The Long Island Blog

I haven’t thought much about the disaster that struck New York City 10 years ago. Not that I’ve forgotten, I never will, but there is enough pain and discomfort associated with those memories to make one want to avoid them. I can’t even watch the footage that they’ve been playing way too often on television this past week.

Everyone who lives on Long Island either lost someone or knows someone who lost someone on that day. September 11^th is as much a Long Island tragedy as it is a New York City tragedy and a national tragedy.

Just a short note then to acknowledge and remember the victims and their families, the police, firemen, and all other rescuers and volunteers on the scene that day and the days and weeks after. You will not be forgotten and you have the gratitude of everyone in this great country.

As I’ve said here before one of the great things about Long Island is how close it is to New York City. An hour’s drive or train ride and you’re there…

On Friday we took a train in to see Cirque Dreams: Jungle Fantasy. If you’re familiar with Cirque du Soleil you know this is a bunch of acrobats doing incredible things. And that’s an understatement. These guys and girls are truly amazing.

While I’m on the topic of amazing, let me tell you that there’s no better way to appreciate an acrobatic performance than to see the Bodies exhibit at South Street Seaport first.

This truly remarkable display of dissected human bodies will shock and awe you. Each dissection highlights a particular area of human function. The bodies are artistically posed and there’s no glass. You can get as close as you want.

We spent well over an hour in this exhibit and, strangely, we were all hungry when we left. BTW, we saw plenty of children in the museum and in my opinion (father of 3) the exhibit is safe for kids.

We enjoyed some good food and homemade beer and root beer at the Heartland Brewery directly across the street, then got some airbrush tattoos in the seaport.

At the appointed hour we hailed a cab to 53^rd and Broadway for the show, and then I lost my wallet. I either left it in the cab or it fell into the street. I’ve since canceled my credit cards and I’ll be at DMV tomorrow for a new license and registration.

Now, last summer I found a pocketbook bobbing in the water near Fire Island. I tracked down the owner and returned it. Could that be enough good karma to help my wallet find its way back home? I’ll let you know…

Cirque Dreams was very impressive and somewhat frightening at times. I really thought one of those acrobats was going to get hurt. They must be as crazy as they are talented. But they put on an excellent show that’s cute enough for kids yet stunning enough for adults.

After the show we walked from the theater through Times Square (a.k.a. The Crossroads of the World) back to Penn Station. Times Square is a stunning sight at night. Lights and people everywhere, the streets are packed so tight you can barely move.

Aside from the lost wallet, it was a great day in the city. BTW, that’s how Long Islanders refer to New York City. We just call it The City. What else could we be referring to?

I had a great time at my 30^th high school reunion in New York City this weekend and I just had to share some pictures with you…

If you’re reader of my website or know me personally you know that I’m a big believer in doing things locally.

Eat local, shop local, drink local, vacation local… Long Island has so much to offer that I just don’t see the point in going elsewhere for things we have right here.

Having said that, one of the things I love about living on Long Island is that it is easy to get away when you want to. Long Island Macarthur Airport is centrally located in Ronkonkoma, and New York City, the greatest city in the world, is about an hour away by train.

Left: The Empire State building as seen from the deck of our boat was an inspiring sight. The building was completed in record time before the age of computer aided everything and is testament to the old adage, when there’s a will there’s a way.

Just think about that for a minute—a 1 hour train ride and you’re in the greatest city on Earth. Then, when you’re done, you get to come back home.

How lucky we Long Islanders are to enjoy the best of urban, suburban, and rural life.

This easy access to New York City factored in to the planning of my 30 year high school reunion (Plainedge HS Class of ’77, you rock! And so do you Jeanne!) and this past weekend we all boarded a 130’ yacht for a nighttime cruise around Manhattan.

We had a fantastic time aboard Majestic Voyages’ Star of America, and the city skyline at night was spectacular.

Here are some pictures.

Lord Jim. Not the yacht we were on, but very similar in size and shape. I don’t have any pictures of the Star of America, sorry.

The sun was setting as we began our cruise.

This was a stunning sight. As we sailed past everyone just stopped talking and looked…

The moon over the Brooklyn Bridge. This photo does not do it justice. You had to see it to believe it.

Another incredible scene. I have goosebumps as I’m typing this because it was just so beautiful.

These pictures were taken on September 30^th and we are all outside in perfect comfort. Talk about good weather.

After the cruise we went uptown to American Trash, a nice little bar owned by one of our Alumni.

Well, this trip into the city was a total blast. I do like to stay on Long Island most of the time, but every now and then it’s not a bad idea to take advantage of our proximity to the city.

On a personal note—to all those who had twist my arm to attend the reunion, thank you. I had a great time. And yes, you can say I told you so. -Bill