By Mitchell Slepian
I am a New Yorker and take advantage of all we have to offer – great concerts at the Garden, Radio City Music Hall, and other venues. Of course, there’s one of the world’s holiest places, Yankee Stadium (the old one was holier). Our great parks, theater – be it at Lincoln Center or the Theater District- and of course, our great restaurants and dive bars.
Getting to these places usually requires a subway ride. In some instances, a trip on the Staten Island Ferry. Yes, Staten Island has a lot to offer. That means I often take trains to Grand Central, the Port Authority Bus Terminal, and Penn Station.
A few months ago, I took Amtrak to the Philadelphia Flower Show. Amtrak pulled into the William H. Gray III 30th Street Station, and then I took the SEPTA to the show. I have traveled via Amtrak many times to Union Station DC and then boarded DC’s Metrorail. I have taken the trains in Berlin, Barcelona, London, Moscow, Milan, St. Petersburg and San Francisco. I don’t do well on buses. But have taken them in Jerusalem, London (double-decker), NYC, Safed, and Tel Aviv.
What do all these places have in common? They are usually filthy and full of grime. They all have their characters. Some of the characters are quite entertaining and part of our culture. As I walk through Times Square Station, I remember the spots where I saw “The Jackson 5” performing. I have seen “Michael” performing solo at the Whitehall Street Staten Island Ferry Terminal.
You have the religious leaders from all religions and the dancers. Each city has its own set of characters. Some people are bothered by it. Not me. I don’t pay attention; it is part of our city’s culture. But I prefer my own city to the others. Most of the people are harmless. Some beg for money, food, and other things. Yes, some are publicly battling or dealing with their own problems. This is why I prefer my own characters. When I was in Milan or Philly, I knew they were no different than Penn Station’s. But in venues outside my locale, I walk through more quickly to reach my destination.
Why? In NYC, I know where I am and where I am going. I know that when things get dicey, I can walk in a certain direction, get away from it all, and reach a safer area. When I am traveling, I have no clue where to turn. I think about what I’d do at home. It sets me straight.
