Friday: Only two more days, was keen to fit in as much as possible into my too-short stay in this wonderfully, nearly overwhelming city. As late as possible to bed, after writing & taping,& early to rise, breakfast & go walking.Caught the M4 bus from 45th St./6th Ave. to Lincoln Centre (with helpful assistance from bus driver & some passengers, who upon hearing that I was from Australia, applauded!! chatted to me all the way there).
Wandered around taking photos till I came to the Avery Fisher Hall at about 1.30pm with heaps of people streaming into the auditorium. Asked a lady what was on, she said the New York Philharmonic for the 2pm Matinee, adding “probably fully booked, but you can try” Rushed to the box office & asked/begged to buy a ticket (saying this was my almost last day in New York, & this wonderful lady found a seat front middle & sold it at a discount. Rapt in heavenly music for two hours. Nothing but kindness from New Yorkers in Spring 1989.
Walked back to the hotel slowly all the way, photographing & absorbing. Rested & dressed because at 9pm Lila & Morty were walking me to the Zanzibar for Jazz, eating & drinking. The musicians Carl Lynch, Al Bundy were wonderful, as was the singer Laura Watson (a fabulous singer from the 1920s)who came & sat at our table. Had not brought my camera as I thought it might be too intrusive, but Lila suggested I return to the hotel & bring it. Morty accompanied me back & I took the opportunity to change into lighter clothes due to the intense heat. Listened to the music, talked & laughed , photographed & had a merry time until the early hours. Lila & Morty walked me back to the Madison just around the corner.
Saturday: To Macy’s on 34th St. & did shopping for the boys. On my way out caught the parade, & then walked all the way to Greenwich Village , had lunch, took photos & walked back. By now it was windy & freezing cold. Big change from the past few days.
Sunday: Walking around. Wished I could have stayed longer, so much more to see. Splendid adventure, thanks to Lila & Morty & the kindness of New Yorkers.
4pm caught minibus to JFK airport. 6.30 pm Depart Lufthansa via Frankfurt ,Germany to Madrid,Spain.
June 6th , 2023
Might be able to re publish. 🤞
I came across this account of part 3 of my visit to New York in 1989, an unforgettable experience. 🌈