This memory is written in first person from the perspective of Blaise Thompson.
Just after lunch on Saturday, mom and I set out on our adventure. We took the city bus to the intercity bus to the train---lots of public transit.
We arrived in Chicago with a few hours to spare around dinner-time, so we took a cab to one of my favorite restaurants downtown: Sayat Nova Armenian Restaurant. This restaurant has been around since before mom lived in Chicago---despite that, she had never been. We had kofta, a really special treat. It's amazing to taste the layers of meat with different textures. Lamb, of course.
Finally, it was time to catch the train. The train from Chicago to NYC leaves quite late---21:30---this awkward choice was made to allow travelers coming from the west coast to have a chance to transfer. The late departure time was wonderful for us as sleepers. Unfortunately we did not get to see Chicago Union Station, the entire station was blocked off for some fancy gala.
Once on board, we were treated to a nighttime treat at the dining car before heading to bed.
Sunday was our lovely day on the train. We both slept very well with the gentle rocking of the train car. We enjoyed a day of games and conversation with breaks in the dining car for Breakfast and Lunch. In Albany NY we were able to take a few hours to walk around while the train was split in two---half for NYC and half for Boston.
By late afternoon we reached the Hudson River. Great weather. We enjoyed the long approach to NYC along the entire length of the Hudson Valley. The mountains and hills really are dramatic. I felt an appreciation for the rocky foundation upon-which NYC is built.
We arrived at Penn Station, enjoying the brand new intercity train hall, and caught the subway to Columbia.
We focused on visiting places that mom frequently visited during her time at Columbia.
Thanks to Mom's alumni status, we were able to secure accomidation in Butler Hall---one of the dorms owned by Columbia. Address 400 W 119th St. She stayed at this very same dorm as a graduate student. Our two-bedroom suite, complete with generous living room and kitchen, was an absolute steal at $150 a night. We had room 7-O, that's letter "O" not number "0". The 7th floor was high enough for a fantastic view of Harlem and all the way to downtown.
We were also able to enjoy the fancy viewing area on the 16th floor. The 16th floor bathroom was stunning with views of Harlem.
Eli White Memorial Residence for Nurses Exteriors 1937 Recreational activities 1937 A new place is at the corner of 167th St and Audubon
310 W 105th St. Apt 5.
New York Botanical Garden
High Line
Mom's leg was in pretty bad shape, so we enjoyed a day at Butler Hall. Bad weather outside made the experience of staying in even more attractive.
For dinner, we decided to check out Sylvia's in Harlem under recommendation from Roberta, a worker at Butler Hall. We enjoyed corn bread, macaroni & cheese, collard greens, fried chicken, pork ribs, and sweet potato pie. Delicious food.
Another day of shopping and resting. Mom went shopping at Talbots NYC, finding a dress, pants, and a sweater. We visited the American Folk Art Museum, which was small but interesting. Lunch was at Pastrami Queen, midtown. All these trips were done by Bus and Subway---pretty freeing to be able to zip around the city without worrying about parking.
After lunch and a nap, I went down to SoHo on my own to shop at Gu. I ended up buying about six pieces, all very functional for work and affordable. Gu is a pretty cool brand.
Along the way I saw some city creatures.
Dinner was NYC Pizza from a local shop.
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