Recently we visited New York City.
We flew from Peterborough airport to Newark on a private charter through Carlson Wagonlit Stewart Travel.
There were over a hundred of us on the flight, and many of us stayed at the same hotel, the Sheraton in Times Square. It was a fabulous trip with so much to see and do.
It was my second time visiting the city and it was even busier than I remember. One bus driver told us that just under two million people live in Manhattan but over six million commute into the city every day.
There is no escaping people in New York, they are EVERYWHERE.
We stumbled upon a delicious crepe place (vive la crepe) in the lower food court of The Plaza Hotel. As I people watched, I noticed one woman leave her phone on the table unattended while she left to get some condiments.
I was really surprised at her confidence to leave it. I was equally surprised no one scooped it.
I never felt unsafe in New York. The NYPD were EVERYWHERE. Everyone was very willing to help and answer questions. The streets were beautifully manicured and clean and I actually think the New Yorkers are friendlier than Torontonians.
But it’s this next story that really makes a point about the image and reputation of New York.
Carol was one of the people who travelled with us from Peterborough, she sent me this email:
First, I want to say we had a wonderful time in NYC and I wish to congratulate Carlson Wagonlit Stewart Travel on another fine adventure.
This was our 3rd time in NYC and our very best yet.
As we hear so much negativity in the news these days regarding the U.S.A. I thought I would try and relay my happy story.
On our other two trips to NYC we avoided Central Park for fear of getting mugged or worse?? This trip we were told it was quite safe, so on Friday we ventured in for a long walk and we were very pleasantly surprised. It was full of people of all ages out having picnics and enjoying their day . It was exceptionally clean and no sign of problems anywhere. On Saturday, after seeing the play “Come from Away” and having an early dinner we decided to once again walk through Central Park. We came upon a senior’s soft ball game and sat down on the bleachers and watched a few innings then continued our walk back toward the Hotel stopping for a while to listen to a blind drummer playing.
As we reached 7th and 59 th Street and as it was starting to get dark, I happened to notice neither of us had my hand bag when I removed my sunglasses. I freaked! I had about $500.00 cash in my wallet, expensive eye glasses and three American credit cards, one being “Macy’s” along with an American MasterCard and an American Visa card both with substantial limits. We hurried as fast as our legs would walk back to the game. The game was just over with the players shaking hands, and low and behold my purse was sitting where I had left it and all the contents were inside it.
P.S. as we are frequent travelers and I know the drill. I did leave our passports in the Hotel safe and have no idea why I didn’t leave my wallet as I always have on all my other trips??
Old age maybe?????Carol
I love this story and I love that Carol wanted to spread some good news, rather than negative news.
Thanks again, NYC. You really are a state of mind.
MF
