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="./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.</figcaption>
</figure>

# 2025-05-19 Monday

COLUMBIA
	Tour
	1)  Could visit St. Luke’s hospital to get photos of Eli White Dorm from 10-4:30
Michala would be glad to meet us at 10:00 am  on this day.
	  
There are three sections of photographs which may be most relevant:
	Eli White Memorial Residence for Nurses
		Exteriors 1937
		Recreational activities 1937
3)  Bard Dorm 50 Haven Ave.
The old medical place was at 622 W 168 St 
A new place is at the corner of 167th St and Audubon

4)  Rickie and I lived at 310 W 105th St.  Apt 5. 

5)  Butler Hall-400 W 119th St

6)  Look at libraries for campus and study hall at Cathredral of St. John the Divine

Possible to have zoom chat with Miesha

# 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

# 2052-05-23 Friday

# 2025-05-24 Saturday

# 2025-05-25 Sunday