"Seeing New York in Style" New York City by gilabrand

New York City Travel Guide: 15,552 reviews and 30,943 photos

OVERLOOKING THE EAST RIVER

A Day in the Life
Driving around Manhattan with a chauffeur and a limo at your beck and call gives a whole new meaning to a day in the city. I know because I did it. Frankie, in a crisp white uniform and a state-of-the-art cellphone hung over one ear, delivered me where I wanted to go and then circled the streets of Manhattan until I called him and said I was ready to leave.

Hopefully, the camera store people I was haggling with over a few dollars' discount didn't see the shiny black limo that pulled up to collect me...

You can have this experience, too. You just have to have the right relatives.

B. SCHAFLER, PROPRIETOR

A New Yorker, Born and Bred
Yes, I've moved around some in my time but that's what I am: A New Yorker born and bred. I even have the accent to prove it...If you want to know what I sound like, think of Fran Drescher aka "The Nanny." At least that's what my kids say.

This is my grandfather standing in front of his grocery store in the Bronx in the 1930s.

A City Girl Goes Home
After a visit to NYC, including Ground Zero, in October 2008, the thoughts swimming around in my brain are beginning to take shape. Until they emerge fully, consider this:

When the World Trade Center was built in 1966, this is what Ada Louise Huxtable, the architecture critic of the New York Times, wrote about it: The Twin Towers could be the start of the new skyscraper age or the biggest tombstones in history.

Is that spooky, or what?

Last visit to New York City: May 2011
Intro Updated Jul 4, 2011
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Reviews (9)

Back to the Middle Ages Things to Do (3)

While staying in Westchester, we did a day trip to The Cloisters in Fort Tryon Park, a museum overlooking the Hudson... more travel advice

Getting into NYC - not such a tall order - New York City

Yay for the Newark Liberty Express Transportation (2)

A frequently asked question: Should I fly into Newark or JFK? Well, Newark Airport is in New Jersey, but it's only 15... more travel advice

The Sun Also Rises Things to Do (3)

On my last trip to New York City, in October 2008, I visited Ground Zero. I had never been there before, and probably... more travel advice

Unlocking the Grid Favorites (1)

I always think of Manhattan as mammoth and overwhelming, but if you look at the numbers, it’s not so big at all. The... more travel advice

Local Customs (2)
See All Apples and Oranges

What to Pack (1)
Getting all that stuff home

Travelogues (3)

1 - 3 of 3

Comments (43)

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BeatChick Mar 14, 2011 at 3:45 PM

I love the Newark Airport as opposed to JFK. It's my contention that if folks think New Yorkers are rude it's because they've been through JFK Airport - LOL!
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Yaqui Jun 17, 2010 at 6:10 PM

I have much appreciation for New York City. What a town with so much sights, sounds, and smells. A true gem of the US! Nice page!
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MM212 Feb 14, 2010 at 1:00 PM

Thanks for your comment! I was at the NYSE in October and was able to walk in front of it. Security was tight for sure! I see you were in NYC in January... and looks like you had a good time!!!
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850prc Jan 9, 2010 at 7:54 AM

We love NYC, heading back there this spring. Bravo, excellent ground zero write up. And... the Big Orange for Tel Aviv? Haven't heard that one yet. Greetings from another "big orangeland", Florida.
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csordila Jul 26, 2009 at 10:14 AM

Ms. Huxtable is probably a fortune teller regarding skyscrapers! Toronto's flatiron with its five storeys, I would not call as skyscraper, but it is at least as amazing as its big brother in NYC. Best. Laszlo
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jessicat1982 Jun 21, 2009 at 5:05 AM

ack! poor you. I had fun reading your ny travel stories.:) lesson to be learned from this, i think? coke=pain..hehehe..note to self: avoid all snack bars with ramps next time i'm in new york city. :) great travellogue!
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goodfish Mar 20, 2009 at 6:19 AM

Hi Gila! Thanks for visiting the tip on my favorite hot dog moment in NYC. I love your "English, Write or Wrong" page! This girl definitely needs a copy of "Eats, Shoots and Leaves" as punctuation is my nemesis. LOL back at you!
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gildapaolina Feb 4, 2009 at 7:08 AM

Hi Gila, what a exciting reading, I like your New York page!!! ... Thanks for your visit and ratings on my Dublin tips :). Cheers! Gil
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Agraichen Jan 18, 2009 at 10:48 AM

You're right about "the right way to travel around NYC." I've done it but I prefer to walk most places with camera ready.
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gilabrand Nov 8, 2008 at 5:38 PM

I'm sure that she forgave you, and that she didn't give it too much thought after the event. You just touched into her fear when she was already feeling a bit nervous.. Kids do that.. Daniel