Tuesday, April 10, 2007

Cindy's big adventure in the Big Apple

The older I get the more I realize I haven’t seen nearly enough of this amazing world. So my goal the next several years is to experience as much as I can as often as I can - provided I continue to sell so I can finance these excursions.:o)

My latest adventure was a return trip to the Big Apple the end of March for the PASIC conference and some generalized fun. Lord, I love that city. Where else can you find such exquisite treasures as MoMa AND the Naked Cowboy all within walking distance?


Where else can you dine at a NYC icon like Sardi’s one night and Gray’s Papaya (best hotdogs in the city) the next. And where else can you experience the heart-wrenching pride of seeing the Statue of Liberty stand guard over the harbor and stand in numbed grief at Ground Zero.

This city has risen from the ashes of tragedy. There is so much life and color on the streets. You can’t swing a dead rat without running into flower and fruit vendors selling Rolexs and designer bags out of cases on Time Square. I actually bought a Gucci watch for $10 once. Tells time perfectly twice a day, too :o) What a bargain!!

The rich lilt of a dozen different languages drift to you on the subway, the streets and at the theatre. It’s truly a culturally blended atmosphere unlike any other. And let me tell you, New Yorkers have taken a bad rap regarding hospitality. While I didn’t exactly have ‘fell off the turnip truck’ stenciled across my forehead, I obviously looked the part on several occasions and not once did anyone balk at helping me find my way.

And should you get homesick for wide open spaces and green grass, you need only visit Central Park for all the serenity and natural beauty your little heart desires – who knows, you might get lucky and stumble onto young lovers, as I did in this shot below.

And lastly, for those of us in the business, it’s pretty much the hub of the publishing world so the opportunity to meet with agents and editors are boundless.

Okay. I’ve listed some of my fun things and favorite places. Anyone else out there have special NYC places they love? Anyone who hasn’t gone have places they WANT to see? I’d love to hear some of your thoughts or questions. While I’m no expert, after 4 trips, I am beginning to feel my pinky finger is poised on the pulse of the city and I might actually be able to answer you.

13 comments:

Cindy Gerard said...

First off - apologies that I posted this so late. I - whoops - forgot. URg. I hate it when that happens.
cg

Unknown said...

Cindy, how cool! Love that shot of Central Park! And of course, the naked. . . cow-something. ?

Yeah, New York. I'd confess to being fascinated by it if it didn't feed into the dangerously inflated New York Ego that disdains everything west of the Hudson. Fly over land. Grrrrr. But I guess I have to fess up to fascination.

I remember as a kid seeing photos of the UN building and wishing with all my heart I could go there and see it in person. Imagine my disappointment a few years ago when I reached that hallowed spot and saw how surprisingly small the complex is and how abysmally run down! It's a mess. Kindof like the state of international relations these days.

I love the area around the UN and if I had to stay or live in New York that's the area I'd choose. Do you know what it's called? Have you ever taken the UN tour? I regret not having taken time to do that. . . maybe at some future RWA conference or on an individual agent/editor tour.

Also, is that beg black condemned building still there overlooking Ground Zero, or have they torn that down? It was so eerie. I felt like that was a monument all by itself.

Unknown said...

Almost forgot-- how was Pasic? I heard that Waldenbooks is being closed entirely-- I nearly dropped my teeth! Also heard that Borders is trying to find a way to market books more successfully. . . by haveing the books face out instead of spine out in the stores. Sounds great-- until you realize they'll have space for 1/3 as many books!

What else did you hear?

Cindy Gerard said...

Haven't been to the UN, Betina so I can't help you out there. The last time I was a ground Zero, it was abysmally depressing but progress is being made to reclaim the site.
the PASIC conference was great. Very small - around 100 attendees - and about as many editors and agents at the kickoff cocktail party. Great place to rub elbows :o) Sue Grimshaw, the romance buyer for BGI (Borders Group) spoke and addressed the Walden store issue. Actually, less than 1/2 of the Walden's stores are closing (around 200) and basically it's a result of the dying off of malls. On line shopping has taken a toll and we are losing many brick and mortar businesses as a result. Borders, however are opening 20 new super stores in the very near future and hope to continue to expand. Other news from Borders is that they are breaking away from Amazon.com and opening their own online bookstore. They are eager to promote authors and if you have video trailers of your books, you need only send them to Sue and she will forward to the powers that be to see if they will be willing to post them on the Borders site. cool.

Helen Brenna said...

I've been to NYC only twice and never got to see much. The first time was right after college, and it was the last stop on a graduation trip with friends. We were all so broke we couldn't stay more than an afternoon.

The next time was when I finalled in the GH for the first time and went to National with a 2 month old baby. Didn't see much then either. LOL

Next time I go, I'd like to see a few shows on or off Broadway and eat my way through the various districts. I've heard there are fantastic restaurants.

Anyone have a favorite place to eat?

Cindy Gerard said...

Helen - You can hardly find a bad restaurant in NYC - although, a few years ago the extra little bit of protein we got one morning in the form of a cockroach on an egg mcsomething kind of turned me off on quick fast food places on Time Square:o)
But, the Village (french/american), Tratoria de Artist (Italian), Pigalle's (Greek) are among my favorites. Also, you'll want to hit the Magnolia Bakery - it's where the girls on Sex and the City loved to indulge. Best cupcakes in the world. And I was serious about Grey's Papaya. their hotdogs are amazing. Carnige Deli is also wonderful.
Are you getting the picture here? I generally eat my way through the city.:o)

Debra Dixon said...

Cindy-- I love that shot of the park. Fabulous. I also love NY. I go when I can. They closed my favorite deli :/ but you're right about the restaurants. It's hard to find a bad one. One closes, and another opens.

In the category of "if I knew then what I know now..." I would have gone to college in NY. Or close by.

I'd live there if I could afford enough "space" in NY. But while I love the pulse of the city, I'm not sure I'm willing to trade housing!

Cindy Gerard said...

Space is definitely a premium and pricey, all right. And while I love visiting, I need the quiet and peace I find at home in the Midwest - and the room, as you said. Nothing goes to waste, real estate wise in NYC. Every nook and cranny is filled to capacity. You can almost feel the city breath, it's so full of life.

Michele Hauf said...

Fun! Everybody seems to be on vacation. Hmm...

I've been to NY just the one time for an RWA conference and didn't get to do any sight seeing other than a walk through Times Square. I'm eager to return, because while I didn't think NY would appeal to me, something about that city seduces.

Looks like you had a great time, Cindy! Agents and editors and cowboys, oh my!
Michele

Anonymous said...

Ohhh, I love Gray's - one of my don't miss places when I go to the city. My other don't miss - Bolo - yes, it's a tad pricey but so worth it. I try to hit the NY Public Library too - it's an amazing place and the architecture is to die for. I'm spoiled - my dh is a New Yorker, so he's taught me enough to keep me from tripping over the curbs. You can't beat Chinatown - a fun, fun dining experience as well as the Canal Street 'deals' Back rooms are so much fun.
Thanks for sharing Cindy - regards,
rhonda

Cindy Gerard said...

Hey Rhonda!
You know, before Gray's I always thought a hotdog was a hotdog was a hotdog. I don't know what they do to those things but they are amazing. And I wanted to visit the library this trip but didn't make it. I understand it's amazingly beautiful!

Unknown said...

Yeah, yeah, fascinating city, etc. But what???? Waldens are closing half their stores. Oh man!!! They're my favorites. Definitely not good news. What else did you learn, Cindy?

Alyssa Day said...

Waldenbooks is definitely not closing off half their stores - Borders is doing great and Sue Grimshaw, the head buyer for the romance genre, is a great friend who continues to support romance authors in every way, from debut authors on up. My local Waldenbooks just increased the size of their romance section by almost double! Anyway, just wanted to clear up any worries. :)