Travel Diary

I didn’t have much planned for Monday. I checked out, and just walked south a bit. Many places were closed, but an Illusion Museum was open so I went there and bought a ticket. The place was filled with neat optical illusions to try out, and each one explained the science behind it. I had fun playing around there for a while.

I then headed to Park Avenue and took photos of the nice homes and stoops. It’s all very impressive and exactly what most would imagine. Then, I finally managed to get a NYC bagel from Murray’s Bagels. It’s certainly a LOT of bagel for the money. Lasted me quite some time. That said, some said Murray’s Bagels wasn’t authentic enough, so I may have to try again.

Next was Washington Square Park – another place I’d never visited. It was pretty happening with live music playing and many people enjoying the day. There was a trio of punk musicians having a grand time until the park security stopped them, thinking they were not permitted to perform there. But they produced some paperwork and were authorized after all. The concert continued, which made the crowd happy. Finally, it was time to head back to the train station. I’d be flying out of Newark Airport, so different trains to catch this time.

Since I had outright purchased a United Airlines Business Class ticket ($700), I did get lounge access, which was a treat. Free food and drinks and lots of seats to relax and charge devices. It was my second time on United Business Class that month. I guess I was trying to get United status for 2023, but gave up on that after deciding the miles just didn’t go far enough.

The flight did get delayed until 9:30pm which wasn’t ideal since it was a work night, but nothing I could do about that. Finally, we were on the plane and I got to enjoy a very nice seat. On Alaska, first class flights coast to coast don’t include lie-flat seats, but on United, they often do. Yeah, this was expensive, but I’d be heading home very comfortably. Hours later, we landed at SFO. I took the shuttle to the parking garage, grabbed my Lexus and started the long drive home.

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