Dad Takes the Subway! (Part 1)
For years, my Dad has lived in the Bronx and worked in Manhattan. And for all of that time, he has been driving to work. Geographically, it's a very small distance, probably no more than 12 miles, but as anyone who has driven in Manhattan can attest - that can take anywhere from 20 minutes to 4 hours of stressful driving.As if that isn't fun enough, there's the parking. And the alternate side/street cleaning days/hours when he has to go outside to move his car temporarily (and move it back later). And the car being vandalized while being parked (sideview mirror knocked off, scraped and banged up by passing cars and parked cars). And once even being towe

Happy Anniversary to the NYC Subway!
Yesterday was the NYC Subway's 105th birthday. It's hard to believe that the transportation system that began before my Great Grandfather Mario arrived from Italy in Ellis Island is *still* in existence. (I wonder if Grandpa Mario ever took the subway? He must have!)

Celebrity Sighting in Grand Central: Judah Friedlander!
So what if this happened 4 months ago? I'm so behind!!!Back in June, a bunch of friends were visiting from out of town and I was going to show them a few sights. I was meeting up with them in Grand Central in the afternoon, a time I would never be there if I were commuting, and the timing could not have been more perfect...That afternoon, I got off the 7 Train and ascended the same 3 escalators to the main floor that I ride every morning. When I got to the top landing, who did I see coming towards me but Judah Friedlander! Now, on one hand, I hate to randomly talk to people because it happens to me often and I know it can be annoying. But on the other ha

Thank you, Richie!
People are always surprised when I tell them this, but I love my crazy commute. There are things I look forward to every morning and it's always an adventure - There's the fun of a subway, bus *and* commuter train; the amazing sights, and of course, the people I see everyday.When I arrive in GCT, after I wash my hands and take a photo in the upstairs ladies room, I head for Track 24. And that's where I am greeted by 3 Metro North track workers that I lovingly refer to as my "Fan Club". Every morning, these men make me smile and laugh and give me tons of compliments. Needless to say, I ador

Spotted: The Wild Haired Man from the 7 Train!
You may recall my Open Letter to the Wild Haired Man from the 7 Train a few months ago. I had not seen him since perhaps March or April. That was, until just this past Friday!I arrived in Grand Central nice and early and had plenty of time to carry out my bathroom ritual in the Station Master's Office on the main floor, taking a photo -