you just have to learn about the streets - for the most part,the numbers go down when you go south or east with a few named streets out there to confuse people.

I will say I have met NYers who have no idea about North/south East West - so you try not to say meet you on the North east corner. I was surprised they couldn't do distances in center Manhattan where it is 4 long blocks (east/west) to a mile and 10 short blocks (north/east) per mile.

and that you're going in the wrong direction.

I know, because we have the same number system here, and I depend on it.

I admit I got glasses because I could not longer see far away, but when I was younger I could.

No, I don't have perfect vision and I don't always wear my glasses.

I admit I was spoiled and did not appreciate my great vision when I had it, according to my doctor, I could see at 70 feet what otehrs saw at 20, but I could still focus my eyes normally on everything,just had super (as in super duper) vision.

blisters, soreness, exhaustion.... I walked more in 2 days than I have in 2 years. I was in Midtown and there was no way I was walking to the other parts of the borough. I did take the subway to the upper west side once, before I had to go back to the hotel and warm up and take a nap.

that NJ and CT are just not.

how can you get lost in a grid?

Walking is the best part of NYC. well one of the best parts.

Glad you had a good visit

It's nice but it's not Manhattan, sorry.

Lost = I'd walk the wrong way for ONE block. I'd then turn around and go the correct way.

Walking, meh, too many freaking blisters. Subway or cab next time.

parts of brooklyn are infinitely cooler than the city, especially now. years ago manhattan had an artistic/interesting vibe, now its a city of bankers and lawyers and other douches. Brooklyn has some parts of what used to make manhattan cool in the 90's and the early 2000's.

But that still doesn't make it Manhattan.

edge in terms of arts/culture coming out of Manhattan, because unless you are already wealthy you just can't afford Manhattan. I think the only reason these days we all congregate in the city, is because the MTA makes travel to the city much easier than travel within Brooklyn.

as a cool, hippy, artsy city not a tech douche hangout.

So there's that.

If so, that's sad.

and east Williamsburg. Most (even successful) artists i know live in Carrol Gardens/Williamsburg etc.

Manhattan over the years is a place for tourists and super wealthy new yorkers and all the cutting edge coolness has been slowly but surely moving out.

The lower east side still has some remnants of what the village used to feel like.

I think I'll try Brooklyn next time.

what who can afford living in this city anymore

It's a lot more economical and often faster.

As for directions, when I walk out of the subway, I sometimes don't know which way I'm facing. I get oriented by looking to see whether I am on an avenue or a street and then whether the numbers on the buildings are going up or down. But once I'm oriented, it is very easy to stay oriented, regardless of the lack of sun.

I used to get disoriented in Manhattan all the time (I'm from Long Island), but your phone will show you direction.

MY trip to the Met Museum was a huge highlight. On another night, my (then) sweetheart took me to a building close to the UN building.
We took the elevator to the 15th or so floor, where there was a nightclub. When we walked in, the band played a special song, arranged by the sweetie. You could see the UN building next door from the balcony. I had to do Greenwich Village, the beatnik bars, and a trip up the river to West Point. I loved it all.

For $230K you're getting the slums in one of the outer boroughs and probably the size of baby shoes.

No idea how truthful it was, but yes, it was in that borough for that price. Something like 350 square feet ?

condition.
The house I grew up in - two story/ two apartments, was valued at less than 200K recently, and it's very close to an express stop, and reasonably safe.

Rent control was strong. There were dozens of working class neighborhoods with working class culture all up and down the island. It wasn't the playground of international capital that it is now.

In the summer or spring, plan a trip to the Bronx Zoo.

As others have said, Brooklyn is awesome.

I love NYC, but I don't like Los Angeles. HOWEVER, I can clearly understand why others may love it. I'm not a car person. Can't stand being in a car for hours every day. But, I can see how there are folks who love living there.

Uptown, downtown, east, west. Easiest city in the world for getting around.

I was born there in 1951, but never lived in the city. Still, it's a wonderful town.
I grew up in Jersey. Can't count the number of times I've been in the city.

Take the subway. It will get you within a few blocks of anywhere.

knowing I can ask anyone for directions and they will tell me to fuck myself.......an old joke I hope doesn't apply anymore .

Everyone was very kind.

And come in nicer weather so you can enjoy the walks- they are awesome.

1 located near the 7 train which goes into Manhattan along 42 St. and another hotel about 10 min. from the 7 that has a courtesy van.

http://www.comfortinn.com/hotel-maspeth-new_york-NY235

http://www.yelp.com/biz/la-quinta-inn-queens-long-island-city-2

There are others.

Where was the $230,000 shoebox sized condo? There are less expensive apts. for purchase.

Manhattan is now the Gold Coast. The "outer boroughs" are still affordable here & there.

Did you find some places to eat with good food and some good accommodations?

That's so cool that you have the adventurous spirit to get out on the road again to travel up to NYC! What did you do with your car while you were doing all those blistering walk abouts?

My sister lives in the Adirondacks but has a daughter who works in Manhattan.. she knows that place like the back of her hand! Especially they're all there for their Christmas in New York Tour with her Grand Daughters.

I even did Times Square on New Year's Eve 2001, with her family, when I lived up there for 12 years.

My hotel was pretty decent, on 44th Street in the theater district. No, I tried hard to save some money, so my food was simply life-sustaining.

I left my car in Jersey City at a parking lot for NJ Transit. Thank God it wasn't towed I took the train over to Manhattan, of course. New Year's Eve in Times Square, how crowded and how fun!

Food can be expensive but oh so necessary.. Especially when you're out and about on vacay..

So, you were glad you went but it was good to be home so you could at least enjoy your food and Sunshine?