Usually you could hear several bells ringing at once. There is something calming about sound that marks time- both historic and contemporary.
9) Opera singer in Pantheon. On our last night of vacation, we sat at a café in the piazza in front of the Pantheon. It was a lively Saturday night. You hear people talking, laughing, musicians singing etc. Around 9 p.m. a man started to sing Italian Opera. We had seen him milling around our table earlier, but never imaged he was an opera singer! It was the perfect ending to a vacation I’ll remember always.
10) Piazza del Popolo. Every town had a Piazza del Popolo, and we remarked early in the trip that we must learn about the Popolos because, “they must be important.” It took a few towns before we learned Popolo means people! Yes, of course the people are very important! Along the way, people past and present made our trip most memorable. The family we spent hours with in a restaurant on a rainy day in Spoleto, Luciano, who remembered meeting me in Montalcino 4 years earlier, the Angelini family in Spello that introduced us to local wines, the local joulsting team and supporters in Sulmona, Angela in Pacentro, Martino “Supersonico” who introduced us to 2000 years of history inside San Pietro in Perugia, and of course the artists and architects that influenced Italy’s culture.
Keep in mind, when the time of day is marked by church bells, exercise involves climbing towers of historic sites dating BC, lunch includes wine with a variety of pecorino cheese and a view that could have been painted, it is easy to love Italy’s culture, landscape and people.
Recession Free Wine Country
Sitting in the warm sun on a perfect fall day, I surveyed acres of vineyards still polluted with purple grapes yet to be harvested and green leaves that will turn golden yellow shortly. In the backdrop of this scene are mountains that look as though they were painted underneath a brilliant blue sky. The natural beauty of wine country is captivating.
Outside of Napa, you can drive country roads that offer solitude and refresh the soul. This is the real deal, and it can’t be replicated. I prefer Alexander Valley and Dry Creek Valley over Napa. They represent the roads less traveled to a degree. They are a bit further out of the mainstream of weekend warriors and less commercial. You can find plenty of small independent family vineyards that usually only sell wine from the tasting room rather than via brokers.
Each tasting room is unique including the view of the landscape, the personality of the staff, and the décor. Some are rustic; others are elegant. Usually the staff asks where you are from, whether or not you have tasted the wine before. They will explain the grapes, the characteristics of the wine etc. Most vineyards charge about $10 for a tasting. The fee is frequently waived if you buy a bottle of wine. It’s generally a friendly environment where you can strike up a conversation with other visitors without hesitation.
Another reason why I prefer tasting outside of Napa is because you can have a very peaceful picnic lunch on the grounds of vineyard. Many have picnic tables and don’t mind if you sit to enjoy a sandwich that you’ve brought from somewhere else. It’s best to ask first to be polite. Some will even allow you to take your tasting outside to enjoy.
By far, one of my favorite lunch stops is Jim Town. It’s been 3 weeks since my trip to wine country and I still think about the sandwich I bought. Fig, prosciutto, Point Ryes Blue cheese and crusty French bread. I’ve tied to replicate the sandwich twice, but it’s not the same. My mouth is still watering. I had a picnic lunch that day at Stevens. I tried Charbona wine for the first time. It’s a rare grape that was brought to Napa decade ago by Italian immigrants. There are now less then 20 acres left of the grape in Napa, so I was told at the tasting. (Note: Grill 23 in Boston has Charbona on its extensive wine list.)
Calistoga is quaint, but gentrified. The architecture nonetheless gives you an idea of old school California and what life was like at a slower pace years ago. We stayed at the Clarion Lodge for about $300 night. It was within walking distance to town and near a state park with hiking trails that overlooked the valley. The rooms were clean and comfortable.
Wine country is a great escape from reality. For example, there is no sign of a recession in wine country. The vineyards command a high price for a bottle of wine. Despite what I’ve read about the wine industry struggling, it appears to be quite healthy in CA. Yes, you could argue that we visited higher-end vineyards, but certainly not the Opus One’s of the industry. Papa P’s for example averages about $40 a bottle – among the best Pinot’s I’ve tasted, but still $40 a bottle is extravagant. Yes, I bought a bottle. It’s vacation after all.
On my last day, I had a relaxing lunch at Solbar which has earned any hype. We sat outside in the courtyard. There are brown wicker chairs with sage green coushins. You hear the sound of water trickling via a near by water fountain. The swimming pool with cozy cabanas was also next to our seating area. All of this surrounded by the natural beauty of the valley. I savored every bite and minute. I was in the final stretch of vacation. I would enjoy a lovely drive back to SFO in time for a red eye home. It was a painful transition, but the memories are lasting.
From Steelers Country to Red Sox Nation
Visits home are bitter sweet. “Home is where your heart is,” yet mine is torn as I walk to Gate 28 at the Pittsburgh International Airport with tears streaming down my cheeks. Boston has been my home for the past eight years, but I grew up in Pittsburgh. Actually, the “Rocks” for insiders. I don’t return often these days. In fact, with the exception of three visits this year, Christmas is usually the only visit. This past weekend was my High School reunion, so memories of life in Pittsburgh were particularly acute.
I arrived on Friday night excited for the weekend ahead. I always try to meet up with a few friends while I’m in town, and I like to check out my old stomping grounds. On Saturday morning, I began the day with a walk through my neighborhood. It was a beautiful fall day, and the route was very familiar. I’ve walked it countless times before. With each step, I carefully scrutinized everything around me noticing what changed, what was the same. Simultaneously, I recalled happy memories and random details from childhood through high school. As I passed a park, I remembered where I fell off my bike when I tried to ride up a steep ramp. We didn’t wear helmets back then. I survived that and also the time when I was sitting on the handle bar of my sister’s banana seat bike. I think another friend was sharing the seat with her when we wrecked on a gravel road. Survived that too with scrapes and bruises of course. As I walked past houses, I remembered who lived where back in the day. Most of the houses in my neighborhood have porches, so it was easy to know everyone. I also thought about all of the door to door fundraising I had to do for school and girl scouts. I remember exactly who bought anything I sold..cookies, hoagies, wrapping paper you name it. The woman who ran a home-based day care bought everything, every time. Whatever happened to her?
Growing up, houses and lawns were well cared for. Now I see weeds, overgrown grass and houses that need the TLC they once had. This isn’t because it’s Fall. The neighborhood has changed for the worse, and it’s a shame. Many of the families I once knew have moved. Some, elderly, have died. My home town is very close to the airport and downtown Pittsburgh. In Boston the houses would be unaffordable in this location. Here, they practically give houses away.
As I walked past my old high school, I thought about how much fun Friday night football games were. Speaking of which, my high school was on the local news while I was in town. Apparently, half of the kids on the football team have poor grades. What’s going on? That wasn’t the case when I was there.
Interestingly, as I was walking by my former high school, someone called my name from a car passing by. “Who could possibly recognize me with my hair straightened (it’s usually curly) and dark sunglasses,” I thought. I haven’t seen “E” in 20 years, so I have no idea how he recognized me, but he did. How strange is that? I couldn’t remember his name, so I had to ask. We exchanged a few pleasantries, and then we were both on our way again.
After my morning walk, I headed “dahntahn” to the Strip for the best outdoor market experience. Formerly an
Smallman street with glimpse of city skyline
industrial area, this neighborhood now boasts bars, restaurants including the famous Primanti sandwich, loft housing and a variety of stores. It’s the best place for produce, bread, cookies and “Stiller” memorabilia (Steelers for the GP). Speaking of cookies, they are a very important part of weddings in Pittsburgh. I thought everyone had a cookie table until I attended weddings in New England. Please, people. Consider having a cookie table at your wedding. It’s a great tradition.
traditional cookies
Anyway, I met a long time friend for lunch at Roland’s. We sat outside on the deck with a great view of all the weekend festivities. We caught up on life, family, work, mutual friends etc. After lunch, I met another friend at Kaya for Mojito’s. We discussed a broad range of topics including economic development and, of course, the art of dating.
This series of brief encounters has become typical of my visits home. The time I used to spend with friends on a regular basis has been reduced to a few hours a year. I’m grateful for that time, but I wish there was time for more.
From there, I dash home to get ready for the big reunion which was held a short distance from my mother’s house. I arrived promptly. A friend of mine arrives shortly after. She commented that she expected I’d be there on time when she and her husband arrived. Was I always so prompt? I guess I was. The first person I saw was a guy that I’ve known since second grade, but I haven’t seen since we graduated. We went to a small Catholic grade school together. He was always a nice guy, quiet. I would not have recognized him if I didn’t recently see his picture on Facebook. Overall, it was easier to recognize everyone than I anticipated. It was nice to catch up.
On Sunday morning, I hung out with my mother, and then I went to visit a good friend and her 3 year old daughter who has grown dramatically since I saw her last Christmas. From there, I head to lunch in Shadyside with a friend from college and her 3 year old daughter. I get along great with 3 year olds now that I know so many of them. 🙂
On the way home I pass through Oakland home of the University of Pittsburgh. Oh, the memories I have of life in this part of town. I smile as I pass my old dorm and the student union. Almost all of my classes were in the Cathedral. I thought about my favorite professor Ted Windt who passed away a few years ago. I noted that I should have attended his retirement party. He and another professor inspired my degree in Rhetoric. The campus looks great! I did note that Dunkin Donuts is now located where CJ’s Pub used to be. Instead of quarter drafts, students buy donuts and coffee there. Interesting. Many Thursday nights were spent at CJ’s.
I spent the rest of the day with my family. I reflect all of this and more as I sit at the gate waiting for my flight to depart.
Once I’m up on the air, my mood shifts. I am going home to Boston. I can’t wait to sleep in my own bed, and I crave a glimpse of the ocean. I start to think about work, plans I have with friends this week and spending next weekend in Boston for the first time since July! I am happy and smiling as I see Boston’s skyline from 6,ooo feet.
I luv ya black and gold. Yinz guys are great, but there is room in my heart for Beantown too.
I am home again.
Primanti sandwichesPenn mac
First Impressions of Louisville Kentucky
Hot and muggy. It was 88 degrees and very humid when I arrived in Louisville just before 11 p.m. on Sunday night. The small airport had little activity. I think our flight was the last to arrive for the evening. As I walked to baggage claim, I saw advertisements that indicated what to there is to know about the local market: Kentucky Derby, Mint Julip, Louisville Slugger. What else is Kentucky known for? I gave it some thought, and then I remembered: Bourbon. Once I reached downtown, I quickly learned that Muhammad Ali is from Louisville. A street is named after him, and he seems to have a prominent role in the community.
Oh, I should note, there isn’t a direct flight from Boston to Louisville. I flew USAirways via DCA. The flight from DCA was a commuter plane. The small size with three seat across, and one where nobody over 5’11’’ can stand up straight. The plane was a half hour late, so it was already around 9 p.m. when we were all situated on our tiny plane. It was sweltering hot, and of course the AC wasn’t working. As luck would have it, I was just about in the last row, so we had no fresh air circulating in the back of the plane. I could barely breathe, but the flight attended said the AC would kick on as soon as the engine started.
Just when I thought we would be on our way, the flight attendant tells us the plane is overweight. I think, isn’t that the story of America these days? Even the plane is overweight! She informs us that one person must get off of the plane. S/he would receive a $400 voucher, hotel for the rest of the evening (not much left of it at that point) and the unlucky person would be booked on the 5:45 a.m. flight that transferred through Charlotte, NC and arrived in Louisville around 11: 00 a.m. Who in the right mind is getting off a direct flight for that? That’s when the standoff began. She said we would not leave until someone volunteered to get off of the plane. After about 10 minutes, a guy walked up to the front to get more information. I was hoping he was our hero. I could barely breathe at that point and beads of sweat were beginning to drip down my back. He returns to his seat, presumably to discuss the option with his wife, and quickly gives the option a thumbs-down. We all sigh with disappointment.
A few minutes later, the flight attended announces the name of a man who must depart the plane. I have no idea why he was selected. He was sitting behind me. He was tall and skinny. I ask out loud, how it’s possible that he of all people was going to make a difference. He was maybe 160 pounds, and even he agreed it seemed ridiculous. Next, the pilot gets off the plane and begins to dig in the baggage compartment. He brings a few bags on board and stuffs then into the very limited overhead. Small bags by the way. The overhead bins were very small. We are all wondering what the heck is going on at this point.
Then a few minutes after that, the skinny guy that was previously removed boards the plane again. I guess they also figured removing him really didn’t make a difference. Now I’m getting concerned. I started to wonder if I should get off of the plane. One minute they tell us the plain is overweight, and it isn’t safe to fly. Then they shuffle a few small bags, and it is safe? I wondered if I was testing fate. Are commuter pilots really experienced enough to make the call? I wanted Captain Sully. Why didn’t they explain the situation to us? As a communications professional, I made mental notes of how the situation could have been handled better. First tell us how much overweight we are and what the repercussions are. I asked the flight attendant for answers. She said the plane was nose heavy, and moving the bags to passenger-level helped the situation. She said they calculate an average weight per passenger, and we all packed too many bags. She said the pilot did us a favor, and we should thank him. Thank him for what I wondered. There average calculations didn’t work on this occasion. I paid for the ticket, and I paid $25 to check my bag. It was not excessive, just a normal bag. Anyway, we eventually took off and landed safely. The experience was just one more reason that I don’t care for USairways.
My airport cab driver was from Trinidad a spice island I quickly noted. He was friendly and interested in learning more about the conference that I was in town to attend, so I shared what I knew about ASEE. As we entered the city, he pointed out contributions by the local university. He was very proud of his city. The airport is about seven miles from the city’s center.
The next day, I walked a few short blocks from the Galt House Hotel to the convention center. I was on the 22nd floor of the hotel, and I had a nice view of the Ohio River and several bridges. The view remind me of Pittsburgh, but the Ohio River in Louisville is much wider, brown and muddy looking.
Oh, there were also millions of odd bugs that looked like dragon flies but weren’t. They were only by the river, but the pathway had piles of dead bugs and even more flying around. I didn’t stick around to investigate. I decided it was better to walk in the city center.
I had very little free time during the three days I was in town. I had some free time in the evenings after dinner, and luckily, the sun sets pretty late. I think it was light out until around 10 p.m. What did I notice?
The town is clean. The architecture of the older buildings also reminded me a bit of Pittsburgh. Perhaps the designers were similar, or they were built in the same years. Not sure.
I noticed parks, public art, and flowers. The small town boasts an unusually high number of museums and art galleries for its size. In particular, I recommend Art in Proof on Main which was part of the 21 C Museum Hotel. I have the impression there is a big philanthropic community supporting this art. I also had the impression economic development is a priority for the city. There are a few chains on fourth street including Hard Rock Café which hit it’s prime about 10 years ago. Most of the businesses near the convention center are there to support tourists. The locals come into the city for work and then quickly depart at the end of the day. It was really quiet in the evenings. I always felt safe walking around, but there really weren’t many people on the streets. I also noted the lack of retail. There isn’t one single department store in the city. I didn’t see any boutiques or retail shops. OK, CVS and Payless Shoes, but that was it.
If you have plans to visit the city, walk beyond 4th street live towards the Brown hotel and away from the convention center. There seemed to be a few independent cafes in that area as well as an old theater. If you read my blog, then you know I prefer local restaurants over chains.
I attended a banquet at Glassworks, which is OK. I wish I had time to explore some of the museums.
Overall, I liked Louisville. I doubt I’ll return anytime soon, but perhaps for the Derby someday.
Brief Chat with a New York Cabbie
I jumped in a random cab on 6th Avenue and 14th. The cab driver was very friendly and asked where I was from almost immediately. Although, I’m friendly too, so I usually do strike up conversation with the cabbie. The topics range. In this case, it turns out my driver grew up in Boston, just a few miles from where I live now. He moved to NYC in the 1970’s. He said he preferred NYC over Boston ‘because anything is possible.” Geez, doesn’t everyone says that? I pretty sure he meant that in a practical way such as food 24/7 etc. versus fortune seeking. I enjoy visiting and exploring, but I never had a desire to live there. I prefer Boston over NYC, and I guess that’s why it’s my home now.
I discover something interesting each time I visit, but I also notice quite a bit of sadness and struggle. I suppose it depend upon where in the city I am. I usually stay in the mid-town area (garment district) close to my company’s office. This is not a flashy area of the city. There are remnants of the high-traffic drug area that used to be near the Penn Station. The cab driver said the street my hotel is on used full of crack addicts, and he used to drive through with his doors locked. Today, it’s cleaned up, lined with brand new hotels and safe enough to walk along in the evening. Well, anyone with a bit of street smarts that is. There are still questionable shops in the area. Frankly, I don’t necessarily mind the grittiness. It’s more interesting than walking past sterile national retail chains that look identical.
Speaking of sterile retail chains, cabby also lamented on the loss of mom and pop shops. This is where he dropped his guard for a moment to acknowledge that his beloved city has changed over the years and not all for the better. He hinted that NYC lost some of its edge over the years. The culprit: too many chains and visitors aren’t as bold as they used to be.
I agree with him, but it’s not just NYC. It’s every city. As rents rise, independent shop owners are usually priced out of the market, so the have to move to an up-and-coming area and the cycle continues. Unfortunately, the average person prefers to stay in their comfort zone. They want to stick to what they know, and they prefer not to stray too far. He talked about how his passengers used to be more adventurous. Years ago, tourists would ask him to drive to Harlem, when it was still Harlem, and other off-the-beaten path locations. Travelers wanted to see reality and mix with locals not other tourists. Now, it’s just Times Square, Central Park and the usually top 10 places identified in travel books.
Unfortunately, it was a short cab ride, and we didn’t have a chance to talk further. If it wasn’t late, I would have taken a longer way back to the hotel.
Top 5 List for Disney’s Magic Kingdom
When it comes to travel, I prefer to explore, learn and blend in with locals to get their perspective. Destinations such as Vegas and Disney are generally unappealing to me, but I’ve traveled to both for business. Earlier this month, I was in Orlando, FL for intense sales training (customer centric selling which was very good). I arrived early Sunday morning so that I could enjoy one day of Florida sunshine before I was sequestered into a windowless conference room for five days. As luck would have it, that was the same week an arctic blast covered much of the East Coast. It was sunny, but also freezing cold! (low 30’s). So much for sitting by the pool.
I stayed at the Disney Hilton, so I figured I’d explore one of the parks since I had never been to any. I called a few of my friends who have taken their children to Disney to ask for recommendations. Hands down, The Magic Kingdom is a must see for a newbie. I bought a day pass from the Disney store at my hotel. Discount rates are available to conference attendees after 2:00. As luck had it, the park was open until 11 p.m. that day, so I had plenty of time to explore.
I took a free shuttle bus directly from my hotel to the Magic Kingdom. I know Disney is synonomous with details, but I didn’t expect to give a digital finger print at the entrance. I wonder if this will soon be required at airports.
A few steps beyond the entrance, I walked down Main Street, USA, and Disney’s magic spell struck me instantly. I was giddy. Yep, I fell for it right away. The beautifully decorated Christmas tree and then straight ahead- a very familiar icon- Cinderella’s castle! I ignored all the shops on Main Street and walked directly to the center of the park to shamelessly have my picture taken with Walt, M-I-C-K-E-Y Mouse with Cinderella’s Castle in the background. 
Speaking of Kodak moments, Kodak advertising is everywhere as if you can’t figure out where to take a good photo in the park.
I rode as many rides as I could, and I did not care that I was 1) by myself 2) not a five-year old. Again, completely shameless. I started my tour of the Magic Kingdom in Tomorrowland. Space Mountain closed for repair. Bummer. I explored the park counterclockwise through Toontown Fair, Fantasyland, Liberty Square and Frontierland. I of course took a break to watch the parade. I noted that the performers smiled more than a politician running for election. Also noted excessive makeup and lip syncing.
Because it was unseasonable cold and a Sunday, the park was relatively empty for Disney standards. Good news for me- that meant short lines. I never waited longer than 10 minutes. Did not even need a FP ticket.
Top five attractions at Disney’s Magic Kingdom:
1) Cinderella Castle– It’s an icon. At night, it twinkled with a million lights that changed colors and reflected into a pond. Mesmerized I was. If I had known in advance there was a restaurant inside, I surely would have made a reservation as it is the only way to get in. (Note: Food is overpriced and crappy in Dowtown Disney. Service was generally poor. Mostly food chains. )
2) Swiss Family Treehouse– If offered as an accommodation, I would have stayed there instead of the Hilton. Weather permitting of course.
3) Haunted Mansion– This is the best haunted house ever. The details are amazing. If I had more time, I would have visited this more than once for futher observation.
4) Pirates of the Caribbean– Impressive details.
5) Peter Pan’s Flight– A unique perspective of distance. The ride starts inside a bedroom and then you gradually fly over a city at night. Great details right down to cars with lights on. Very clever.
Oh, and the fireworks were amazing! Really, better than Boston’s on July 4th.
Random observations
Children cry in Disney. I couldn’t believe it. I suppose they are tired, but I didn’t think it was possible.
Every girl (particularly my three-year old neices) wants to be a princess thanks to Disney. Even I wanted to wear a tiarra by the end of the day. For the record, I did not.
The details were impressive. Now I understand why people spend multiple days at the park.
I did not expect to enjoy Disney as much as I did. I loved it! If you haven’t been to Disney, you should go. And, if you have children, you must take them.
Sleeping in a city that never sleeps
I know my way around Paris better than New York City, but that is changing. In October, I joined a company based in New York City, so I’ll be here on a regular basis. As I write this entry, I hear the sound of horns, traffic, and loud voices rising up to my 8th floor hotel room facing West 31st street. I would not normally choose to stay so close to Madison Square Garden, but I rolled the dice with priceline.com, and here I am. Yes, it’s a noisy area, but it was nice to exit Penn Station and drop off my luggage before heading the office at 42nd & Fifth Ave. 
I have limited free time while I’m in town on business, but I make the most of every moment. I’ve been studying New Yorkers with the eye of a social anthropologist. I observe as many details as I can to understand and experience why NYC is one of the most fascinating cities in the world. It’s nice to get to know the city better after all these years.
What have I noticed so far?
NY has become a bike-friendly city. Biking down Broadway during the day is now in the realm of possibilities and no longer reserved for the brave bike messengers. You can also sit at a cafe style table on Broadway which has been converted into an urban park. 
Bryant park is a popular lunch spot on a warm day. It’s behind the NY public library which is one of the most beautiful I’ve ever seen. It has the feel of a museum. There is currently an ice rink and holiday shopping area in the park.
People actually do eat food sold by street vendors. I’ve been working up the courage to try something. I opted for the roasted nuts, and I lived to tell. It’s not always easy to eat healthy food when traveling, so I do appreciate all of the fruit stands in the city. Only 40 cents for a banana. What a bargain in this town!
If starts to rain and you don’t have an umbrella, no problem! Street vendors are opportunistic, and they appear with loads of them for sale. Which is great because it’s impossible to get a cab in midtown when it’s raining particularly during rush hour. And, as always, it’s easy to buy a knock off pashmina scarf, designer bag and/or watch. I’ve picked a few up for friends.
I should note, that despite what some people think of New Yorkers, they are very friendly and approachable. It’s very easy to strike up a conversation, get directions etc. I mostly eat dinner alone while in town, and I frequently meet interesting people . Some are tourists, but most are locals that provide excellent tips on where to eat next and what to do etc.
Beautiful, ornate architecture is everyone. Often you have to look up. Hotel lobbies, elevator doors, light posts, you name it. I have to remember to take more photos.
Oh, I’ve also had a bird’s-eye view from a few of the hotels I’ve stayed in. There is quite a bit of greenery on the roof tops of many buildings.
Every section of the city has it’s own personality. Midtown is pretty touristy for obvious reasons. It’s visual caffeine. If you are tired, you can elbow your way though a stampede of people in Time Square. People, sound, and lights everywhere.
I had dinner in the trendy meatpacking district tonight at the Spice Market. I sat at the Chef’s table which had a wonderful view of the kitchen. I sat next to a couple visiting from Sydney. We talked about the recession in the US and its global effects, travel, life in the States versus Australia. They were heading to DC next. It was their first trip to the US.
After dinner I walked southwest via Greenwich/West Village. Ah, the Village is more my speed. Quaint streets, cafes, shops and trees!
As for fashion trends: black is the new black. Riding boots and skinny pants seem to be the staple of most women.
I’ll continue to write about my NY experiences over time.
Let them eat cake, and they will buy!
I’ve been looking for a different desk for my home office. I browsed magazines, furniture stores, online stores, you name it. I had a price point, size and style in mind. A friend recommended that I consider buying a desk from someone on craigslist, so I checked out the options.
Last Sunday, I found a desk that I liked. I called the man who posted it, and I asked a few questions about the desk to confirm it fit my criteria. In particular, I wanted to make sure my knees would not bump into the top drawer. The seller was very pleasant. He was in the middle of throwing a party, but he ran upstairs, phone in hand, to sit at the desk and describe how much leg room he had. The specs were to my satisfaction, so I made the 20+ mile drive to Norwood, MA on a rainy day.
I arrived to a very warm welcome. The party was in his estate furniture store which was closed on that day. He immediately invited me into the store, offered me a piece of cake and introduced me to his family. I chose chocolate of course. The party was for his niece and many family members where coming and going while I was there checking out the desk. He hugged and kissed family members as they departed. He took the time to describe his new business to me. He started his estate business about three years ago. He’s been selling furniture at auctions. He recently opened this store, so that he could sell furniture at the street level and hold auctions in the lower level. He put his heart and soul into the space. It took him 10 days to remove five layers of carpet, tile and who knows what else covered the gleaming hardware floors that were now exposed. He was proud of his work.
We negotiated a price for the desk, matching chair and delivery. It was a fair price for the quality of the desk, but that’s not why I bought it. In the end, I wanted to support his new businesses. He was friendly, and I liked his story. I observed how he treated his family and how they responded to him. My purchase was really an investment in his new business. It’s another example of how people do business with people. If he was rude or cranky, I’m not sure I would have bought the desk. Afterall, I already have one, so there was no urgency.
If I purchased a desk from IKEA, I would not have an interesting story to tell about it. My not-so-new desk has character just like the man that sold it to me.
U2 360° Tour in Boston
My obsession with U2 started long before I attended the 1987 Joshua Tree concert at the Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, but it reached fever pitch on September 21, 2009. On this night, I attended the U2 360° concert at Gillette Stadium for the second night in a row. I had the best possible view of the band with my back against the rail of the inner circle! Dead center. It’s exactly where I wanted to be particularly after watching the U2 3D movie last year. It was an opportunity of a lifetime.
Bono singing a few feet away from me!
On Sunday night, I had seats in section 310 (stage right). The seats were good, but higher up than I expected. You could see all of the activity on stage, but it was necessary to rely on the monitors for details such as the expression on Larry’s face as illustrated in the photo below. 
When you are on the floor, you can take pictures such as this one of Bono. He was just a few feet away from me. See the difference?
Don’t get me wrong, I was thrilled to be at the concert the first night, but the overall experience, sound and view from the floor was by far superior particularly in a stadium. The last time I saw U2 live was during the Vertigo Tour at the Fleet Center or whatever it’s called these days. I preferred that venue. I had seats behind the stage, but it still felt more intimate than Gillette.
I should explain how I ended up with best seats I’ve ever had. First, I joined the U2 fan club to ensure I’d have access to tickets before the GP (general public.). Next, I opened a Ticketmaster account, so that I could execute the purchase quickly once the tickets were on sale. After that, I kept my eye on the schedule to make sure I was aware of the exact sale date for the US tour. As it turned out, I was in Europe when the US tickets were available, so I had to coordinate carefully due to the time difference.
It’s actually quite nerve wracking to purchase the tickets online. You can select tickets by best available or by a price point, but not by location in the stadium. Once tickets are offered, you have a minute or two to confirm your purchase. The first tickets offered to me were $250 each. Expensive and that didn’t even include Ticketmaster’s exorbitant fees. I admit, I considered it for a moment. Mostly because I feared that the rest of the tickets could have been sold out during the 30-45 seconds I took to make up my mind. I decided to roll the dice again. I ended up with Section 310 on Sunday and GA tickets for Monday night. I was pleased.
With coveted GA tickets in hand, I conducted research to determine my strategy for the best spot on the floor. I read blog, forum and twitter posts from other U2 fans. I also considered my attendance at Sunday’s show to be recon mission for Monday night. I wanted to be sure I understood the layout of the stage, the band’s use of the stage, crowd patterns and procedures to enter the floor. Yes, I clearly have too much extra time on my hands, but come on, we’re talking about U2. 😉
I should note that the traffic getting out of Gillette stadium was a nightmare. I didn’t get home until 3:00 a.m. after Sunday’s show. I was exhausted on Monday, and I had a long day ahead of me. I arrived at Gillette around 2:00 p.m. The GA line wasn’t bad. Perhaps 200 people in front of me which is what I expected. I immediately introduced myself to those around me. We spent the next four hours together in line. U2 fans bond quickly. We all had stories to tell about our favorite songs, concert experience etc. One couple next to me recently attend the concert in Dublin. Another woman had floor seats the night before, so she had good tips to share. A guy from North Dakota originally drove to Chicago for the first US show. He enjoyed it so much he decided to drive to Boston. He was young and had free time, so he called his parents to let them know he was heading to NYC next. Another couple in our group was from NH, and they were going to have a very long drive home and perhaps straight to work based on my experience with traffic the night before. With our lively conversation, time passed quickly as we sat in the hot sun.
Bracelets, which ensured our entry to the inner circle, were distributed to those of us in line. After about 4 hours of waiting, we lined up in corresponding rows of men and women to facilitate the security check process. After the security check, there was a line for ticket validation, and then it was a free for all run to the stage which happened to be the length of the football field. I was prepared to run as if my life depended upon it, but security personnel generally kept people from running.
I knew I had to get to the stage before everyone else in line. Fortunately, I’m a speed walker, so I was able to move faster than most around me. As I rounded the final turn inside the circle I saw an opening at center stage. Mission accomplished! I was thrilled. I grabbed the arm of the Scottish man standing next to me and jumped for joy. He too was a huge fan of U2, and he has traveled worldwide to see their concerts. He had an 8:30 a.m. flight back to the UK on Tuesday morning. Now that’s dedication. The man on the other side of me traveled from Santiago, Chile. He was heading to the concert at Giant Stadium next before his long trip home.
Truth be told, any spot in the inner circle would have been fabulous. When you are that close to the stage, you can see everything. Each member of the band was feet away from me on multiple occasions throughout the night. At one point, we were sandwiched between two catwalks. The Edge was on one side above my head and Adam on the other. I was so distracted by the Edge, I didn’t even notice Adam until my Scottish friend grabbed me by the shoulders and physically turned me around to see him. That’s when I made eye contact with Adam. I wanted to snap a few photos, but I didn’t want to miss anything. Fortunately, the woman standing behind me was kind enough to share the photo she took at that moment. 
The only thing that could have topped the evening would have been if Bono pulled me from the audience. The woman Bono selected was in my plan B location and happened to have long, dark, curly hair like I do. No kidding. It could have been me. Once on stage, Bono jumped into her arms. She carried him across the stage. Then they each stood across from each other on the catwalk, and Bono sang directly to her. Very lucky woman.
Random impressions…
Bono is charismatic and full of energy. He was in constant motion and always working the crowd.
Adam is cool. He was mostly stage left doing his thing like he doesn’t have a care in the world.
The Edge is fascinating to watch. With the distractions of Bono and the Edge, it’s easy to overlook Larry behind the drums, so it was nice to see him in front of the crowd during the remix if I’ll go Crazy Tonight which I love.
9/21 Details:
Opening Act: Snow Patrol
Main Set:
Magnificent,No Line On The Horizon, Get On Your Boots, Mysterious Ways, I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For, Elevation, Your Blue Room, Beautiful Day, Unknown Caller, Until the End of the World, Stay (Faraway, So Close), The Unforgettable Fire, City of Blinding Lights, Vertigo – Stories for Boys, I’ll Go Crazy If I Don’t Go Crazy Tonight (remix), Sunday Bloody Sunday, MLK, Walk On, One – Amazing Grace, Where the Streets Have No Name
Encore(s): Ultraviolet, With or Without You, Moment of Surrender
About
I have 15 years of experience advising senior executives on communications and marketing strategies to build brand, market share and to drive sales leads.
Travel is my passion. I have explored more than 100 cities in 16 countries on 3 continents. I am interested in people and places both far and near. From time to time, I update my blog to share my travel experiences.
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People, Places: Raison d'être 
