Let me preface this post by saying I haven’t been to either of these spots in a few years, just before the world imploded. I was in New York during the beginning stages of Covid and that was just a trip. Rumors fly from people who still live as to what remains and what has changed. I find it difficult to believe that either of these places could have changed so drastically that I would dislike them. One thing I know for certain, if you are a foreigner traveling to the U.S. for the first time or live here and just want to explore the United States both New Orleans and New York need to be on the top of your list. No offense to other great U.S. cities like Washington DC, Charleston, or Boston, these are the two best cities America has to offer.

I will break this down by food (of course), history, atmosphere, things to do, and overall feel. Full disclosure I grew up outside of New York so there may be some biased in this writing. Still as of today I don’t know which way I lean, but hopefully (for your sake) when I put words to paper, I will work this all out. Without further ado, let me answer which is the best city New Orleans or New York: First up food!

New York or New Orleans: Food

This is a tough one, both offer some very distinct and outstanding cuisine. Each city has a good Italian scene (NY better), yet I feel this is where they splinter. Let me start with New Orleans, the more unique of the two. Maybe it is just strange to me, since I did not grow up on their cuisine. Creole/Cajun food is something special, when done right. New Orleans, does it right, as you might have guess.

Let me start with Gumbo, a slightly spicy soup/stew which can contain everything from Seafood, Gator, pork chicken, an old shoe, the whole nine. Not something I grew up on, yet something I love. The best place to get it is either Mr. B’s or more expensively Commander’s palace. Locals will tell you the best place is their mom’s kitchen, but we can’t just start knocking on doors. Stay away from the Gumbo Shop, it is a tourist trap.

Jambalaya is an American Creole and Cajun dish of French, African, and Spanish influence, consisting mainly of meat and vegetables mixed with rice (Thank you Wikipedia). Best spot for this is Coop’s Place, at least in this tourist’s opinion. The stuff is truly addictive.

Of course, I need to mention Beignets, Cafe Du monde is the go-to, but Cafe Beignet will do in a pinch. I never had a bad one at either spot. Add to this, all the amazing seafood (best oysters in the world and I tried them on 4 continents). Crawfish if they are in season and my personal favorite Alligator and you have something special.

I will keep going, I can’t forget the Po Boys, especially at Killer Po Boys, the turtle soup, Banana Foster, I am gaining weight just writing this. I know I am forgetting a bunch of fodd items. New Orleans might just have the best food in the country… then again.

New York Food…

As much as I love the food in New Orleans, New York just beats it. Me growing up in New York makes me bias, but there is just so much to offer in this city. I wouldn’t say New York has a unique cuisine the way New Orleans does. Although certain items such as Cheesecake, do feel more New York than any other city. Also, the Pizza is the best in the world, and I love Italy.

What New York does best is having the most authentic version of foreign foods in the country. Italian, best in the country, Chinese top five in the country, Indian, Middle Eastern. You name it they have it and it (almost) tastes like it does in the country of origin.

Now take that, add to this the classic items such as bagels, pizza…. you know the thing (guess that reference). Then we have croughnuts, crazy milkshakes, hell even the BBQ is great. It just out works New Orleans.

On top of all this… New York has the most Michelin star restaurants in the country. Plus, the most 3-star Michelin star restaurants as well. All this and that beautiful egg sandwich on the chewy roll you only get in a New York Deli…Sorry New Orleans your food is awesome, but point New York

History New York or New Orleans

I will keep this section short, if you wanted a middle school history lesson you would Google the history of New York, or New Orleans like I did. New York is a historic city and rightfully so. Wall Street, Ellis Island, not to mention all the major events New York has seen. New York is old, tracing its roots to 1653 (when it was an official city). Even so it has a newer feel. Being the financial capital of the world, everything has a more modern sense. Yes, there is a lot of history in New York, I just don’t feel overwhelmed by it.

Maybe it isn’t that New Orleans has better history, it is about 75 years younger. Perhaps I just find it more interesting (and it is more in your face). Between the pirates and the multiple wars fought over the area there is a lot to learn about. New Orleans sometimes feels like a separate country with its own distinct story.

It can be seen in every nook of the city. From the old, haunted hotels, the houses that look as if they were built 100-years ago. Even the graveyards are interesting and give the city an ancient feel. I am aware that there are entire areas of New Orleans that have a more modern look, but overall, the city feels historic, so if this is something you are interested in than I recommend trying it out.

Point for History buffs: New Orleans

Who has a better Atmosphere New York or New Orleans?

Both cities are not exactly safe these days, but New Orleans has a higher crime rate. I do not think that matters, especially if you’re smart about where and when you go. New York and New Yorkers on a whole were never the friendliest people. In my post here, I wrote that the people were one of the main things I hated about New York. The surroundings of New York are cold, it is a big city, and there are a lot of different looks. Overall, it has a very “get the fuck out of here” attitude.

Times Square is just a mob of people with a million different tourist traps. In fact, it is one of those places that should be avoided all together. There are other neighborhoods that are nicer, but the entire atmosphere is dirty and hectic. Add to this the terrible homeless problem, which seemed a bit more noticeable than New Orleans. I haven’t visited either since Covid I guess ended? Just from the word on the street New York is even dirtier grittier than before.

Outside of Bourbon Street and some of the worse areas the city has a nice atmosphere. First the Garden district gives me a peaceful feeling I just don’t get in New York. The Trolley adds to the environments as do the old homes that line the streets. New Orleans has an old European sense to it, like a blast from the past. Steamboats, interesting graveyards, cobble stone streets all create a great environment to get so drunk you can’t walk. In deciding what is better New York or New Orleans in terms of atmosphere/beauty I give the nod to New Orleans.

What Has More To do New York or New Orleans?

This one isn’t even close… New York. I might as well elaborate you did open this page. I do not see how one could ever get bored in New York. It has everything, including homeless people peeing in the middle of Penn Station, but I digress. Broadway, amazing museums (probably the best in America), hell there is even Coney Island. Plus, the nightlife is second to none, not like New Orleans is lacking in this department either.

The city has something for everyone. Unless you are an avid hunter, ok so not everyone. The best shopping in the country. The best restaurants, the best of so many things. Plus, it is huge, walking around can keep one entertained for days. I didn’t even mention the Speakeasy’s which I still get a kick out of.

New Orleans is fun, do not get me wrong. The World War 2 museum is amazing, and the New Orleans Museum of Art is also spectacular. Neither compared to the Metropolitan Museum of Art or the Natural history museum in New York. Yes, there are Ghost tours (which I weirdly love) and steamboats to ride, but I mostly start drinking at around 8am. Of course, the music is fantastic in this town, Frenchmen Street is one of the best experiences in the country. Still New York on a whole has a ton more to do. Winner: New York

Overall Feel

Like atmosphere, but not really the same. Which city just feels better? It might sound weird, but I get a sense of a city as soon as I step on the street. Maybe I am turning into a hippy, but every great place has a certain energy about it. That is why Charlotte is not great, there is no energy. Which of these two greats cities has a better energy? Of course, New Orleans.

Let me start with New York to explain further. Yes, New York has awesome food and yes there are a million things to do. The problem is that it is “hard’ for a lack of a better word. I am not sure if it is the crowds or the people mentioned earlier, but there is this stress level that I can’t put my finger on. Being from New York (ok some would call the farm that is Long Island). I have enough experience there. It feels like a never-ending fight, from the brutal winters to the attitudes of the people. Stress comes to mind when I think of New York.

New Orleans is just the opposite, at least in my experience. It is relaxed. I found myself in the most local of local bars, and everyone was welcoming. New Yorkers look down on outsiders yet people from New Orleans welcome them…this is the difference in a nutshell. That realization just hit me. The city has a great feel because on a whole people are nicer. Drivers, bartenders, and the guy drinking next to you.

It also doesn’t hurt that this city feels like it is celebrating every day. Nice, happy people always celebrating with great music. Compared to New York, cold, mean people with an attitude. Sorry New Yorkers, but I can say it, since I was born there.

It is for these reasons that with a heavy heart I have to say if there is a battle of two great cities New Orleans is better. I can’t believe I am writing this myself.

My Personal Choice for the Best City in The Country: New Orleans

The post New York or New Orleans: Battle of My Two Favorite US Cities appeared first on Man in Flight.

I am not alone in this sentiment. From the things I see on the news, hear from my friends that live there, and have seen with my own two eyes, New York is in trouble. This is confirmed by the great exodus out of the city. Maybe I am just writing this because my negative posts get so much more hate attention than my upbeat articles. Still I have some legitimate gripes.

New York used to be strong, it has survived depressions, terrorist attacks, crime waves, and blizzards. What it cannot survive is a city government set in place that is determined to stick to its backward ideology regardless of all the proof of its failure.

Now, not all the reasons I hate New York City are the fault of the politicians. Some aspects always bothered me about the city… but I loved it, so I lived with the negative things. Things now are just tipping toward the bad. It is like being in a relationship, you could put up with some nagging from your girlfriend if the loving is great. Take that away and the nagging is all you have.

Is NYC Dying?

Who knows, it has been said before, but this time feels different. My major complaint with NYC today is it is losing what makes it so great. New York used to be a place with energy and grit. It was a place with the best food in the country and the most entertainment. Even with previous poor governments there was a sense of freedom. That seems to be fading, I am not the only one who thinks so. When you have more moving trucks than taxis there is a problem. Below are nine reasons why I hate NYC.

Mayor De Blasio is a Horrible Human Being (and Mayor)

A lot of the current problems with New York can be attributed to the jackass that was elected mayor and the city council behind him. This man is an admitted communist, if you do not believe me look at his own quotes. I hate that New York city has this man for its king. Someone tell me how the center of capitalism can elect someone with a disdain for free markets.

Look at all the stats under his administration. His response to the riots in New York was abysmal. The city leaders are not even protecting businesses or people in the city they were elected to lead. His Covid-19 response was awful (along with the governor). Half the population is leaving and he blames everyone but himself, like all wanna be dictators it is never their fault. Of course, he is a “do as I say not as I do mayor,” ignoring the rules about gyms, because well he is more important than you. Even his own party hates him.

Like any good communist leader as he calls for more controls of private business and higher taxes, he and his wife use the city as their own personal piggy bank (source). New York deserves better than this guy, hell Venezuela deserves better than him. I hate that New York city residents allow people like him to gain a foothold on the city. As mentioned, most problems start with him and the rest of the city government. Say what you will about Giuliani, before he lost his mind and became a walking meme, he was a good mayor. Bloomberg embraced the nanny state but was also decent for New York.

Crime is Getting Much Worse

What do you get when you put down the police and praise criminals? More crime to chase away those pesky tourists that bring cash to your city. As of September there is a 166% increase in shootings in the city. Mind you this is a time when Covid-19 was supposed to have closed the whole country down.

No one is on the streets, yet there is an increase in crime. Politicians brag about helping the poor areas of the city, yet who do they think is suffering most? The city council shifted 1 billion dollars out of the police budget and New Yorkers are paying the price. There are bad people out there. There are also mentally ill people roaming the streets. You must support your city by protecting it. If not, exactly what is happening will happen… people will leave, and tourists will stay away. If crime gets any worse, people will disappear for good.

Times Square

Ok, so I cannot blame the mayor for this one. One reason I hate New York City is every time I go with someone new, they insist on seeing Times Square. If there is one place in the city that makes me cringe it is Times Square. Sure, it looks great with all the lights, and it is what every foreigner thinks of when they think of New York. It really is just a New York Disney land without the rides. It was a crowded mess before the virus that shall not be named and will be again.

Everything about it is awful. The food is terrible, a city with a million great Italian restaurants and you steer people toward Olive Garden. There really is not anything fun to do unless you like wax museums. Then you have the roaming characters that are usually drunk under their suits hustling tourists. Bottom line Times Square is a tourist trap. It is the definition of a tourist trap. Maybe it is a necessary evil, but it is not New York, not truly. Head to the East or West Village if you want to have a good time and see the best of New York City (or Brooklyn, or any other area!).

The Restaurant Scene is Dying

I hate this about New York city, because this is my favorite part about New York. To be fair many of the best places have (yet) to close, but we lost so many good ones in the past few months. Yes, the virus is to blame, but the reaction to the virus is worse. Funny how forcing restaurants to close will put them out of business. I guess socialist’s do not understand basic finance.

Of course, it is not all of the governments fault. Even when they are open there are no office customers. Big corporations realize their employees can work from home effectively. Add to that a total drop off in tourism and it is a recipe for disaster. It is like the restaurant scene has changed permanently.

If it gets any worse there will be no coming back. Even when new places open up, they just are not as good. There is no replacing the 40-year old Nom Wah china town spot with a bearded hipster’s version of $25 dumplings. Maybe I am always in the newer is worse camp, but that is only because it is proven to be true. Once a 50-year-old establishment disappears, it is like losing history. One of the things that makes New York so great is the history of the city and tradition of the food. Now that is at risk.

It is Expensive

I would hate to live in New York city, because it is so overwhelmingly and needlessly expensive. True, with all the people moving out rents are coming down. Still one will have a hard time getting ahead if they are paying $3000/month for a studio. With all that is going wrong with the city, what is the benefit of paying these prices. Food and beverage prices even before Covid-19 are out of control, sometimes I pay close to $10 for a domestic beer. New York does allow happy hour, unlike Charlotte (a city I truly dislike), that is one positive.

Still, everything from parking to the clubs are out of control. The problems can be attributed to how the city is run. This is not solely the fault of the current mayor; he just exasperated the situation. Things like rent control and ridiculous property tax bills have consequences. As do crippling regulations, all these factors help increase the cost of everything you buy. In the past I wanted to move back to New York, but I choose not to be on a hamster wheel for the rest of my life.

It is Getting Dirtier

The city has always had some grit in it. That was one of the things I loved about New York. Now it has gone from gritty to unsanitary. This again is directly attributed to the current people running the city. I hate that New York city, a world class city, is filthy. Before you think I am just being a jerk, read this. Compare Tokyo to New York and the difference is shocking …why? First it is a cultural thing, people care about and take pride in their neighborhoods in Japan. Secondly, most of the problems go back to mismanagement. Homelessness has become a headache all over the country and it is worse in New York. This has led to tent cities outside of the Chelsea market and needles on the streets. How can you expect people to pay unbelievably high taxes and not clean the streets?

Then there is the rat problem. It is too bad one cannot put a saddle on these things, because they are the size of horses. With less tourists flocking the streets I guess they are getting a bit more aggressive in finding food. Or more likely it is the fact that millions of dollars were cut out of the sanitation budget giving the rats plenty to feast on. Having a clean city is one of the most important jobs that the government is responsible for, yet they cannot even do this right. It boggles the mind how this is viewed as acceptable.

The Weather

This might be an unfair criticism since A) there is nothing that can be done and B) It is better than the daily 100-degree summer hell that is the south. Still I hate New York City weather. I think it is fair to bring this up because this is after all the reason why the Governor said everyone is leaving. Spring is fine in New York and of course Fall is pretty good, but both are over too quickly.

Winters are cold, I usually love the cold until I am walking, and the buildings create a wind tunnel that ices me and pushes me back 500 feet. Summers are still annoyingly hot most of the time, not as bad as Charlotte, but I have had more than a few uncomfortable days. Snow was a problem when growing up, not as much in the last few years. Still when it does snow the beautiful white coating lasts about as long as Donald Trump with a Russian Hooker, 2-minutes or so. Then it becomes a thick sludgy mess, making the sidewalks oh so pleasant. Yes, complaining about New York weather might be petty, but it is a factor in why so many leave.

The People

New Yorkers have never been the warm and fuzzy type … I think in most places people could not pick out their next-door neighbor in a lineup. I remember a time when a woman dropped something (a house key), I pointed it out to her, she glared at me and stormed off. In case you New Yorkers are wondering the correct response is “Thank You.” This is just the way I grew up, so I was used to it.

Still New Yorkers used to have more grit to them. Something has changed and I cannot put my finger on it. Most would never allow rioters to bash their cities. Or allow a mayor to ruin entertainment areas. It is like the droves of useless bearded hippies that have invaded so many other areas are taking over New York. Dare I say it … New Yorkers are getting soft. I am sure if this post gets popular a lot of commenters will kindly tell me just how soft they are. I hope so actually, it pains me to see the opposite happening.

The Sports Teams

I hate New York Sports teams. No scratch that I hate myself for being so loyal to these teams. For the greatest city in the world, we really are being embarrassed in almost every sport. Maybe I am being punished, I watched the Giants win the Super bowl 4 times in my life and the Yankees win a championship five times.

Still lately none of these teams can seem to get themselves together these days. At the time I am writing this the Giants are in first place at 4-7, they always find a way to blow it. The Jets are like that child who lives at home at 40 and dresses his pillow in women’s clothes. Everyone knows he is there, but they are too embarrassed to talk about him. Then we have the Knicks, by accident this team should win a championship game. The Yankees are usually relatively good, but it would be nice to see another World Series win in the next decade. I will purposely leave out the Mets, we all have suffered enough. For a world class city, New York should have better representation in the sports arena.

Conclusion: Nine Reasons Why I Hate New York City

A lot of this is just tongue and cheek, I really do not hate New York City. Even with its faults I still love the area, I just wrote this out of frustration. I see where it is going and for the life of me, I do not know why. Why vote in politicians that let the city burn? Why accept that taxes and the cost of living are so high? What are you getting for all you are paying for?

Just about everything that is great in the city was brought about by private industry. Yet you have a greedy politician with characteristics of a tyrant trying to destroy what made the city great. He, and the city council are not smart enough to lead the city, nor smart enough to bring it back to its former glory. People need to wake up before the damage can’t be reversed. There is a reason why thousands of people are fleeing the area, do not be blind to what is happening. Also, maybe you could convince the Jets to move to Mississippi, that would help.

The post Nine Reasons Why I Hate New York City appeared first on Man in Flight.

It is just that New Yorkers are a “special” type of people. I bet you did not know this, but New York city is the best most wonderful place in the universe, just ask most New Yorkers. Ok, in reality it is a great city with a lot to offer, especially for first time visitors. I love and miss it, look at my posts here and here to read more. There are a certain number of rules one should abide by to have the best trip possible. Below are my 16 things not to do in New York city.

1. What Not to Do in NYC: Only Seeing Midtown Manhattan (Especially Times Square)

Everyone is going to tell you this so I might as well add my two cents…explore Midtown and spend a brief moment in Times Square and then move on. Midtown and especially Times Square is always the first stop for tourists. People gawk and spend entirely too much time being dazzled by bright lights. I get it, all the familiar restaurants are there. Elmo is also there ready to cuddle, and there are more fanny packs than you can shake a stick at. The area is not intimidating.

Do this and you miss the best parts of the city. My recommendation, after glancing at the bright lights take a cab (or a long, long walk) to Greenwich Village, down Bleeker street. Explore Chinatown, explore the East village, anywhere that has some personality. This is where the best bars are, the food is also some of the best on Manhattan in these areas.

2. What Not to do in New York City: Annoy New Yorkers While on the Street

Please get the hell out of the way when walking down the street. This is not Mayberry, do not wander slowly while looking at the big buildings. We have places to be and you are holding us up. Also do not just stop short to check your phone, map, etc… you will get bumped into. This also goes for crosswalks, jaywalking is encouraged, please do not wait for the light to change if there is no one coming. On the other hand, do not just dart into traffic either. There is a happy medium which you are expected to learn.

On escalators stay to the right, hug it like it is going away to war. As Seinfeld said, these are not rides in Disneyland, we prefer you walk. If not, at least get out of our way.

3. What Not to do in New York City: Give to the Homeless

I know it seems like the humanitarian thing to do but giving to the homeless only amplifies the problem. There are times even I have broken this rule, especially if it is a woman or a child. Having said this the homeless can get somewhat aggressive. Many are mentally ill, and you want to limit your interactions with them. I am not trying to sound cruel and uncaring, just the opposite. Feel free to donate to the local New York homeless shelter or if someone needs food do not feel guilty about buying them a sandwich. Too many times the money given to them will get used on drugs and alcohol, this is not something that needs to be encouraged.

4. What Not to do in New York City: Eat Chain Food

I mentioned this story here, in the article about traveling with your partner, but it bears repeating. Me and an ex were hungry and frustrated after waiting in a long line. All of a sudden, she takes off from me and starts marching toward Olive Garden. I think that was the end of the 6-year relationship.

The point is you do not go to one of the best food cities in the world and eat the same garbage you can get near any mall in America. Stomach space is as valuable a commodity in New York as time and money. Every wasted bite prevents part of an Ess-a-bagel from entering your system. You need to get out of your comfort zone, not only when traveling to New York, but wherever you go. If I can eat a bag full of crickets in Thailand, you can go find some soup dumplings instead of P.F. Chang’s. Here are some ideas as to where to eat in New York city.

5. What Not to do in New York City: Let someone with a clip board talk to you (especially in Midtown)

Here you are minding your own business and suddenly, your friendly every day man comes wandering by. He starts up a conversation with you and maybe hands you a “free” T-shirt or hat. This man is not your buddy; he is not your everyday New Yorker…this man wants something from you and it is not pleasant conversation. He claims to work for some organization, but who knows. Even I fall for this occasionally, usually I end up giving him a few bucks just to go away. You are better off being rude, let him get the money from the next guy.

6. What Not to do in New York City: Dress Like a Tourist

Please do not walk around wearing a fanny pack, cargo shorts, and a free T-shirt. You can wear whatever you want really, but I reserve the right to look at you and shake my head. Why not represent the area you are coming from with a little class. We most likely will figure out you are a tourist eventually, but no need to wear a billboard around your neck.

This will have the added distinction of keeping scam artists and beggars at bay. People with clipboards and Elmo’s do not usually come up to New Yorkers. They look for the guy wearing a Jim’s BBQ T-shirt and socks pulled up to his knees. Do not be that guy.

7. What Not to do in New York City: Wear Red Sox or Cowboys Gear:

Speaking of what not to wear…if I see one Cowboy shirt or Red Sox hat, I may flip my lid. Stereotyping is frowned upon these days, but you Cowboy fans are terrible people. If the Giants are playing please take your Cowboys jersey and flush it down the toilet. The Red Sox are worse… nobody needs or wants to see those ugly hats. I have never been one to have enough passion behind my team to invoke violence because of a jersey. Having said this, keep the gear in the closet just in case my attitude changes. For me Patriots gear is fine since Eli whipped up on you guys in two Super bowls.

8. What Not to do in New York City: Only Visit Manhattan

Manhattan has wonderful food and culture and no one could blame you if you spent all your time here. If you want to experience more of the true New York, you need to escape the Island. I am not sure if I can recommend the Bronx, it can be a bit rough these days. I will say the best food in the city is probably in Brooklyn. The pizza especially is in a league of its own. Although you will not be ordering slices, the best places give you the whole pie. If you are in New York for any extended period, do not be afraid to leave Manhattan, you will be surprised as to what you will find.

9. What Not to do in New York City: Expect Politeness

Sorry New Yorkers, you know this to be true. We are not known for being courteous, by any standards. New Yorkers are either yelling at you or ignoring you, depends on what YOU did. I remember bringing someone to New York for the first time and she was almost in tears because some old guy got yelled at in a bagel store. He did not care, but she was horrified. I have a thousand stories like this, it could be a real eye-opening experience if you are not used to it. So, do not expect people to say “hi” to you on the street. Do not make eye contact in the subway. Just know that all the rumors are true, New Yorkers can be a bit rude.

10. What Not to do in New York City: Forget to Bring Cash

In most of the country you can get away with just using a credit or debit card. I have gone months here in Charlotte without using cash. New York is a different story. I am not going to say that it is due to the terrible tax burden that has plagued New York (but it is). The result is a ton of restaurants only take cash. While it is true that there are ATMS, instead of scouring the street for one or being surprised when the bill comes, always have enough cash on hand.

11. What Not to do in New York City: Take Safety for Granted

New York USED to be a very safe place. They recently got wrapped up in all this defund the police garbage and crime has gotten out of control. Obviously, there are certain neighborhoods that one never wants to go in, even during the good times. Now crime is more prevalent, it is not crazy to see needles on the streets or drugs being done in the parks. It is a shame that the city has elected leaders that are so poor at their jobs they will not provide basic safety to the visitors and residents. You most likely will be OK, but still follow some basic safety rules. Read more about them in my article here.

12. What Not to do in New York City: Only Rely on Transportation

I love walking the streets of New York. There is an energy in New York that I just do not get from other cities I have been to. If you just take public transportation or taxis, you will miss out on a lot. New York is not only about the attractions like the Empire State Building, it is about all the things you see and hear that you do not experience in other places. A bonus is that you can stop and grab a dirty dog from any hot dog cart every 50 ft or so (and then hit a toilet every 100ft).

13. What Not to do in New York City: Forget to Keep Your Bearings

In relation to the last tip, since New York is such a walkable city you want to make sure you know where you are going. I have been to New York a million times, since before GPS was on our phones to help us out. What is funny New York is one of the easiest cities to navigate, but it is also easy to get turned around. Even lately I have walked for blocks in the wrong direction because I was just not paying attention. There is so much to do and see that a momentary distraction can lead you astray. Just pay attention and you should be OK.

14. What Not to do in New York City: Eat Bad Pizza (or Bagels)

Like going to chain restaurants this one has to do with preserving stomach space. Everyone not from New York has this crazy notion that EVERY pizza place in New York is great. Then they grab a cold dollar slice and have the nerve to say that New York pizza is overrated. Yes, it is if you eat it from Times Square, but if you do even a bit of research you will not make such insults.

New York has the best pizza in the country. Period. It also has (probably) more pizza places per block then anyplace in the world. There are going to be a ton of bad ones, but on average it is much better. You may also get a bad slice at a good place, in which case there is not much you can do about that. Start with Joes Pizza or Prince Street pizza and you will not be disappointed. Also, what can be said about pizza can be said about bagels, do a bit of research before you eat.

15. What Not to do in New York City: Fall for Scams

Here is an obvious thing not to do in NYC, fall for scams. Scam artist love tourists. If you decided to sport your fanny pack scam artist will be salivating like Michael Moore watching a Wendy’s commercial. New York has plenty of scammers, especially where tourists are most likely to visit. I already mentioned the guy with the clipboard (who may just be annoying) but there are other more nefarious people out there. The so-called black cars, black Taxis that will pick you up and charge you double what a normal cab would. There are the usual suspects like pickpockets. People pretending to be ticket agents and selling fake tickets. Then of course there are the drunken Elmo’s and Mickey Mouses (among others) who love to shake you down for cash. These guys should not even be within 50 feet of a school. Keep your eyes open people and remember three card Monty is not a winnable game.

16. What Not to do in New York City: Only See the Major Attractions

Yes, go to see the Statue of liberty, the Empire State building and post all the selfies Instagram can hold. There are a lot of attractions in NYC that may not be so obvious but can be just as rewarding. Walk the Highline in Chelsea, go to the KGB Espionage Museum (which is open), or look for a great speakeasy. The comedy cellar is also a great choice. I feel like you can never get bored in NYC, if you are sick of dealing with thousands of tourists these smaller attractions will be a good way to entertain yourself.

Conclusion: 16 Things Not to Do in New York City

Those are my tips on what not to do in NYC, if you live in New York currently you may think I am crazy, or you may have other better tips. For tourists follow them if you want, these are just guidelines. New York can be a bit raw, but despite the idiot in charge, it is still the best city in the country.

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My friend who joined us on the trip had someone curse him out, on his way to get a cigarette. I guess lung cancer and heart disease are OK, but Corona is a death sentence? It is funny how we are terrified of the things we are told to be, but tune out, other, obvious risks.

I have traveled during some interesting times in the past. We went to Istanbul during Easter, during the referendum, when the leader was holding a vote to increase his power. The area felt almost warlike…probably due to the tanks and rifles… as always, there is an eeriness in the air whenever you are traveling during a crisis…

So what was New York like? It was a complete dichotomy; the world was ending and yet, no one knew it (or cared). Yes, a lot of things changed, it was like the city was closing down around us. Below are my experiences with traveling to New York during the Covid 19 outbreak…

The Build Up

The day we left, mayor Bill De Blasio was encouraging healthy people to go to restaurants and bars. By Saturday, all bars and restaurants were ordered to remain at half capacity. By Sunday night, all bars and restaurants were closed for any dine in meals. Lucky for us, we were able to eat our fill before New York shut down.

Empty Plane

The airport was nearly empty when we got to Charlotte. Our bus from the parking lot did have a fair number of indestructible millennials on it, but for the most part the crowds were significantly reduced. We get to our gate and there were around 10 people waiting for the plane. Three of those people were waiting for another plane, so there was a total of 7 on a usually full flight from Charlotte to New York. I have to give it to American Airlines, they could have canceled the flight, but decided to keep it running…

When we landed in LaGuardia it was also creepily quiet as well. Some people had masks, most still didn’t, but the airport on a whole was empty. The roads were still crowded, but we were traveling in New York during rush hour. Getting to the hotel we saw more (or less) of the same.

New York Half – Full

One thing I noticed almost immediately were the streets were much more manageable than usual. Our first stop was the Chelsea Market, and it was surreal. The place is usually prohibitively crowded, but there was almost no one there. Check out the picture below.

Chinatown (yes, I had to go to Chinatown) was also empty. At least the restaurants we visited. We went to Shanghai Dumpling (formerly Shanghai Cafe) there were only around 15 people eating there at 1PM; this was a place that at 11:00 am typically had a line out the door. It was a theme I noticed throughout the city and even the streets; as you would expect, there were fewer people…

Times Square

Look at the difference in crowds…

Now look below…

For those of you that know me, you know that I would rather tour the streets of Wuhan and let people cough in my mouth than visit Times Square…but I was traveling with out of town guests, one of which had never been to New York. Seeing Times Square when in New York is like getting a colonoscopy, everyone has to do it at least once, but it’s a pain in the ass. The last time I went, I couldn’t walk the streets they were so crowded; this time it was a different story. Well, here is hoping dirty Elmo and discount Mickey are starved off the streets!

The End was Not Near

Turn on the news or read the internet and you would have pictured New York during Corona to look like Mad Max. Contrary to popular belief, there were not bodies lined up on the streets. For the most part it was empty, comparably, but there were still people enjoying life. Some bars were a third full, but some had a line out the door. We went to a Starbucks Reserve which was full, but not overwhelming, one morning. Nobody seemed to blink at the Corona virus in many places. Yes, people were talking about it, but they didn’t feel the impact or weight of the city…

For example, the bar in my hotel was empty the first night, but people spilled out on the street on Saturday. We went to a comedy show that was half empty…or half full, but there were people making fun of the virus and not panicking. My group took a cruise around the Statue of Liberty, ate out a lot, and even went to the top of the Empire State Building.

Precaution Not Total Isolation …

I would rather live my life and risk getting a disease that kills 1% of the people affected, then hide in fear for 6 months. Of course things have changed a lot since last week, I am not taking any trips today. If I do go somewhere (14-days after I got back), A. the place has to be open, B. I avoid crowds if there are any. I did self-quarantine when I got back. Having said all this, I am starting to think the cure is worse than the disease…

We all have to explore our own personal risk appetite. I don’t think it is fair to bow to the whims of the most paranoid around us. The virus is real and scary, but there are reasonable steps and there are “close the whole world down and hide under the bed steps.” I have been held up for the past nine days to make sure I have no symptoms, so I am not a complete monster… I am glad that I went, as New York may never be the same after half the independent restaurants/bars go out of business…

The City Was Closing Around Us

One strange thing was watching New York closing around us. When we arrived many of the museums were closed, but a lot were still open. As mentioned, the bars and restaurants were at mandatory half capacity. This was a law that was not enforced very well, as there were signs on the tables just made the available tables more crowded.

On the Statue of Liberty cruise, we learned that One World Trade center closed. They even roped off the street so you couldn’t see the memorial pools. While Essa Bagel was hopping, the bars were already on a delayed opening by Sunday, and as we were leaving, it was announced that they were shutting down for good. The city that never sleeps, was officially put to bed…

Conclusion: Visiting New York During the Corona Virus

Some call me crazy, some selfish, but I am going to live my life. As mentioned, I did self – quarantine when I returned. I have been working from home since I left, and limited my time outside. Ask the restaurant owners if I was selfish, or the bars that are barely hanging on because of this virus. Some of us have to be selfish, or there will be nothing left to go back to…Charlotte may be where I live, but New York is my home, and I was not going to allow a virus to scare me away from it, I know we must be hypervigilant during this time….but the life lived in fear, is the life half-lived…

It’s up to you, New York
New York
New York

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