It was getting close to Christmas and although I dislike being away from my family, it’s always nice to see to city. It was really great to see my brother-in-law as well. This time was doubly interesting, I got a chance to meet his girlfriend. After a warm welcome, she proceeded to scold me about not getting my kids eyes checked often enough. Awesome. I like her already. Here’s a recap from my trip:
Friday the 14th
I got into town, and headed over to O’Reilly’s Pub. A tuna melt and a pint of Boddingtons, hard to find a better way to end a day of air travel.
Saturday the 15th
I met Wayne and some friends of his that were in town from Boston, for lunch at Smorgas Chef, a Scandinavian restaurant. The food was good, and the atmosphere was great. Afterwards we all headed out to meet up with Christi, and walk around the south western corner of central park, near Columbus circle. Although the weather was cold, there was a sidewalk fair going on. When we had decided that we’d gotten plenty cold, Wayne, Christi and I went up to his new CoOp in Younkers, it’s just on the border to the Bronx and about 5 min drive from the last train stop. It was the first time that I’d been to his place, and it’s really nice. The housing market is just as crazy as you’d expect it to be in NYC, but his place was fantastic. Christi left to let her dog out, and Wayne and I waited for another set of his friends to get into town. With everyone gathered ,we all headed back into the city for dinner at Churrascaria Riodizio in Tribeca, with a some more friends of Christi’s (both eye doctors as well), to celebrate Wayne’s grant that he’s recieving from the National Science Foundation.
Sunday the 16th
Got up late, and headed to Amy Ruths in Harlem to meet Wayne, Christi, and crew for fried chicken and waffles. After a really good meal we all walked through central park as the rain picked up. As it really started to come down we took a downtown train to near the apple store, otherwise known as the glass cube. That building is fantastic. It really draws attention. From there we walked around and headed south to see the Christmas tree at Rockefeller center. It was nice to see the skaters go round, and from there we split up. I headed back to the hotel to rest a bit before dinner.
On the way back I walked by a store that was claiming to sell unlocked iPhones. Sure enough they were, for the low low price of $799. Crazy. I wonder what that price will drop to when the iPhone Dev Team gets the 1.1.2 firmware unlocked. Until then I’m sure that the price for these unlocked phones will just continue to climb.
For Dinner I headed down to Panna 2, and met Wayne. I don’t know how, but I’d never been there before when someone had a birthday. I’d highly recommend it.
Monday the 17th
Work. Not much else.
Tuesday the 18th
Work, we cleared out the old eFC offices, and had dinner at Crooked Knife with James from the eFC/Dice office. With Magners on tap, it was good that the Hotel was across the street from the restaurant.
Wednesday the 19th
To the airport! For some reason LaGuardia does not have wireless available in the terminal. I asked at the northwest Worldclubs desk if they had internet access, and if I could use it, they said it was 9.95 a day, and you had to be a worldclubs member to access it. Non-members could buy a worldclubs day pass for 25 dollars, and then pay for the wireless access. I was resigned that I wasn’t getting online before the flight, but the woman behind the counter kept talking. She proceeded to tell me that the internet access was wireless only, and it only worked in the Worldclubs lounge, or as she put it “in this room”. I asked if it was accessible to members outside the lounge and she said no. As there was a food court right across the way, I was curious to see if she was right. My notebook, all on it’s own, associated itself to an unsecured essid “nwaworldclubs”, and assuming I would have a charge feature greet me, was shocked when my default webpage opened right up. I was glad I didn’t shell out that 35 dollars for a comfy chair, and a “free” cup of coffee.