Strike Up the Band II

Strike 2005. New York City is having its first subway strike in over 20 years. Just before Christmas, so we'd notice. The union wants a bigger retirement plan and the MTA is giving only up to a point.

This morning was an adventure just trying to get into the city.

My hubby and I tried to be responsible employees, and had called a car service last night to reserve transportation to pick us up at 6:30am. Six-thirty comes and goes, no car. We call them up to doublecheck, the night dispatcher forgot to forward the info to the day shift. We have to wait. How long? (insert East Asian accent) Twehn-tee mee-nuts. Okay, we could live with that. Twenty minutes come and go. We call back. Fife mee-nuts. Fife mee-nuts later we're on foot searching for another car service. One offered to take us into Manhattan for $60 apiece! How generous. Another wasn't going into Manhattan at all due to the heavy traffic.
We finally found that Bensonhurst car service was charging reasonable rates and would take us as far as the NY Water Taxi.
The dispatcher was courteous and told the truth about the long wait. A small group of people were there ahead of us and, as New Yorkers tend to do in difficult situations, we started to chat.
I learned today that most dedicated New Yorkers were going in to work for 3 reasons:

1. No vacation or benefits to cover the day off.
2. Did not want to have to deal with grouchy boss on return.
3. If you got in late, there would be less hours in the day to work.

Okay... so maybe we're not so dedicated.

Our chariot arrived about 90 minutes later and we were on our way, on to the Belt Parkway. Traffic was good, the scenery pleasant. The best part of living in Bensonhurst is being so close to the water.
And the view of the Verrazano is spectacular.

We arrived at the ferry/water taxi terminal and found there were a few people there ahead of us.

Did I say a few? Make that over 900 people waiting in the freezing cold!

Except for the opening of Star Wars, the original, I've never been on such a long line. When we finally boarded my hubby and I were counted as passengers 930 and 931.
Once we got to the other side of the river, it was business as usual.

Now then, how do I get home?

I'm Addicted...

I'm addicted to Luxor. I've beaten the online version once but it wasn't enough. Must play it over and over and over.
Help..me...

Hmmm.. 

Strike Up the Band

NYC Metropolitan Transit is threatening to strike. It happens every time their contract expires. Will they do it? The odds are no because:
1. It's illegal.
2. Each employee'd be fined $25000 a day.
3. The last time they did was 1980.
I don't know of anyone who's really sweating it.

Two NYC police officers have been killed this year. Of the latest, in a sad tale of life imitating , one of the "alleged" assailants is Lillo Brancato, the actor who played the teen in the film, "A Bronx Tale." It was a burglary gone really bad. What's worse is the punishment for killing a cop in NYC is the death penalty.
All I can say is, what a waste.

Pirates

So, have you heard of New York's South Street Seaport? I remember when it used to be free and you could just walk on board the Wavertree. One of the ship's crew would give you a tour of the bunks and deck. It was my favorite place to take neighborhood kids so they could experience something completely different from the projects.

If you want to get a pirate name, check out this site:
What's My Pirate Name?

I'll Always Love My Mama...and Tea

Mother's Day. The time of year when you remember she who bore you and fed you and loved you and smacked you when you needed it (at her discretion). Thanks, Mom.
It was a good day. Cards from brother and his lady, and my nephew, red roses from hubby, a beautiful cotton blouse from sis and, from my incredible niece, powdered tea and chasen. In case you don't know, a chasen is a bamboo whisk that is used to make frothy tea. It would take her to get me something so utterly unique and surprising. We both share an interest in things Asian, especially Japanese. Maybe one day we'll be guests at a tea ceremony?

New York, New York

Amazing the difference. The first thing that hits you is the noise. There's mechanical sound everywhere. I mean, everywhere. From the moment you hit the door with the cars going by, or subway, or someone's radio going.
Then it's the smells. Of people, and fumes, and garbage and the landlady's kitty litter boxes. Ewwww.
After that, it's the almost oppressive congestion. Tall gray buildings, short ceilinged subway platforms and people everywhere. Everywhere. There isn't a time during the day that you do not see a human being in the streets. Incredible. I never noticed it 'til now.
Welcome to New York City!

Wireless is More

It's hubby's birthday today. We had dinner at House of Hunan. Chinese/Thai/Japanese food. And you know what that's means. None of it really stands out. Slightly burnt fried rice, Shrimp Kew that wasn't very garlicky, and Almond Chicken that was breaded not diced?!? Miss New York fast food already.
Bright point was that we found Cool Beans Cafe, which has free wireless. Yay. Good to know they're not all Luddites out here.

Ohio We Will Go

My hubby and I are in Ohio. Medina County to be exact, not far from Akron. Spending time with the in-laws and such. It actually snowed today. Very lightly but still surprising considering we left bright Spring weather at New York.
The house we're staying at has only 56K dialup access. Woe of woes!