Some of my formative
years were spent in New York City. My first "on-my-own
apartment" — although it was, as a matter of
economics, shared with two other young working women —
was in New York, and subsequently, when one of my roommates
introduced me to my future husband, Sheridan Square in the
Village became my first home as a new bride.
I was, therefore, surprised
upon coming to Connecticut that when I would mention in
conversation that I was "going to the city"; natives
here thought I meant that I was going into New Haven.
Now, I thoroughly enjoy all
that New Haven has to offer and since on some days I may
make the trip from Branford to New Haven several times,
it would hardly, in my mind, bear mentioning.
For me, wherever I live, a
trip to "the city" can only mean one place: New
York, N.Y., and having taken on the Long Island and Cross
Bronx expressways, I was not at all daunted by the "Q"
Bridge. Many of my Shoreline friends make detailed and strategic
plans to avoid it at all costs.
I do readily admit, however, that when
I need my twice-monthly New York "fix," I don’t
drive but much prefer the relative ease of the train.
Recently, I have had the pleasure
of introducing New York City to my niece, Kimberly, who
is studying at Columbia. In starting to acquaint Kim with
New York, I am discovering and rediscovering some of New
York’s treasures myself.
One of our first visits was
to the United Nations, where our very comprehensive tour
was given by Marc, a delightful, tall, young guide from
Germany. Although our particular tour was in English, tours
(which leave about every half-hour) are also available in
all five of the official UN languages.
I had previously made a reservation
for lunch in the delegates’ dining room ... a worthwhile
extravagance because the food is delicious and the views
of New York and the East River, breathtaking. To make a
reservation for the dining room, call (212) 963-7625.
I had forgotten — that despite
the fact that the UN acts primarily in an advisory capacity
only — how much this unique and important organization
has managed to accomplish. The inspiring biblical quote,
engraved on the wall of the UN Plaza, always gives me a
lump in my throat when I read it: "They shall beat
their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning
hooks.
Nation shall not lift up sword against
nation.
Neither shall they learn war anymore.
Another day, we enjoyed several exhibits
at the Metropolitan Museum of Art where, as a member, I
was able to take Kim to the elegant trustees’ dining
room for lunch. However, there is a new and reasonable cafeteria
and a more expensive but charming cafe which overlooks part
of Central Park.
Of course, from now until Christmas,
New York City is truly a fantasy wonderland and a world-class
bazaar of unique treasures. I can hardly wait to show Kim
and my Chinese Yale student, Jing, the giant tree at Rockefeller
Center with the statue of Prometheus still holding aloft
his torch over the skaters below. Or Fifth Avenue, a glittering
river of light in the evening with the Tiffany store looking
like a giant gift box with its big blue ribbon encircling
the entire building. And good news for children of all ages,
F.A.O. Schwarz is back in a newly renovated store.
The venerable Museum of Modern Art,
known as MOMA, has re-opened and features an exciting new
addition, but there are long lines just now. However, there
are a wealth of small museums, some like Asia House (Park
and 70th), the Dahesh Museum (580 Madison), the American
Craft Museum and the American Folk Art Museum (both almost
next to each other at 40 and 45 W. 53rd) and all with excellent
gift shops.
While I’m always happy to return
to dear, old Connecticut after all the excitement and stimulation
of New York, I find that while I may return exhausted…
it is a good feeling because I am tired from living ...
never, tired of living.
You might want to plan a trip soon.
People come from all over the world to experience New York.
Certainly, we who are only a short distance away, should
remember to take advantage of all the city can offer.
Jean Cherni
is founder of Senior Living Solutions, a retirement advisory
service. Contact her at jeancherni@sbcglobal.net or
15 The Ponds, Branford 06405. H. Pearce Company REALTORS®
is a full-service real estate company with more than 100
agents and branch offices in greater New Haven and the Shoreline.
Corporate and & Commercial offices are located in North
Haven, where the company was founded in 1958. All listings
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