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diff --git a/memories/2025-nyc/index.md b/memories/2025-nyc/index.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..675b488 --- /dev/null +++ b/memories/2025-nyc/index.md @@ -0,0 +1,360 @@ +title: Nancy & Blaise visit NYC +start: 2025-05-17 +end: 2025-05-25 + +_This memory is written in first person from the perspective of Blaise Thompson._ + +# 2025-05-17 Saturday + +Just after lunch on Saturday, mom and I set out on our adventure. +We took the city bus to the intercity bus to the train---lots of public transit. + +<figure> + <img src="./ready-to-go.jpg"> + <figcpation>Packed up and ready to go.</figcaption> +</figure> + +<figure> + <img src="./intercity-bus.jpg"> + <figcpation>Intercity bus.</figcaption> +</figure> + +We arrived in Chicago with a few hours to spare around dinner-time, so we took a cab to one of my favorite restaurants downtown: Sayat Nova Armenian Restaurant. +This restaurant has been around since before mom lived in Chicago---despite that, she had never been. +We had kofta, a really special treat. +It's amazing to taste the layers of meat with different textures. +Lamb, of course. + +<figure> + <img src="./sayat-nova.jpg"> + <figcpation>Interior of Sayat Nova restaurant.</figcaption> +</figure> + +<figure> + <img src="./kofta.jpg"> + <figcpation>Kofta</figcaption> +</figure> + +<figure> + <img src="./kofta-detail.jpg"> + <figcpation>Kofta detail showing layers of meat.</figcaption> +</figure> + +Finally, it was time to catch the train. +The train from Chicago to NYC leaves quite late---21:30---this awkward choice was made to allow travelers coming from the west coast to have a chance to transfer. +The late departure time was wonderful for us as sleepers. +Unfortunately we did not get to see Chicago Union Station, the entire station was blocked off for some fancy gala. + +<figure> + <img src="./amtrack-ticket.jpg"> + <figcpation>My ticket, note the first class wristband.</figcaption> +</figure> + +<figure> + <img src="./train.jpg"> + <figcpation>Our train.</figcaption> +</figure> + +<figure> + <img src="./train-car.jpg"> + <figcpation>Our car.</figcaption> +</figure> + +<figure> + <img src="./train-hallway.jpg"> + <figcpation>Small hallway.</figcaption> +</figure> + +<figure> + <img src="./tight-quarters.jpg"> + <figcpation>Tight quarters in our roomete.</figcaption> +</figure> + +Once on board, we were treated to a nighttime treat at the dining car before heading to bed. + +# 2025-05-18 Sunday + +Sunday was our lovely day on the train. +We both slept very well with the gentle rocking of the train car. +We enjoyed a day of games and conversation with breaks in the dining car for Breakfast and Lunch. +In Albany NY we were able to take a few hours to walk around while the train was split in two---half for NYC and half for Boston. + +<figure> + <img src="./train-sink.jpg"> + <figcpation>Nancy uses the personal sink in our sleeper cabin.</figcaption> +</figure> + +<figure> + <img src="./sleep-morning.jpg"> + <figcpation>A sleepy morning as the world flies by.</figcaption> +</figure> + +<figure> + <img src="./train-lunch.jpg"> + <figcpation>A wonderful lunch in the dining car.</figcaption> +</figure> + +<figure> + <img src="./chess.jpg"> + <figcpation>Private games in our train car.</figcaption> +</figure> + +<figure> + <img src="./engine.jpg"> + <figcpation>New train engine in Albany.</figcaption> +</figure> + +By late afternoon we reached the Hudson River. +Great weather. +We enjoyed the long approach to NYC along the entire length of the Hudson Valley. +The mountains and hills really are dramatic. +I felt an appreciation for the rocky foundation upon-which NYC is built. + +<figure> + <img src="./hudson.jpg"> + <figcpation>View of the Hudson River.</figcaption> +</figure> + +We arrived at Penn Station, enjoying the brand new intercity train hall, and caught the subway to Columbia. + +<figure> + <img src="./train-hall.jpg"> + <figcpation>New train hall.</figcaption> +</figure> + +<figure> + <img src="./arrive-columbia.jpg"> + <figcpation>Nancy arrives at the Columbia train station. As she remembered, blue and white subway tile.</figcaption> +</figure> + +# 2025-05-19 Monday + +We focused on visiting places that mom frequently visited during her time at Columbia. + +<iframe src="map.html" title="Map" width=100% height=1000></iframe> + +## Butler Hall + +Thanks to Mom's alumni status, we were able to secure accomidation in Butler Hall---one of the dorms owned by Columbia. +Address 400 W 119th St. +She stayed at this very same dorm as a graduate student. +Our two-bedroom suite, complete with generous living room and kitchen, was an absolute steal at $150 a night. +We had room 7-O, that's letter "O" not number "0". +The 7th floor was high enough for a fantastic view of Harlem and all the way to downtown. + +<figure> + <img src="./nancy-butler.jpg"> + <figcpation>Nancy poses in front of Butler hall.</figcaption> +</figure> + +<figure> + <img src="./butler-bedroom.jpg"> + <figcpation>Bedroom at Butler Hall.</figcaption> +</figure> + +<figure> + <img src="./butler-living.jpg"> + <figcpation>Living room at Butler Hall.</figcaption> +</figure> + +<figure> + <img src="./butler-kitchen.jpg"> + <figcpation>Butler kitchen.</figcaption> +</figure> + +<figure> + <img src="./butler-room-view.jpg"> + <figcpation>View from Butler room 7O.</figcaption> +</figure> + +We were also able to enjoy the fancy viewing area on the 16th floor. +The 16th floor bathroom was stunning with views of Harlem. + +<figure> + <img src="./16th-floor-south.jpg"> + <figcpation>View from Butler 16th floor looking downtown. Trees in the foreground are Morningside Park, in the distance Central Park can be seen.</figcaption> +</figure> + +<figure> + <img src="./16th-floor-west.jpg"> + <figcpation>View from Butler 16th floor looking west towards Harlem.</figcaption> +</figure> + +## Johnson (Wein) Hall + +## Eli White + +Eli White Memorial Residence for Nurses +Exteriors 1937 +Recreational activities 1937 +A new place is at the corner of 167th St and Audubon + + +## St. John the Devine + +## Apartment on 105th + +310 W 105th St. Apt 5. + +## Bard Dorm + +# 2025-05-20 Tuesday + +New York Botanical Garden + +High Line + +# 2025-05-21 Wednesday + +Mom's leg was in pretty bad shape, so we enjoyed a day at Butler Hall. +Bad weather outside made the experience of staying in even more attractive. + +<figure> + <img src="./rooftop-reading.jpg"> + <figcpation>Blaise reads on the rooftop.</figcaption> +</figure> + +For dinner, we decided to check out Sylvia's in Harlem under recommendation from Roberta, a worker at Butler Hall. +We enjoyed corn bread, macaroni & cheese, collard greens, fried chicken, pork ribs, and sweet potato pie. +Delicious food. + +<figure> + <img src="./sylvias-exterior.jpg"> + <figcpation>Nancy poses in front of Sylvia's Restaurant.</figcaption> +</figure> + +<figure> + <img src="./sylvias-interior.jpg"> + <figcpation>Nancy enjoys dinner at Sylvia's.</figcaption> +</figure> + +# 2025-05-22 Thursday + +A day of tourism. +We visited the New York Public Library, where we were happy to discover an exhibit celebrating 100 years of the New Yorker magazine. + +<figure> + <img src="./new-yorker.jpg"> +</figure> + +We also visited Madison Square Garden and several toy stores, including the LEGO store. +I bought a gift for Mark. +There was a full sized Yellow Cab made of LEGO that we sat in. + +<figure> + <img src="./lego.jpg"> +</figure> + +# 2052-05-23 Friday + +Another day of shopping and resting. +Mom went shopping at Talbots NYC, finding a dress, pants, and a sweater. +We visited the American Folk Art Museum, which was small but interesting. +Lunch was at Pastrami Queen, midtown. +All these trips were done by Bus and Subway---pretty freeing to be able to zip around the city without worrying about parking. + +<figure> + <img src="./folk-favorite-nancy.jpg"> + <figcpation>Nancy's favorite piece at the folk art museum.</figcaption> +</figure> + +<figure> + <img src="./folk-favorite-blaise.jpg"> + <figcpation>Blaise's favorite piece at the folk art museum.</figcaption> +</figure> + +<figure> + <img src="./pastrami-queen.jpg"> + <figcpation>Lunch at Pastrami Queen.</figcaption> +</figure> + +After lunch and a nap, I went down to SoHo on my own to shop at Gu. +I ended up buying about six pieces, all very functional for work and affordable. +Gu is a pretty cool brand. + +<figure> + <img src="./blaise-soho.jpg"> + <figcpation>Blaise in SoHo.</figcaption> +</figure> + +Along the way I saw some city creatures. + +<figure> + <img src="./pigeons.jpg"> + <figcpation>Pigeons swarming.</figcaption> +</figure> + +<figure> + <img src="./racoons.jpg"> + <figcpation>Racoons seen living inside the Morningside retaining wall. Don't miss the third one peeking out---so cute!</figcaption> +</figure> + +Dinner was NYC Pizza from a local shop. + +<figure> + <img src="./pizza.jpg"> + <figcpation>Dinner from Rosa Pizza, Harlem.</figcaption> +</figure> + +# 2025-05-24 Saturday + +The week of our visit happened to also be US Navy Fleet Week. +Lots of sailors around and special events related. +In honor of mom's uncle Arne, we traveled to the pier to try and get a look at one of the visiting warships. +We didn't have time to wait in line and actually go on the ship. + +<figure> + <img src="./nancy-warship.jpg"> + <figcpation>Nancy poses in front of a warship docked to one of the Manhattan piers.</figcaption> +</figure> + +I traveled north to meet up with Felix at the Met Cloisters. +One of the best parks in NYC, with a fantastic museum displaying midevil art right in the center. + +<figure> + <img src="./cloister.jpg"> +</figure> + +<figure> + <img src="./cloister-column.jpg"> +</figure> + +<figure> + <img src="./unicorn.jpg"> +</figure> + +Felix, mom, and I enjoyed french cuisine at Le Monde, quite near the Columbia campus. +I suprised myself by enjoying mussels. + +<figure> + <img src="./mussels.jpg"> +</figure> + +<figure> + <img src="./french-onion.jpg"> +</figure> + +As our last hurrah in NYC, we enjoyed an opera. +It was really fantastic, I can't wait to go again. + +<figure> + <img src="./opera-us.jpg"> + <figcpation>Felix, Nancy, and Blaise attend the Met Opera.</figcaption> +</figure> + +<figure> + <img src="./stage.jpg"> + <figcpation>The stage is set.</figcaption> +</figure> + +We saw [Salome](https://w.wiki/EHY4). +It was a very modern, creative telling of the bible story. +The singing was in German, and small screens near each seat showed the translation in real-time. +The entire stage moved up and down, there were visual effects---very impressive. + +# 2025-05-25 Sunday + +Nothing much to say. +We traveled by bus to Newark and flew out. +First time mom used a wheelchair at the airport. + |