About traveling back and forth from our cottage to Manhattan:
As is often the case when traveling back and forth to Manhattan, the actual event you are there for takes about two hours but the time spent on the road and killing time before and after the event takes about 10 hours. Some days it can be very tiring, as was the case yesterday.
We left home at 12:15 to catch the 1:00 bus into the city because Don wanted to make sure he was there in time to find the music hall and grab some dinner before he performed. We got there around 3:30 and grabbed a Via, which is like Uber, to take us down to the Lower East Side. Unfortunately, we were sharing with three other people who were being dropped off and the trip was endless! And the driver was playing rap music. We vowed to take a taxi on the way back.
Once we were dropped off, we found the music hall, walked around the neighborhood (it was cold and windy) and found a Thai restaurant. Don had to be at the venue by 6:00 for a sound check but we got there at 5:30 because we had nowhere else to go, and the performance was at 7. It ended at 8. We grabbed a cab this time, got to Port Authority in time for a 9 pm bus, and pulled into our driveway at 11 pm.
See what I mean?
Traveling back and forth means calculating the time involved, making sure that you allow enough time for late buses, potential traffic jams, and travel within Manhattan. We often kill time once we’re there. The trip home involves the same thing – can you make the next bus in time, do you have to kill time for an hour at the dreaded Port Authority, what time will you get home (usually later than you had planned.) And we’re no different from millions of other commuters. When I complain, I have to remember that there are people who live in this area that do this every day.
I have to do it all over again tomorrow. Some days it’s fairly effortless. Others? A slog. Both of us felt that yesterday was more of a slog.
But, the actual performance was wonderful. Really great.
Here we are, on the bus heading into the city.
I made Don take this. He doesn’t like trying to take selfies.
The Rockwood Music Hall, which has three stages. They not only provide a venue for performers, but are also known for their live recording skills, which is what happened last night. A live recording was made of the performance.
Around the surrounding neighborhood:
The famous Russ and Daughters, which has been in the same location since around 1914. It was packed. We peeked in the door and saw lots of fresh fish and baked goods and oysters, etc. I had heard about this place, but this was the first time I’d seen it. Love the neon sign.
I forgot to take a picture of Don performing! (He did a great job.) But here is our dear friend Rema Webb singing her heart out. Rema played opposite Don in Escape to Margaritaville (I call her his other wife) and we miss her so much. Hearing her glorious voice raised in song made us very happy. Rema is going to be on an upcoming Murphy Brown, by the way, and we learned from her that our friend Andre Ward – also in Margaritaville – has become a regular on the show! I think he plays a stage manager on the set. He came in for a couple of episodes and they liked him so much that they made him a regular. It couldn’t happen to a more talented guy. We haven’t been watching the show, but you can be sure we’re going to play catch up this week.
The young man playing the fiddle is the author and composer of this project, called Johnny and the Devil’s Box. It’s a bluegrass musical. Boy, is he talented! The music was wonderful, very powerful. I do hope that this project takes off for him, that he gets investors and, eventually, producers, and that it goes to Broadway, which is, of course, his dream. I haven’t read the script, neither has Don, but the music is beautiful. We’re pulling for him. Don was very honored to be a part of it.
And now we’re back home. Tomorrow, I head back in for an Anastasia rehearsal.
Happy Monday.
I’m at jury duty. My dear daughter woke up early and drove me. It saves me parking in the dreaded parking structure. I feel the same as you, Claudia, though I’m only one city away from where I live. I whined and whined about getting up early (my cats were thoroughly confused but wanted breakfast nevertheless) but knew millions do this to go to work every day. I have the luxury of never commuting again, for which I’m grateful. Gird up for tomorrow! I always take a book with me. Didn’t know the rules for knitting needles at the courthouse.
I never go ANYWHERE without a book! I panic at the thought of not having something to read. Hang in there, Wendy!
You two are so cute! My commute used to be me in my car and could get ugly with bad weather or crazy drivers. So glad to be retired and out of that. Still, didn’t take me all day, but your life gets exciting. Friends, good music and Thai food, yum! Went to my exercise class this morning and feeling strong.
Happy Monday!
Good for you, Deb!
That is one long day. It’s like me driving to Atlanta to see friends and then driving home. Traffic, not sure of the weather etc. I only do it on occasionally now as it makes for a VERY long day. The project Don was involved in sounds great. I hope it goes well. Today is a work day at the duplex getting ready for Ashleigh to arrive tomorrow night. I’m always thrilled to have my girls with me. Enough computer time so back to work! Hugs!
I bet you’re very excited!
You both look great in that selfie! Don’t forget to watch Murphy Brown. I have really enjoyed it so much. I will be watching for your friends.
We won’t forget, Beverly!
That DOES seem like a slog. Yet I have to admit to being a bit jealous because of your destination. All the years we lived in DC in the 80’s with my husband regularly going up for business and I never got there. One of my big regrets. Seems we were too busy working ourselves to death in our respective jobs and always “too tired” to venture beyond Virginia and Maryland. Did finally get there in 2009 because Dean said it was about time I saw it. I love vicariously visiting the place again via your blog, but don’t envy you the long hours on the road.
It’s a neat city, but we’re very familiar with it, so it doesn’t hold the excitement for us that it would for a traveler. We like our life here in the country!
Certainly a Very Professional looking,and Charming Couple!
Judy A-
Thanks, Judy!
Hats off to you and all the good folks who have to make that trek. I never would’ve made it…plain and simple. It used to take me a maximum of 20 minutes to get to work. I don’t think I would survive in a large city.
Glad to hear Don’s performance went well. Now…you can rest up before you have to do it all over again tomorrow. Enjoy your day! ;)
I’ve had long commutes in other cities as well. But this one is the biggest hassle!
We’ve been watching Murphy Brown since it started this season. The cast has really found their rhythm and we are really enjoying it.
Good! Thanks, Susan.
Getting into and out of the city (almost any city!) is a challenge I can hardly deal with anymore. That’s why I’ve always preferred to live in the city, not outside of it. So much more enjoyable, as I sure you noticed when you had an apartment there. Darned NYC and SF are too expensive to entertain that fantasy now, though. I’m working on adjusting my expectations. Pfft.
Well…I’m not one who wants to live in the city. I’ve been there and done that. Philadelphia, Boston, San Diego, Detroit – I’ve lived in all of them. I’m not so crazy about NYC anymore. It’s noisy and too crowded. It was fun to have a bolthole there for a bit when Don was living there, but I found I much preferred being here!
Hi Claudia, there is a small cinema in a small town near our home. We went there on Sunday and watched a movie called “Blaze”. Do you or Don happen to know Blaze Foley (his songs)? I’m usually not a big country music fan, but Foleys songs are wonderful. Beautiful lyrics. We liked the movie very much.
Travel safely! Regula
No, I’ve never heard of him. I don’t think Don has either. We’ll look for the movie, Regula.
I hear you! My commute the last 20 yrs of my working life was about 5 minutes, so I was spoiled. The largest city we drive in regularly is Madison ~ which isn’t that big, but the traffic!!!! Everyone drives like they are on a life and death mission and when we get to the next traffic signal we are right behind them anyway. Unreal. I think of all the gas they use as they push the gas pedal and then the brakes ~ constantly. It is exhausting.
Sounds like the purpose of your trip was a wonderful experience, so at least there was that. Hope you can rest up today to do it all over again tomorrow!!
It’s all relative, isn’t it? I’ve driven in Madison and, because I’ve also driven in NYC, it doesn’t seem at all bad. But if you’re used to less traffic and Madison is the largest city, then I can see how it would seem too busy!
Just wondering, why didn’t you spend the night? Seems it would have been easier since you had to return today. My commute to work is only six miles. My work offers valet parking. One dollar in and one dollar out. Never have to look for an open parking space.
At $300.00+ for a hotel room?
This is Manhattan we’re talking about.
And I have to return tomorrow, not today.
Traffic is so frustrating and tiresome. Getting someplace takes so much effort. Glad that Don is performing again.
Marilyn
It was good to hear him sing on the stage, Marilyn!
I have the same issue when I have to go into downtown Chicago to Northwestern Memorial Hospital. I live 2 1/2 hours south of Chicago and usually have to be at the hospital to check in at 9:30 am. Traffic is a big issue so I must plan ahead and give myself at least an extra hour. When I went up in September LSD was 4 lanes merging to two for construction with all the exits closed. I was an hour late but not the only one. I usually don’t get home until after 5pm. Currently I have to use NM because I had a heart transplant 11 months ago yesterday and they require me to have regular right heart catheterizations and biopsies so what am I gonna do! It also costs me two tanks of gas and parking!
I bet it does! But I am so happy you were able to have the transplant, Chris. How incredible! How are you feeling? (I have all sorts of questions!) Grateful you are with us, that a heart was available for you. What a miracle.
It is truly a precious gift and I’m very humbled that I’ve been given this new life. If I hadn’t had the transplant, I wouldn’t be here. Talk about reality punching you in the face!
I’m feeling amazing!! When I woke up after surgery I new I felt better. It was amazing. You don’t know how tired you are until you’re not.
I have a lot of meds to take including prednisone which causes all kinds of trouble including hair loss, weight gain and puffy face. I’ve just recently started to lose weight. Well I could go on and on but ask me anything Claudia and I’ll be glad to try to answer.
Oh. Commutes into big cities. Bad. I will not drive or go into Seattle for any reason. I don’t even want to go if someone else is driving. Good luck and I hope it is a breeze for you.
I love NYC. When my daughters both lived there I loved visiting and once spent three months with my youngest. However, my knees were bad back then and the walking was excruciating. My knees are both replaced now, but I can think of other places I would like to do my walking. Good luck on the commute tomorrow. xo Laura
That all sounds terribly exhausting!!