On my way to the Baltic States and Russia, I stopped by New York City.  As I flew east from Los Angeles, I realized I was probably headed the long way around the planet and it was probably closer for me to fly over the Pacific. The Travel Agent booking the tour resides in NYC so I guess it makes sense that we are leaving from NYC. Well it may be longer but it gives me an opportunity to visit the big Apple and earn a few extra frequent flyer points. 

The last time I was in NYC was in 1986 or 1987.  I was sent there twice in one year to do two projects, one was installing a system at the New York Penta (aka Hotel Pennsylvania) which remains to this day the most difficult project I have ever worked on (long hours, note enough resources, along with everything that could go wrong).  Although I was there for the better part of a summer, I barely saw the city or my college friends who had moved there after school.  Saying it was all work is not an understatement.

The second project was the Hotel Edison, which wasn't long after the New York Penta and it was not nearly as difficult. I actually had some fun during that project.  How could 20 years have gone by?  It seems like just yesterday I was walking the streets with fellow co-workers during a well needed break talking about how we never want to hear the song "Pennsylvania 6-500" by Glenn Miller which was the "hold" music at the New York Penta Hotel.

Hard to believe that 20 years went, had the city changed?  I know I had, the days of working all day and then having enough energy to stay out half the night and work the following day were long over.

As I approached the gate, I heard the NYC accent. I realized at that moment it was not just an accent, it was an attitude. I had not heard or seen that in person for a long time except on TV.  No other way to describe it, it is more than an accent, it is an attitude.

My friend Allan who lives in Manhattan met me at JFK.  I was going to stay at his place in Chelsea and he was there to help me get there.  With leg in a brace due to a recent fracture, I was very grateful he came out to the airport to help me navigate the trains.

As we emerged from the Penn Station, what hit me was the sound of New York City - horns honking, whistles blowing, engines roaring, brakes screeching, busses hissing as the doors open, trucks beeping as they back up, people shouting and below us, the subways rumbling.  Yes, I was in Manhattan.

The second thing I realized was that I was facing the Hotel Pennsylvania.  Of all the places to see in NYC, here I was staring at the place I saw every day for the better part of a summer.  How life takes you in circles at times.  I wonder if my old pals Montana, and Transfer Daily still there..... 

After going to Allan's place in Chelsea, we had a nice dinner at Food Bar, one of Allan's favorite places.  It was a great place to people watch and I love doing that.

Last Updated 12/01/2006

Created by

Jim Gaidula