Falconeer's New York expedition

[Falconeer]

I will be in the US from february 19th to 28th. I'll be in NYC, then move down to Virginia and up again to Buffalo before going back to Roma.

Now this post could seem pointless but I am not the usual tourist. I could easily find info about what to see and I would probably stay away from those places anyway. What I would like to know is something unusual, something I can't find on guides, or just something that is cool and I should see/attend/eat/drink/buy/experience before flying back.

I will be limited to New York City, Buffalo and Chesapeake/Norfolk (VA), so that rules out lots of suggestion, but what I am looking for is just a bunch of ideas about something interesting and or unusual to do in those few days. It's my first time in the US and it could easily be the last one. I would love to have some authentic f13 tips.

P.S: Suggestions to a cheap place to sleep for two nights in New York are welcome (hygiene is not an issue, safety is) but I failed to see the Tourist Guide sign when I logged in to f13, so don't take this too seriously.

[Strazos]

Oh, tough one....even though I'm from the US...there's nowhere in particular I'd want to visit.

[Oban]

I will be limited to New York City, Buffalo and Chesapeake/Norfolk (VA)

Wow, who did you piss off?

I have no real advice to give other than, bring some warm clothes and shoes that will not get destroyed by salt.

[Falconeer]

Is it that cold?
And should I move by greyhound or amtrak?

[Venkman]

I'd say Amtrak from NYC to Virginia, Greyhound from Norfolk to Buffalo and Amtrak again from there to NYC, if that's where you're flying out of. Buy that's just guessing on the Norfolk to Buffalo route. If it were me I'd Amtrak all of it. No idea if it's faster of cheaper but there always seeks to be more legroom, each seat has a power outlet, and some lines have wifi now. But it has been decades since ive a bus too.

Are you looking for family touristy stuff, singles-scene cool guy stuff, historical or naval/military things?

[MuffinMan]

I stayed at the New Yorker when I was in Manhattan a few years ago. It had a great location and I never felt unsafe at all staying there. Halls were kind of dreary but some floors looked great and the rooms were small but clean. Looks to be around $149/night now, I think I payed $179 or something. It wasn't the cheapest place I could find but it was close, very satisfied.

[Falconeer]

Wow. Fuck. I deleted my own post by accident.

I won't last a second in the streets.

[Hawkbit]

If you wind up in East Village area, eat here:  http://www.lapalapa.com/

I dream about the meal I had there... I'd even consider taking a trip back just to eat that meal again. 

 

    ENCHILADAS DE POLLO EN MOLE ROJO  chicken enchiladas in a rich red mole from the state of Morelos, homemade queso fresco, crema and sweet onion

My mouth waters again for it....

[Johny Cee]

Buffalo?  Really?  I'm a native of the state, and I think I've been to Buffalo maybe once.  Can't trust those Western New Yorkers (/squints at Sky).

[Falconeer]

I have friends here and there. I would visit you too people but you wouldn't like me.

[Cheddar]

I live in Chesapeake, VA.  :P

Really not much to see down here beyond normal tourist stuff.  Plus it will be cold.  Very, very cold.   

[shiznitz]

Is it that cold?
And should I move by greyhound or amtrak?

Amtrak is better than Greyhound if you like to pay a huge premium and still be late...

Two good places to see in NYC that aren't really touristy are Mulberry Street (mobster-esque restaurants, go at night only) and Canal Street (Chinatown). Both are easy subway rides.  Chinatwon might be in full Chinese New Year mode still. One museum that most people don't go to is The Cloisters at the northern end of Manhattan: monastery and religious artwork in a period environment.

[Signe]

I have friends here and there. I would visit you too people but you wouldn't like me.

Don't be silly.  Everyone here would love you to bits!  How could they not?

But, Cheddar is probably right.  It'll be very cold.  We've had odd weather lately, though.  We've had days where it's in the 20s with days in the 60s stuck in between.  It's probably the Russians mucking about with our weather again.  Maybe you'll get some of the good weather for your trip.

As for buses and trains - I've been on plenty of trains and they're okay.  I've even contemplated taking a scenic train vacation from time to time but have never actually got around to it.  Strange but I don't think I've ever been on a bus! 

[rattran]

Weather is unpredictable for late February, pack so you can dress for 60F to 0F. Layers is good. If you don't want to do touristy museum type stuff, it's not the best time of year to wander NYC. Cold and gray. And you can't spit off the Empire State anymore. I haven't lived there in long enough anyplace neat I could send you is either gone or changed. I know nothing about Buffalo in Feb other than it's usually covered in lake-effect snow.

I've been on both Greyhound buses and Amtrak trains. Both will be late and with limited departure times, the train will be more expensive but much more comfortable. Unless you get a sleeper, in which case you may as well fly first class. Don't make the mistake of thinking of Amtrak as a national train service, it's more a limited destination boondoggle of massive proportions. Americans drive or fly everywhere. Anything else is horrible, slow, depressing, and to a large degree non-existant. Greyhound buses are like a traveling mental institution.

At least it's not Canada, where you might get your head cut off!

[Sky]

I dunno, I've only been to the Buffalo burbs, got some family in East Aurora. Probably should hit up the Anchor Bar, home of buffalo wings. NYC...gah I hate that place almost as much as LA.

Don't let these people scare you with Buffalo weather. It's splendid. *


* I love frigid temps, high winds and massive snow.

[Mrbloodworth]

I live in Chesapeake, VA.  :P

Really not much to see down here beyond normal tourist stuff.  Plus it will be cold.  Very, very cold.   

I live just up the way from it, like 2 city's over, however.... I can't think of a single thing to do there.

[Murgos]

There is a little secret in the big north eastern cities that I'll clue you in on.

Greyhound sucks so much that the industrious Chinese immigrants have created bus lines to get from Chinatown to Chinatown.  They are generally clean, on time and extremely cheap (often they have specials as low as $1).

Here is a list someone compiled: http://www.staticleap.com/chinatownbus/

I'm sure you can Google around and find others as I am aware that there are a few other commercial ventures trying to pick up the Greyhound/Amtrak slack (such as http://www.limoliner.com/).

[Cheddar]

Falc, you better take lots and lots of pics!  Let me know if you wanna hook up and grab a drink.

Hampton Roads gets lots of tourists (especially Virginia Beach) but honestly I cannot think of a single thing to do around here.  Then again, I hate people.

[Righ]

There is nowhere actually cheap to stay in the heart of NYC, no matter how unfussy you are. Shitty little holes of hotels cost $100 and up unless you're prepared to use a shared bathroom, and even private rooms in hostels will cost $75 or more so you may as well spend a little bit more and get somewhere decent, because it can be done if you book ahead.

NYC has some of the best, and certainly some of the most varied restaurants in the world. Try something you haven't tried before, because all the world's cuisine comes to NYC.

The best thing to do in NYC is just experience the place. Go to the places with character and just walk the streets and take in the sights. If you want to see Manhattan from high up, don't bother with the Empire State Building (which is better to look at than look from) - go to the Rockefeller Center.

Fuck Broadway, if you want culture, go to The Lincoln Center. If you want some contemporary art, head to the galleries of Chelsea. Check out some undiscovered local rock music at Arlene's Grocery or some up and coming bands at The Mercury Lounge. Rent a horse and ride one of the parks.

What do you enjoy doing? Chances are you can probably do it in NYC.

[Falconeer]

First of all, let me say I collect coincidences. And Cheddar living in Chesapeake is quite uncanny. Not because someone from f13 lives there, but because Cheddar does. Long story, I am sure he forgot it by now. But wow. I raise: Cheddar, do you know Jackmove?

That said, a drink would be more than great! But the reasons I am coming to Virginia are so bizarre I really don't know - a) if I'll end up doing it - b) what time I'll arrive and what time I'll leave. It'll be a 24 hours stay anyway - c) what will happen to me once there. I'll give the police your name should I get arrested somewhere between Norfolk and Virginia beach though. You are in charge of letting my son know 

To everyone else: thank you all so much for the suggestions, I am writing them down. While I usually just stroll around and experience places as Righ said, I think a few tips can't hurt. Oh, now that I am there: ever heard of a place called the Lucky Cat in Brooklyn? Arlene's Grocery looks cool by the way. I'll try to find my way there. For a bed, never hoped to find anything cheap so I guess I'll look for something online with a cute name. Or I could rely to couchsurfing.com. It works so well when I host people, maybe it's time I try to other way around.

What else? I hope you don't mind if I'll occasionally post new questions here necroing this thread until takeoff day. And yeah, silly photos will follow to seal it.

Late addition to Signe: yesterday I watched a swedish movie about a commune during the 70s, it's called "Together" by Lukas Moodysson. One of the girls is called Signe. Now you have her face forever to me. And I still mean it: You wouldn't like me. I wouldn't like me if I met me. 

[Signe]

I is not Swedish, I is Norwegian.  And I tell you that you're wrong.  You are likable.  I liked you from the start.  Even if you are a bit of a girl. 

[Falconeer]

Even if you are a bit of a girl.

Dammit! That was supposed to be my secret! Who told you?!

[Cheddar]

First of all, let me say I collect coincidences. And Cheddar living in Chesapeake is quite uncanny. Not because someone from f13 lives there, but because Cheddar does. Long story, I am sure he forgot it by now. But wow. I raise: Cheddar, do you know Jackmove?

I assume you mean this band

I am not familiar with that band, but ironically enough know one of the guys in it.  Or knew (High school).  I am sure others in the band know me; for some reason people remember me (usually in a good way).  Aaaaand, wtf.  Why the mystery?  VA for 24 hours?

[Abagadro]

Greyhound buses are like a traveling mental institution.

QFT. It's like being on a mobile edition of the Jerry Springer show.

[Falconeer]

I booked two nights at the Manhattan hotel. The one with the worst reviews and ratings of the lot but close to Penn Station, with a cool name and lots of potential. 170 euros for two nights. Private bathroom. I expect giggles.

About Virginia, Cheddar, can't even think of making all the way down there and not meeting you. The mystery, though, can't be lifted as the nature of my virginian detour is so delicate I could jinx it, break it, burst it or just hurt it. And I'm not even sure I am taking up that quest anyway. I guess I'll decide when in New York, based on mood, weather and a d20.

Oh, and yeah that Jackmove. Would you please tell me which member you were in highschool with, exactly?   

[Cheddar]

Oh, and yeah that Jackmove. Would you please tell me which member you were in highschool with, exactly?   

I will PM you on the side - posting openly is revealing a bit too much of my personal life on the intardnet!

[Signe]

What don't we know about you?  You live in VA.  You have many children, all exceptionally cute.  You have have a lot of different wives who are mostly pregnant.  You are unusually mild-mannered for a ginger.  You are loved and revered by your fellow Amish people.  And you shout at me when I tell fibs about you.  There's more but I don't want to be shouted at yet this morning.

[Margalis]

Do not take Greyhound. Just don't. Unless you want to ride on a bus with a malfunctioning that smells like piss, have the bus driver turn off the heat in the middle of winter so that warm air doesn't increase the piss smell, and ride for hours in a freezing bus that smells like piss.

If you like that sort of thing then by all means take Greyhound.

If you like spacious seats, a little eatery car with beer and other passengers that don't all look like escaped cons then Amtrak is the better option.

[Yegolev]

Is it that cold?

Haha hoho!

And should I move by greyhound or amtrak?

HAHAHAHA HOHOHOHO!

[Falconeer]

I am made of snow. I always get disappointed by what people call "cold". Even Finland failed me.

And what's so funny about buses and trains?

[Oban]

Buses and trains in the US are not like buses and trains in Europe.

If money is an issue, try flying Southwest to get from place to place in the US.

[Falconeer]

How to put this? If they were the same they are in Europe I wouldn't consider them. I am looking for something completely different which is still totally mundane. A plane wouldn't do.
No matter how bad it can be, it's just a week of my life. And I'll have something to write about if I survive it.


EDIT: I am not looking for bad. I am accepting it.

[IainC]

Buses and trains in the US are not like buses and trains in Europe.

If money is an issue, try flying Southwest to get from place to place in the US.

Doesn't that only work if you're Northeast of the place you want to go to though?

[Righ]

Doesn't that only work if you're Northeast of the place you want to go to though?

No, but anything else takes longer.

[Yegolev]

And I'll have something to write about if I survive it.

Oh, looking for life experience?  Then by all means, use American mass transit as much as possible.  I also suggest, in NYC, getting on that one subway car which has no passengers.  In Buffalo, eat a handful of local wings and run outside wearing only your underwear.