.......idle jottings

[Jim Avery]

Sounds like a fun Hum day. Please, no calls from the Loo. I am an impressionable youth. We are in agree about the Chrysler Bldg. A beautiful creation and simply fascinating when lit in the evenings (I suppose myself as well as the building). I love the craziness of an (then) ultramodern building decorated with gargoyles. The old belt/suspender theory I suppose. Keep on Truckin'.

[Jim Avery]

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CAcQjRxqFQoTCLzV17rN7McCFUqZgAod5dgFuw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fanimalnewyork.com%2F2014%2Flook-woman-sitting-edge-chrysler-building%2F&psig=AFQjCNHmdq__YzaYsacfnx2yl3KFb-y55Q&ust=1441979232514068

[Poppy1966]

Hello Ho Hum. Sounds like you're having a fabulous time. Loving the humour in your last post😝 Not too sure if I'm going to book the Crystal Esprit for next year in the Seychelles but will let you know. Sun is shining here (for a change) so off to open a bottle of wine and just chill outside albeit wearing a fleece! Enjoy your hols:)

[Jim Avery]

Well thanks old chap for the recommendation and welcome.

But there will be no swanky dining in NY.

A classic NY steak and a classic NY pizza is the order of the day (on separate days).

Hum is mainly an obedient vegetarian at home but not away......and that seems generally well accepted by her ladyship: so long as she can get a salad (dressing on the side) then she is happy as "Larry".

Our only problem is the wine. HH red. Blondie white. Two bottles.

 

We had breakfast in a Diner (Three Guys).....service is so slick.

New Yorkers all on their mobiles but at least they are quiet, well dressed and circumspect.

Walk thro' Central Park to MOMA. Lovely walk with a fantastic variety of trees, all in great condition.

Never seen Andy Warhol's "Marilyns" originals before......brilliant. And fantastically arranged.

Just two small, early Rothkos.

A fabulous large " Jack the Dripper"

Wonderful Jasper Johns "American Flag"

A Hopper.

And that was it !

Everybody was viewing the Impressionists.

Van Gogh the star. Cezanne, Gaugin, Derain. Not a fan of Picasso: too distant and aggressive.

And a few rough Henry Moores outside alongside some other stuff which when "arranged" appears as scrap metal yard.

We'll try the Frick or Guggenheim or Metropolitan tomorrow.

Lunch in a brasserie (Reubens).

Ordered a dozen oysters and an Au Bon Climat, Santa Barbera, Chardonnay.

"We only sell that by the bottle"

Yes that's fine. Looking round, no one's drinking !

The bottle arrives with the oysters....they are tiny.

Your oysters suffer from anorexia, Hum tells the Eastern European waitress.

"Yes, it's because the currents are not strong this time of year"

Well they would'nt be growing up in a goldfish bowl.

The sourdough bread is wonderful.

But the service is amazing.

Walk back thro' Park.

Hot and sticky so a shower.

And then to a restaurant recommended by concierge for great steaks (Arlington Club)

No fine cuts for Hum. A medium rare skirt steak suffices accompanied by a Californian Cab.

Sublime but could not finish.

Sorry Jim and JES. Hum ain't a big eater.....drinking is his forte.

Again the service is super good.

 

Another famous regular at The Carlyle is Woody Allen who plays his clarinet here.....and no that's not a euphemism.

 

We heard an almighty row outside our door last night. The lady was appealing for her man to calm but he was really fired up.

Guys, we can be real pracks sometimes.

She was being the voice of reason and very kind.

Blondie can be a tad testing at times though.

She announces she wants to buy a "make up brush". She needs a brush now to paint it all on. Hum advises we should try a hardware store.

But Hum does not want to go round a "girl store" so he suggests he will wait in the Irish bar across the road.

An hour later she returns. She has run into a shoe shop to find "Choo" shoes in a sale !

Adding that all the girls in the store said they looked fantastic......yes the girls SELLING them !

A bit like Hum's wine merchants.......

 

One thing HH can't understand about America is phones in bathrooms.

Are Americans so constipated that they sit for ages, straining and groaning to shoot out a tiny pebble that rattles round the bowl like a pinball before being engulfed in a huge splash into the water below.

 

Does corporate America have conference calls of executives all on the bog ?

 

"Well I have called you at short notice to discuss this take over proposal"

 

Tinkle-tinkle

 

"Is it raining where you are Jacobs ?"

 

No sir, I'm just pouring a glass of water.

 

"Then just pour it in one go Jacobs"

 

Then loud fart..

 

"What did you say Jenkins ?"

 

Nothing sir

 

Another long fart....

 

"Are their roadworks outside your office Smith"

 

Yes he says (lying)

 

The only thing people hear are bathroom noises....long fart, tinkle, pebble shot out, tinkle...

 

It makes you think !

 

Is'nt it un-hygienic ? Well of course it is...what is Hum thinking. It's not normal.....Americans are the only people on the planet talking and c....... at the same time.

Maybe that's how the expression "You are talking......." comes from.

 

A beautiful skyline tonight.

Oh Chrysler you are the fairest of them all.....

 

Your food choices are as expected and will be very good but do not miss that quintessential NYC gustatory delight, the Dirty Water Hot Dog. Yes, from that foul water in the street carts cometh some of the best alcohol absorbing food in the city.

[DisneyJen]

Your food choices are as expected and will be very good but do not miss that quintessential NYC gustatory delight, the Dirty Water Hot Dog. Yes, from that foul water in the street carts cometh some of the best alcohol absorbing food in the city.

 

So many delicious delights in NYC! How about a pastrami sandwich or cheesecake from the Carnegie Deli:D

 

H-H must have brought this weather across the pond with him ... cool. gray and rainy all day here:eek:

 

Either that or DJ's DH took the heat wave with him yesterday when he headed out to LAX for business. I wonder if he crossed paths with Ragnar:eek:

[Jim Avery]

So many delicious delights in NYC! How about a pastrami sandwich or cheesecake from the Carnegie Deli:D

 

H-H must have brought this weather across the pond with him ... cool. gray and rainy all day here:eek:

 

Either that or DJ's DH took the heat wave with him yesterday when he headed out to LAX for business. I wonder if he crossed paths with Ragnar:eek:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=362217&stc=1&d=1441926604

 

Like this one?

[DisneyJen]

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=362217&stc=1&d=1441926604

 

Like this one?

 

Exactly Jim:D

 

Of course, having been spoiled by SD, there are very few places where I get that delicacy!!!

 

A proper corned beef special involves instructions a la "When Harry Met Sally" ... Fresh rye bread, no seeds, Russian/Thousand Island Dressing, shaved Jewish corned beef and coleslaw. Of course, not forget the Kosher Dill pickle:eek:

[Jim Avery]

Exactly Jim:D

 

Of course, having been spoiled by SD, there are very few places where I get that delicacy!!!

 

A proper corned beef special involves instructions a la "When Harry Met Sally" ... Fresh rye bread, no seeds, Russian/Thousand Island Dressing, shaved Jewish corned beef and coleslaw. Of course, not forget the Kosher Dill pickle:eek:

 

You can see the plate of pickles in the picture. Carnegie does good pickle.:eek: I have to admit to needing to take the cheesecake back to the room. No can do after devouring 25lbs of Pastrami on a sandwich with potato salad and a Dr. Brown's Cream Soda.:D

[ho-hum]

Your food choices are as expected and will be very good but do not miss that quintessential NYC gustatory delight, the Dirty Water Hot Dog. Yes, from that foul water in the street carts cometh some of the best alcohol absorbing food in the city.

 

A "Dirty Water Hog Dog" !

No thanks.

Hum has passed on discussing toilets.

English pork sausages in a baguette smothered in English mustard.

Now that's Heaven.

 

So many delicious delights in NYC! How about a pastrami sandwich or cheesecake from the Carnegie Deli:D

 

H-H must have brought this weather across the pond with him ... cool. gray and rainy all day here:eek:

 

Either that or DJ's DH took the heat wave with him yesterday when he headed out to LAX for business. I wonder if he crossed paths with Ragnar:eek:

 

Exactly Jim:D

 

Of course, having been spoiled by SD, there are very few places where I get that delicacy!!!

 

A proper corned beef special involves instructions a la "When Harry Met Sally" ... Fresh rye bread, no seeds, Russian/Thousand Island Dressing, shaved Jewish corned beef and coleslaw. Of course, not forget the Kosher Dill pickle:eek:

 

Oh yes the pastrami sandwich.

Now you're talking.

But here is the problem.

Hum, a slow witted Brit just cannot get the order out.

Your subsequent advice came too late.

 

Cheesecake !

Mmmmm.......but those days are over.

The sacrifices a wine drinker has to make.

Edited September 11, 2015 by ho-hum

[MACT]

"Choo" shoes in a sale !

 

Try saying that after spending most of the day in an Irish bar awaiting the good lady's return.

 

Thanks for an alternative travel report from NY...much appreciated. Have you seen any Huggy Bear characters?

 

Must get back to that magical city one day. Last time there, we went up to Harlem on the underground as I wanted to take a picture of the legendary Apollo Theatre...ever the intrepid exploring tourist...talk about being thee racial minority.

 

Wife ..."have you finished yet... I'm in need of a coffee... let's get the underground back...now!!"

[DisneyJen]

A "Dirty Water Hog Dog" !

No thanks.

Hum has passed on discussing toilets.

English pork sausages in a baguette smothered in English mustard.

Now that's Heaven.

 

 

Oh yes the pastrami sandwich.

Now you're talking.

But here is the problem.

Hum, a slow witted Brit just cannot get the order out.

Your subsequent advice came too late.

 

Cheesecake !

Mmmmm.......but those days are over.

The sacrifices a wine drinker has to make.

 

There is nothing like NY cheesecake ... no need to sacrifice the wine ... just have it with the cheesecake! Of course it will mean more laps during the morning stroll:eek:

[Jim Avery]

There is nothing like NY cheesecake ... no need to sacrifice the wine ... just have it with the cheesecake! Of course it will mean more laps during the morning stroll:eek:

 

Ho Hum is just not educated in eating American Style. We need to send him for at least a month to Ragnar's School of American Eatin' & Drinkin'.:eek: That will round out his gustatory resume for sure.:D

[Jim Avery]

Hum is still in shock about James and a tad upset (albeit mildly).

James has already responded, thanking Hum.

We will be keeping in contact no doubt but we are not so close.

You are kind (and accurate) to comment as you did.

He is probably reading this anyhooo.

 

Hum cannot possibly comment about "tittle tattle" having been "wrapped over the knuckles" for simply having fun and wanting to share the excitement with chums who love SD.

But oh no.

Whether they go to Cuba or Margate......Hum doesnt give a " flying €!$*#" anymore (Hum is heavily sulking about the injustice and submitting to bullying and paranoia.....but only this time, out of respect, dwindling respect).

 

No doubt someone else will discover the news, if there is ANY.

 

Back to finding if there are any other things suitable to eat round here.

Is there a yoghurt shortage ?

Hum's discovered tons of it here.

Sadly only healthy food.

Might have to speed dial "The Taj" any second.

 

Mr Hum, you might wish to check in over at Azamara. They had proposed, with videos, etc. to revamp the popular Sunset Bar into an enclosed alternate dining venue. The troops revolted, set up a survey and lo and behold, the Chief Blogging Officer announced that Management (Larry Pimentel, et al.) has reversed their plans and will leave the popular Sunset Bar as is. Talk about communication with and listening to your customers.:D

[DisneyJen]

Ho Hum is just not educated in eating American Style. We need to send him for at least a month to Ragnar's School of American Eatin' & Drinkin'. That will round out his gustatory resume for sure.:D

 

Hmmm ...;) I could even arrange private tastings for him as a member of the Culinary Institutes of the Arts (CIA ... the food-related one, not the spy-related one) lives a few doors away here along the Hudson. As a matter of fact he was the executive chef at the Ritz Carlton in Manhattan before "retiring." He and his lovely wife are two of our eight-member supper club. Not only is he a master chef, he is a master sommelier.

 

Mr Hum, you might wish to check in over at Azamara. They had proposed, with videos, etc. to revamp the popular Sunset Bar into an enclosed alternate dining venue. The troops revolted, set up a survey and lo and behold, the Chief Blogging Officer announced that Management (Larry Pimentel, et al.) has reversed their plans and will leave the popular Sunset Bar as is. Talk about communication with and listening to your customers.:D

 

Another thing that makes you go Hmmm ... don't you think Ho- Hum?

 

Hope that H-H and Blondie are still in the city and have an opportunity to see the magnificent tribute tonight

 

[Jim Avery]

Beautiful picture. Thanks for posting.

[DisneyJen]

Beautiful picture. Thanks for posting.

 

We will #NeverForget

[ho-hum]

Another thing that makes you go Hmmm ... don't you think Ho- Hum?

 

Hope that H-H and Blondie are still in the city and have an opportunity to see

 

So glad you posted this poignant image.......would also wish to pay deepest respects and condolences.

[ho-hum]

Try saying that after spending most of the day in an Irish bar awaiting the good lady's return.

 

Thanks for an alternative travel report from NY...much appreciated. Have you seen any Huggy Bear characters?

 

Must get back to that magical city one day. Last time there, we went up to Harlem on the underground as I wanted to take a picture of the legendary Apollo Theatre...ever the intrepid exploring tourist...talk about being thee racial minority.

 

Wife ..."have you finished yet... I'm in need of a coffee... let's get the underground back...now!!"

 

No "Huggy Bear" characters .....haha

 

She bought the shoes ! Oh and they are in Hum's suitcase already laden with small gifts and purchases from MOMA.

 

Well a different Diner and again no nonsense service.....

Eating has to be done quickly whilst on the phone too for the other patrons.

We have lost The Whitney !

A camp concierge tells HH that it has moved to the "meat packing district".

Hum says "won't the works get terribly sticky ?"

And he laughs un-controllably !

"You Brits are so funny"

He is actually adorable and a fount of all knowledge delivered freshly and very enthusiastically (drug test him immediately !).

So it's The Metropolitan then and off we toddle.

"Pay us whatever you like or dont pay us at all" the thin, expressionless, Oriental, young lady wearing huge glasses says peering up from her huge desk.

Hum indicates he wishes to pay $25 each as she looks at him incredulously.

Had Hum known the extent of this gaff, then he would pay more !

It was marvellous.

We saw everything !

Yes it's a "smorgasbord" of culture but boy it's fun.

It needs three mornings alone at the very minimum.

The stand out was a "blanket" made of intricately "woven" bottle tops and cigar cases into a rich shimmering and colourful appearance reflecting similar work of an African tribe of women.

Yes it sounds terribly pretentious but the work was wonderful and fully deserved it's place here.

Returned to the hotel, went to the bar (surprise, surprise) and ordered a bottle of Provencal rose. Woody Allen plays next Monday the barman tells us.

Two Californians from Napa start chatting.......the drought is really bad at home they say.

So sorry, we say.

We are told you have to go Brooklyn to get the best pizza.

Well as Hum has no wish to emulate MACT in his search for the authentic at considerable danger to himself and Mrs.MACT probably getting caught up in a "turf war" between rival gangs displaying horrid tattoos, high on drugs and shooting it out with semi-automatics, he settles for an Italian restaurant closer to The Carlyle with an extensive Sassicia wine list.

Yes meeting the locals is part of the experience of travelling but Hum does'nt have to go too far!

Hum thinks the streets are not as safe with Kojak now gone.

"Who loves ya baby"

We decide not to eat......it is noisy and the tables are on top of one another and the music is too loud. How can you drink Sassicia in such atmosphere.

We are fussy. Well why not.

Return to room (27th floor....hate heights !) and look across to a most amazing skyline of illuminated, low cloud. Beautiful. Hopper-esque.

It's Fashion Week here and there are very elegant models and fashionistas strutting about.

All painfully thin and in need of a pastrami sandwich recently discussed.

Oh yes and throw in a couple of pickles.....kosher, of course.

[Jim Avery]

Time to get on the train to Toronto???

[DisneyJen]

So glad you posted this poignant image.......would also wish to pay deepest respects and condolences.

 

The city is beautiful at night ... especially on the night of Sept. 11.

 

Have to agree wholeheartedly that those models need a pastrami sandwich and kosher pickle!!

 

Dining on a Friday night is always an adventure ... you know us Americans ... we do everything loudly!!!:eek:

[Ragnar Danneskjold]

Ho-hum, your thoughtfullness knows no bounds.

[ho-hum]

It was with the greatest of pleasure dear Ragnar...have a fantastic trip.

Edited September 13, 2015 by ho-hum

[kathyanddanny]

Hello again HH...

 

I cannot tell you what a joy it was to have you and Blondie visit us in our Belle Province! We had a Fabulous evening and we look forward to seeing you two again in the not so distant future! A Great time was had by all!!!

Take care, and enjoy the rest of your trip!

😘

[ho-hum]

Hello again HH...

 

I cannot tell you what a joy it was to have you and Blondie visit us in our Belle Province! We had a Fabulous evening and we look forward to seeing you two again in the not so distant future! A Great time was had by all!!!

Take care, and enjoy the rest of your trip!

😘

 

It is amazing that this one area of the world abounds with so many travellers we have encountered and who have become great chums.

Truly people of Montreal are generous and open hearted.

Meeting you all last night was truly fantastic.

A wonderful meal, all singing with the Owner of the restaurant, visiting his wine cellar and finally being driven back to our lodgings by the maitre d' !

What kindnesses and jollity ! Which we will never be forgotten.

 

In a few hours we begin the next stage of our trip.

We sojourn deep into the vast centre of this huge country to the "settlement" where other chums live. Living off the land in simple log cabins they eek out a living somehow.

Trapping in winter and growing a few seasonal crops in the stony ground in summer.

We bring fancy goods from the city but we do not wish to intrude on their simple lives with silly trinkets.

A good hunting knife, snow shoes and warm fur jackets are their priorities.

These men have a hard life but they are easily entertained telling long tales of famous huntsmen and magical creatures sitting round the open fire chewing their tobacco and sipping on their metal cups of stewed hot coffee.

We must remember to tie our food and valuables in a bag and string it up high above our heads out of reach of the bears that abound these parts.

Hum has practiced a few "Innuit" words expressing "that we come in peace on a metal bird from far away".

But how will these simple fellows even begin to understand our ways of the modern world ?

Two very different cultures, indeed !

[DisneyJen]

Sounds like your are having quite an adventure here in the New World!

 

From the Carlyle to the cabins!!