New Yorkers have a reputation for having an attitude. In fact some would say New Yorkers are downright unfriendly. Because of this, many were surprised at the humanitarian response to the events of September 11,by these much maligned citizens. In the wake of the tragedy, New Yorkers showed what they are made of, with their generosity and caring. This did not surprise me, as I had experienced this phenomenon on an early trip to this great city.
Then
Peter and I were young and naive and I’m sure everyone could see the hayseed sticking out of our teeth. We knew the reputation of the city but decided to be friendly, smile a lot and enjoy our visit no matter what we might encounter. We did get a few surprised looks when we smiled at strangers but some smiled back. People on the street were for the most part helpful and willing to give directions. We took a trip on the subway, wishing to go to Wall Street. A lady, another passenger, stayed on the train two stops past hers to be sure we got off at the right place. We went into a bar and the bartender was not only friendly, but told us how much he liked Canada and Canadians in general. He regaled us with New York stories and told us about places to see and things to do.
We decided to go to Greenwich Village and to our surprise a neighborhood street (I think it was Bleeker Street) was having a street fair. All the shops were giving discounts, private citizens had tables out on the street where they were selling, crafts, home made ethnic foods, art, and many were having garage sales. Music was playing in concert, from stereos and wafting through open windows of dwellings lining the street. Everyone was in a party mood. The people were friendly and curious as to where we were from. They became excited that their local event had now become international. They even had a 4H exhibit, a lamb in a station wagon. The money raised was to pay for neighborhood upgrade including boulevard trees. This was a different face of a so-called indifferent city.
Then …The Millennium Journey
After arriving on the Queen E 2, mother, Julie and I met Aunt Valentine, mother’s sister, at our hotel and started our New York adventure. It was pouring rain, but it did not dampen spirits. Since it was my aunt and mother’s first trip here, we decided to do the tourist thing. First I hired car, which took us on a tour of the city. Seeing such things as Madison Square Gardens, the United Nations, Lincoln Center, the newly revitalized Times Square and Grand Central Station and the legendary Carnegie Hall. We stopped at the Empire State building, going to the 82nd floor observation deck by high-speed elevator. Fortunately the rain had stopped and the view was not bad, with the use of high-powered binoculars. (For a small fee) Unfortunately the 102nd floor observatory is no longer open to the public. After a brief shopping flurry in the souvenir shop it was off to Central Park. Here Val and mom took a horse and carriage tour of the Park I opted to take the tour in the car.
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