STEWART COPELAND

Poor timing on the near miss with Dietmar, but here is one more nutter in the Apple. I'll be in Manhattan for a conference on Monday/Tuesday and could extend my trip for the purpose of getting together either Sunday or Wednesday depending on interest.

I don't get out of Florida much! Anyone want to meet up?

Chatch, weekends are rarely good for me, but I might be able to make some time on Wednesday if you're still in town. Or Monday or Tuesday night if you're conference isn't overwhelming time-wise.

Phooey. I'm gonna be in town May 10 and could have planned something nice for that. Don't think I'm gonna be able to squeeze in another trip between the one next week and that one. :-/

I'll definitely be in town on Wednesday. I'm going to take that day off, so I'm free to do whatever I like. I'll probably fly out late that night, or perhaps the next morning (Thursday) depending on hotel costs. If I stay Wednesday night, I'll have to eat that night's hotel cost myself, which I'm willing to do if people want to go out!

Monday and Tuesday, I'll be completely absorbed by the conference -- dawn through well into the night. I'm part of the team hosting it, so no sleep for me!

I'd love a recommendation for which airport to fly in and out of. Any tips or hints?

[quote="Chatchka"]

I'd love a recommendation for which airport to fly in and out of. Any tips or hints?[/quote]

This European votes Newark, because a proper train takes you all the way from the airport to Penn (with a short monorail interlude. Just like at disney, only without the silly ears.) But I guess domestic stuff mostly goes into La Guardia of which I have only outdated experience.

Have a top time m'dear. Please leave some product in the shoe stores of Manhattan, just in case I can get there this year. And good luck with the conference organising - it's a huge buzz and a bit terrifying, isn't it?


(Self indulgent bit. Bugger. I miss NYC, and it is killing me that I'm missing people in NYC too)

Wished I could be there w/ ya, its my birthday on the 6th. Have a great time!

I could probably meet for dinner and can give suggestions/directions for whatever you want to see on Wednesday.

Newark is fine for commuting to Manhattan, it is an easy and pretty quick train ride into Penn Station, and from there you can get a taxi (or if you're feeling adventurous, the subway) to your hotel. Have you booked the hotel yet?

JFK is also somewhat easy for rail travel to Manhattan. You take the AirTrain to the Jamaica station of the Long Island Rail Road and then get on the next train to Penn Station, and then it's about 25 minutes. It just depends on whether you get a train that makes other stops in Queens or not.

If you need quick answers on anything don't hesitate to e-mail.

Smudge -- I fear you may be out of luck. I'm pretty sure based on your height alone, that you and I wear the same size shoe. I make no promises about leaving product there. Hopefully, by the time you return to NY, they will have restocked. As for the conference planning, it is definitely a rush. I've been doing it for years, but this is definitely the highest profile one I've ever worked on. It will be exciting to see months of preparation come to fruition. I wish I could brag about it more, but if I want to continue to work where I do, and I do, I just can't.

Susan and Kellie -- I have to book travel today, so I think I'm going to plan to return to the south on Wednesday night as late as I can swing it. I've got houseguests coming in two days later and I'm sure there will be additional preparation required after leaving Mr. Chatchka, and Mini-Chatchka alone for a few days. HOWEVER, I'd LOVE LOVE LOVE to meet either of you for lunch or tea on Wednesday before I head for the airport. I'm totally flexible about the location as I'm staying in midtown near Grand Central Station. (I'll check my luggage at my hotel for the day and swoop by to grab it on the way to the airport.) I just plan to spend the day wandering around doing a little shopping and taking in the metropolis. (Florida has a lot of things going for it, but urbane and sophisticated just aren't on the menu!) I'll check in with you next week after the German invasion heads west. (YAY ) I'm also going to come in as early on Sunday as I can, so that I can stroll around some then too.

My question about the airports was more about ease of getting to and from in the sense of time-economy more than cost. My travel expenses are covered, so while I can't be careless, a cab will be covered. LaGuardia looks closest, but I know that doesn't always mean quickest. I had trouble getting to JFK back in August, so if there is one to avoid because of traffic, could you please let me know? If I hadn't had a wiley cab driver back in August with exhaustive knowledge of backroads and driveways through Jamaica(?) I'd still be sitting in that cab. And MAN does that remote terminal at JFK ever SUCK (SUCKITY SUCK SUCK).

Sorry Chatch... would love to meet up, but I just can't do it. See you in a few months though! Have a great time!

quick reply: LaGuardia is in a section of Queens that is way closer to Manhattan than either JFK or Newark. It's basically in the westernmost part of Queens before you reach the East River and Manhattan.

Usually there are yellow taxis waiting outside the terminals and that is the easiest and not too expensive option. It would cost a bit more than public transportation from the other airports but it's not absurd--according to this link from NYC.gov it's estimated at $24 to $28 from LAG to Midtown Manhattan.

On a Sunday morning it should be fairly quick--I'd say about 35 to 40 minutes and you're going through the Astoria section of Queens to get to Manhattan, which is nicer than Jamaica.

I hope that everyone is having a ball running around NYC with Dietmar -- I soooooooooo wish I was there this week, instead of next!

Anywho, I booked my travel. Coming in Sunday, May 3, midday and leaving Wednesday, May 6, in the early evening, both through JFK (ack).

Kellie, Susan, dare I hope NancyRose, once the Dietmar dust settles, I'll reach out to make arrangements. Come one, come all, the more the merrier!

Cheers!

Has the dust settled? Everyone home safely? Ready to come back?

I'm heading up there Sunday and will arrive midday. Leaving Wednesday late afternoon.

Kellie, I'll call you this weekend to figure out a convenient time on Wednesday. The day is mine until about 3 p.m., so really whatever time works for you, works for me.



Smudge -- I'm taking my small suitcase, so I'll probably leave some shoes behind for you.

I can probably get into town at 11 or 12, Chatchka, for a leisurely lunch.

Let me know where you guys decide to go for lunch. If it's near enough to my office I can probably get out to meet you. I'm on the west side, near MSG, so if you end up on that side of town let me know.

I think you mentioned you were staying near Grand Central so here are some options for restaurants in that area:

http://www.fagiolini.com/ Excellent Italian food. My former employer used to have its Christmas parties here.

http://newyork.citysearch.com/profile/7119100/ noisy but fun Mexican restaurant. One side is more casual than the other. A piece of trivia: my mom grew up on this block but her house isn't there anymore.

http://www.oysterbarny.com/oysterbar/html/index2.htm well known seafood place in Grand Central Station.

Have a great trip!

Sorry, Chatch! At this point, it looks like I'll have to miss the fun. I've got a slew of appointments and such this week, and it doesn't look good for me getting back to the City. I may try to move some things around 'cause I'd love to see you...but probably won't know for sure for a couple more days.

Good luck with your conference! I know how much work goes into that sort of thing, and its great to see months of planning come to fruition!

As for shoe shopping, you know you can always have them shipped home for you!! (Or shouldn't I say that???)