New York Notebook.

A Kentucky family spends a few days in the Big Apple just before  their college-bound son leaves for his freshman year.  There is a parental sense of obligation to expose him at least once to the big city before leaving the nest. There is no real itinerary. Just a last minute plan to get to NY, see the city, and return safely home. And hopes that the entire family feels that they can “Make it there.” Because, as the song says, if you can do that, “You can make it anywhere.”

And I gotta admit I really do Iike that song. Even if I haven’t cared a great deal for New York.  But I’m keeping an open mind and trying to see the city with fresh eyes and try to make sense of it. With the occasional post for The Recovering Politician blog.

I am in New York City and amazed at how little difference there is between here and back home in Kentucky.

Here’s a picture from the subway.

It’s just like Walmart except underground an not as well organized in different sections.

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More on NY. Well….they have the iPhone here too. Shoot! Hoping we’d have them on that one.

Based in conversations so far most everyone is working only part-time or in a temporary job. And most everyone is really a full-time actor, actress or model. And a solid number of can drivers.

Pretty limited economy, if you ask me.

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My college bound boy apparently closing a business deal before a power lunch in the city. With his sister. —

Yesterday I was having trouble with a mobile device and went to the Verizon store to see if they would exchange it.

There was a pleasant looking Egyptian gentleman behind me who listened as I explained my situation. The store clerk politely said I couldn’t exchange it. I thanked him and left. Two blocks later I hear a “Sir. Excuse me, sir!” It was the Egyptian man from the store.

“I overheard you and was wondering if you’d like to sell to me.”

“Well, I don’t know. Really?” I gave him a price that was more than I expected.”

He countered just slightly lower and I said OK.

He paid me cash and I introduced myself. He said, his name was Mohammad (or “Mo”) and that he was head waiter at The Palm restaurant down the street and we should try it out. He told me about his son in Egypt (who the device was for) and said he thought it was a fair deal. I agreed and we shook hands and parted ways.

Later in the day I called The Palm and made a reservation for dinner. It’s an historic restaurant with a long and colorful history that is obvious from the walls which are covered with pictures, drawings and news clippings from the past.

We were seated and I surprised my family by asking if Mo was working that night.

The maitre d smiled broadly and said he would let Mo know I had arrived. A few minutes later we were warmly greeted like old friends and long time patrons.

My family was impressed.

I offered slyly, “What can I say? I know some people who know some people…..and, yes, Mo is a friend.”

It was a nice dinner. A good deal. And we all thanked Mo as we left and a great family dinner came to an end.

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Two Kentucky beauties in the Big Apple. Holding their own. And then some.

I learned about “Truth is” from my daughter’s Facebook page. I’m gonna try it.

Truth is New York used to intimidate me.

Truth is I found a hotel and made reservations and picked out a restaurant tonight for the family.

Truth is I walked the streets of the city today and no one seemed able to notice I was trying hard not to be noticed by standing out like a tourist. Which means I basically fit in.

Truth is I’m feeling pretty grown up right now.

Truth is at 49 I still consider that a small but worthy victory.

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NY City will toughen you up in short order. The hustle bustle and proud dog eat dog competitive spirit is not for the faint hearted.

Just now I ordered coffee at a crowded cafe. It was really hot but I didn’t dare ask for a sleeve for my cup. I just put in the cream and sugar and slyly placed a napkin in my pocket until I was outside and a block away.

Wish I’d gotten two napkins.

Read the rest of…
John Y’s Musings from the Middle: Musings from NYC