Cars, Trains, Taxis, and Subways, oh my!

Hello from New York City! I arrived at Penn Station on Friday, May 9th around 2:45 PM in the middle of a monsoon; actually it felt like a Nor’easter for those familiar with east coast weather terminology. Silly me, I forgot to wear or pack a waterproof jacket even though I watched the weather reports for NYC for this weekend. I was more concerned about having all the right photo equipment packed.

After standing in the rain waiting in the taxi line at Penn Station, I finally got my soaked-butt into a cab. Riding in a NYC taxicab is one of those things everyone should do at least once in their life; let’s just say it’s an experience you either will like or dislike. I like. The only other thing I can compare it to is a 1988 Panama City, Panama taxi ride I had with about five friends packed into a beat-up Toyota Corolla. I think the horn was wired to the gas petal; we didn’t stop for anything or anyone. My latest taxi ride not quite that exciting but it did take almost an hour to get from Penn Station to the Millenium Hilton across from where the World Trade Center buildings used to stand.

So after getting settled in, I had to go shopping for a Mother’s Day gift. I not saying for who, what or where but what I can say is that I accomplished my goal. Instead of taking a taxi, I decided to venture out using the wonderful subway system. This is another one of those “life experiences” everyone should partake in. Besides it is cheaper and faster to get around the city; $2 for a one-time ride or $7 for four rides. I’m seriously thinking of taking the subway to Penn Station when I leave Sunday morning. Nothing against NYC taxis but it comes down to a matter of simple economics, $2 versus $24 one-way; it’s a no-brainer. I can’t wait for the Team Universe in September!

After accomplishing my shopping goal, hunger sat in. I got back on the subway and got off at 7th Avenue and 53rd Street. Do you know where I’m going? Two of my favorite dining establishments sit side-by-side, the Carnegie Deli, 854 7th Avenue at 55th Street, and the China Regency, 850 7th Avenue. I opted for Carnegie Deli due to the fact it has been a long time since I indulged myself in the best corned-beef sandwich in the world. I was in heaven!

The Carnegie Deli is another “life experience” one should savor. I can’t tell you everything about the place in this blog; you just have to go there. I almost ate the whole sandwich that was stacked 3+ inches high with corned-beef. Pictures of dignitaries, movie and stage stars, sports stars, and other famous people line the walls of this establishment. No room for dessert; they have an awesome selection to choose from and the servings are huge. It’s now 9:30 PM and time to leave.

I walked around Mid-town a little before getting back on the subway. The walk helped settle my dinner and burn off some calories; yeah right. New York is a beautiful city, day or night. The reason why I say this is because after leaving Carnegie Deli, I looked down 7th Avenue and saw all the beautiful signage. Even though it was still raining, it made the night more interesting with the low clouds slightly above the tallest buildings.

Well, I made it back to the Hilton as you can tell by me writing this blog. I’ll try to make a blog entry tomorrow regarding the NY Men’s Pro, Women’s Pro and Men’s 202 and under contests at the Tribeca Performing Arts Center.