“I’ll find another spot,” he said. “Here, you take it.”
Sometimes hard to believe but there still exists the kindness of strangers.
21
This is the first time I have read this section of the Times and I am sorry it took me until now. The human stories told here offer hope that no matter what we may glean from the daily assault of "news" on our senses that there is indeed goodness and compassion all around us.
I will go so far as to say that it is my hope the conflicts and anxieties we sense every day will give rise to a backlash against all the negativity which none of us need in our lives: a backlash of compassion and thoughtfulness that elevates us all to a higher plane of existence. Those singular acts of kindness from one individual to another, perhaps unexpected but all the more appreciated can be a powerful force for our collective wellbeing. The rewards are at least as great to the one who gives as to the one who receives.
15
"That was the advice I got from the first doorman I ever met as I wrapped up my first week in the New York in 2009." #privilegealert
2
@xyz
Some people feel duty bound to criticize.
20
@xyz maybe yes, but you also make assumptions. The reader wrote the first doorman they ever "met." That does not necessarily mean it was the doorman to their own building. People talk to door people all the time who don't necessarily live there. Especially if it's to ask directions. They tend to know directions.
31
Would it be churlish to suggest that it might be better not bring more luggage than you can handle, if you can't afford a cab?
Thank you for making my day.
2
I loved these stories, though with on-street parking challenges seeming to increase exponentially as the decades pass, the last story with the driver of a large SUV saying, “I’ll find another,” (which would also necessitate no car behind the inquirer honking for her to move on), has all the earmarks of an urban myth. But hey, it’s the season of believing in miracles.
7
People are basically good.
It is the inborn trait and it gets nurtured or it gets twisted up.
Those that have strayed from good can, with proper example and reminder of the power of good within them, be brought back to a human family that is basically good.
Harsh conditions, deprivation and hateful rhetoric set a people up for bad.
The opposites redeem us.
Humans are a weather vain.
They can swing either way depending on prevailing conditions.
They are persuadable.
I think NYC dwellers know they have a reputation for caring - they have heard it repeated many tuned.
It, perhaps, is a badge of pride.
An long, fostered sense that good is good.
12
@Paul King
Kinda makes you wonder where all the bad people are.
1
No matter what city I've been in, including New York, I have found strangers on the street to be helpful and kind to visitors. There is so much discord and meanness in the world, it's good to remember that 95% of people are not like that.
25
The thing about New Yorkers - we are all on the same team. It is expressed in many different ways, but it is pervasive. I left NY for MD a long time ago, and I always say is “The thing is miss most about New York is the people- they are the best!” Every Ex- New Yorker I have ever met anywhere is always in total agreement. You have to live it to understand it.
6
I have experienced many random acts of kindness from strangers in Paris, thank you to every one of them! If you stay there for a while, you learn to do the same. It's one of the best things about a great city--residents are busy and focused, but most seem to have retained their humanity nevertheless. They are not overtly smiley or chatty on the street, but that is the way in big cities. I expect New Yorkers are the same.
20
They say that only Parisians are nastier than New Yorkers. 'They' are wrong on both counts.
17
@Eddie O'Donnell
Both places have been the friendliest cities I've ever visited. In Paris, I frequently had wonderful encounters on the street or conversations in parks or restaurants.
In both cities people were not aloof or rude, they were curious about my experiences in the city and told me of places to go I would not have thought of.
I felt at home! I would would gladly live in either city!
20
@GreenSpirit I tend to think that you get back what you give. People are friendly to friendly people. People are nasty to nasty people.
15
I don't live in NY, visited once briefly for work in my twenties, but have not been back. I love reading the diary. Random acts of kindness renew my spirit.
28
On my last trip to Spain, I met a remarkable woman of 99 years. She was a Holocaust survivor, a Greek scholar, and a college professor in NYC. She travels all over the world on her own. We instantly became friends. When I asked her what she does when faced with something she can’t physically handle. “Someone always offers to help” she said. Faith in humanity. Bless you, Ursula.
46
I was born and raised on Long Island and moved to Settle in my early 20's. After living here for most of my life I can assure you that New Yorkers are the best people in the world, although Midwesterners are pretty wonderful, too. PNWers? Not so much.
14
Dear Myra,
Thanks for sharing. The world needs stories like this.
Yesterday I went to the post office trying to mail a certified letter. Looking at the long line for the counters, I turned to the self service kiosk where there was only one tall young man ahead of me waiting. Wasn't sure what the Kiosk could help me, I said to him: excuse me, have you used it before? . He looked at me with high alert, said"WHY?" as I was trying to get some information out of him could indict him later to some serious crime.
asking someone had a grandmother is a questions that is much more personal and I am glad you spoke to the right person. Bravo!
15
@Tong L - Sometimes people are direct to get to the point quickly - in a New York minute. Maybe that person wanted to help you, but quickly. Yes, it might seem less friendly but sometimes you have to get through the tough rind of city people to encounter the softer part deeper inside.
13
These were all pretty good! I thought the lost 'tourist' once would've packed a bit more oomph had it a final '.' And can commiserate with the (obviously privileged) position of having to contend with people parking in 'my' spot...right in front of my house (where do they come from??)
1
The greatest city in the world
13
Yeah, NYC is super great. But wherever there is kindness there is greatness. Just sayin’. No contest.
15
Alternate ending:
“I put you on the wrong train,” he shouted.
Then he flipped me the bird and started cackling with laughter as the train departed for parts unknown.
8
@George Orwell - Yikes! That sounds like Neli LaBute's Metropolitan Diary!
2
@George Orwell That's the New York I fell in love with.
🎩’s Off to the parents and grandparents of that young man,
for a job well done.
42
Today wasn't a good day. I slept poorly last night, had a difficult experience with another attorney this morning and got unexpectedly wet this afternoon on my way to spending too much on a bad lunch. (Before anyone says anything, I'm an attorney at a nonprofit, so every dollar counts for me.) But these short, quirky, charming stories lifted my spirits and reminded me that New Yorkers are just a big bunch of good souls trying to do the right thing by one another. Thanks for publishing this.
60
@Lionel Hutz I hope you had a much better day today.
20
Dear Lionel,
Wishing you a good and restful—or exciting, whichever you would prefer—weekend. Sunday will bring us a fresh selection of Metropolitan Diary entries; here’s hoping they will lift all our spirits.
Stay well.
Allen
Allen
3
@Lionel Hutz It's sad that you have to justify spending money on a bad lunch--that you work for a non-profit.
The grandmother story reminded me about when I was visiting a church in the new town I had moved to. Next to me was a little boy, his mother & brother. We visited a little & I introduced myself. The boy turned to his mother & asked if "Miss Suzy" (in the South) had any grandchildren!
I told him I didn't & he asked if he could adopt me! His mother looked at me & I nodded.
I was christened "Groovy" & my adopted grandsons are in their late teens. One is off to college next year.
They are my only grandchildren & I'm so lucky to have been adopted. I'm 65 now so I must have looked old before my time!
4
I moved from NYC to rural Oregon; I remain an expat. My older son went to Columbia. My younger son is at college in Oregon. His school friend is traveling to NYC this summer. He asked for advice, having heard we (New Yorkers) are unfriendly. I corrected him: we are not unfriendly, we are BUSY, and we assume you are, too. We mind our own business. But if we know you need help, we rise. New Yorkers are incredibly helpful and kind. Just don't expect three cups of tea first.
53
@Kate New Yorkers are incredibly kind and helpful. I don't know many times I have come from a subway, map in hand, and while trying get my bearings someone will ask I need directions. That would never happen Minneapolis.
20
@KS I agree, it would be impossible in Minneapolis since there are no subways!
Seriously, though, I think you are wrong because I have seen many lost people be helped by locals as well as helping a good number myself (street numbering versus address numbers in downtown St. Paul are a mess.)
9
@KS You mean "the train." :)
11
We are older Australians who have travelled over a lot of the US over the years. We often tell Americans that they are a remarkably helpful and courteous people. The rejoinder is: just don't expect it NY! Not true. In Manhattan a harried looking gent got off his train home to guide us to our train. Realising my wife was on the wrong train another unexpectedly handed over his phone so my wife could call the people who were picking her up, then guided her to the right train. Young people we ask for directions get out their phones and patiently spend time explaining the quickest way to a site. Significantly we have never got this help by pleading or looking worried - we were just conversing or casually but politely asking directions.
40
I moved to NYC 42 years ago, when new arrivals still ended up living in Manhattan and "the outer boroughs" were only for those born here. My first permanent job was in Queens, and one of the first things I learned is that to residents of Queens Brooklyn, I live in "the City." People spoke of going to "the City" as if it was a foreign country. On Houston's writer found that perspective is still in force.
13
Bespeaks the love and generosity of residents who want to share their city.
26
Dear Ms. Silva: Wise words! I've lived in LA, Barcelona, Italy, Cleveland...but now in Boston where we call it the T, which took me years to get used to. It can also mean a train, subway, or bus. I think... But it's funny how public transportation (metro, subway, tube, train, el...) has different names, and when you figure them out, you've "arrived!"
10
Dear Jen Maria,
It is funny how public transportation has
different names. It is also funny that when I read your comment about “arriving” I thought instantly of the song that was a big hit for the Kingston Trip entitled “MTA” about poor Charlie, the man who never arrived (or returned). Somewhat amazingly to me, that song and its lyrics are still so fresh and alive in my memory. I wondered if that might be just a factor of having grown up with it or might also, now, also be related to living in Boston. It must still be in the minds of many who ride the MBTA because, as I learned today, the reusable fare cards for public transportation in Boston are called CharlieCards. How great! I never hear the song played on oldies stations; do you hear it aired over Boston radio Jen Maria?
Stay well. May you always arrive safely!
Allen
16
I love these stories. Here's one of my own:
I lived in Greenwich Village in the late 60s, a student at a broadcasting school uptown. My part-time media job paid $25/wk. Most days I lived on a 25-cent slice of pizza or, if I had an extra quarter, a sausage sandwich. Walking home to my super-cheap West Village room one night from the Lower East Side where my girlfriend lived, a panhandler asked the usual, "Spare change?" I replied that I had nothing at all. He dug into his pocket, retrieved a handful of quarters, and put them in my hand saying, "Here, you need these more than I do." That unforgettable experience is just one reason I love New York.
92
For those wondering about the amazing Myra Fischman:
Myra Fischman LCSW is a female clinical social worker in Huntington, NY with over 61 years of experience. Myra Fischman graduated from University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine in 1958. She is licensed to practice by the state board in New York.
Specialty: Clinical Social Worker
A Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) is a social worker who provides individual, group and family therapy to assess, diagnose, treat, and prevent mental illness, as well as emotional and behavioral disturbances. LCSWs have additional hours of training that qualify them to work in clinical settings. Though the role of social workers and clinical social workers differs, their goal is the same: to act as an advocate for and improve the lives of their clients.
39
I usually give up on the comments, but tonight I read them all. Diary reminded me of my first trip to NYC in the 70s, I was young and dumb as dirt. Off the train or subway or whatever, I was at the bottom of the stairs to the street. A stranger asked if I needed help but didn’t wait for my answer. He picked up my suitcase and trotted it upwards to the sidewalk. I had been warned about New Yorkers and was sure he was stealing my bag. He changed all my negative preconceived notions in a few seconds. It was a great trip and I returned home with one dime in my purse.
35
I've been a digital subscriber for about a ten years and can't believe how I never came across the Metropolitan Diary. What planet was I living on? It's a gem. Pure gold. The humanity expressed in so few words is so soothing to my heart and soul. Thank you New Yorkers and of course the NYT.
81
Dear Thales,
This column is indeed a gem! If you enter Metropolitan Diary in the search bar of the online edition of the Times you will be rewarded with many past columns of this wonderful and life-enhancing feature.
Enjoy, and be well.
Allen
19
NYers are the best, every time I visit, I experience kindness that I do not find in Boston. I know there are kind people in Boston, but I truly do not experience the feelings I find when visiting NYC.
20
@matt
Bah humbug to you! I lived in both cities. In NY, even though train (yes I just learned not to say "subway") cars were packed like sardines, people somehow managed not to look or talk to each other. In Boston, I had actual conversations with strangers on public transportation.
In both cities, people will help you. Sometimes it takes them a minute to size you up. Give New Englanders a chance. Except for being Patriots fans, I love Boston.
2
@KS New Yorkers are friendly by and large, but like another commenter wrote here, we are busy with our own things. When commuting, we do not feel much like interacting with strangers. I don't see why people find it unfriendly not to converse with your fellow train passengers who just happen to be there together. We'll help you if you need help (which I've seen many times on the train) but that doesn't mean we are looking for new friends. New Yorkers find it alarming sometimes when strangers start chatting them up. Strangers are constantly accosting us on the streets for money and attention (sometimes physically). Please be considerate of our wish to avoid harassment and just get on with our lives.
3
Can someone give a definitive ruling on what to call the public transport that travels underground. Is it the train or the subway?
I have taken the Metro-North train to Manhattan then the subway from GCT for the last 20 years riding on the 6-train. I just hope I have not been making a fool of myself all that time
6
@David Rose
Sure. One line, designated by a number and color, is a train. Any group of connected cars on that track is a train. The entire system is the subway. Got it.
16
@David Rose I go to the subway to take the train. At least, that's the distinction I make.
5
@JW - I have heard lifelong city residents tell people to take the "subway" until they refer to a specific train. That is the one gray area I would note.
1
Aw...the first and last stories are lovely. It’s good to be reminded that people can be kind just for sake of it.
34
I live in Kew Gardens one time about 18 years ago I was walking from the subway station in a heavy snowstorm. I saw a man trying to roll three large suitcases Up a hill in the snowstorm. He had to move two suitcases and the walk back to get the third suitcase and repeat the process. It was clearly an entire family’s luggage he was moving.
Even though I was walking in the other direction I offered to help him and we both proceeded to take his heavy luggage about five blocks and it turned out his destination was the apartment building that I had just recently moved into.
He said that he was planning to move away from the apartment building and I did not see him in person until several years later when I started a new job then it turned out that this man was a well respected employee of the company.
His revealing stories to mutual coworkers about my rescuing him in the snowstorm was very instrumental in making mine new job a good fit. So you never know who you will cross paths with in the future if you see a stranger struggling with luggage.
127
As always, I really enjoyed the entries. But the grandmother and parking stories left a tear in my eye. Thanks again!
51
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I left NYC 25 years ago for the west coast and Metropolitan Diary reminds me why I miss the city so!
22
I was visiting New York as a young woman. The last mid-quality hotel I stayed in was two blocks away from where I needed to take the bus to the Port Authority and then a bus to the airport. The problem was that it was 5 a.m when I had to leave. I had used up my money for the trip, and could not afford a cab.
I started walking down the side-walk in the dark, at 5 a.m, glancing around me. I heard footsteps and I quickened my steps; the man quickened his steps. I broke into a run, wearing pumps, and ran into a bus that had just stopped, having seen one drive off as I was running. The bus was the one I actually needed to take, and I was forever grateful there are so many and so frequent buses in New York. Thank You New York for your great transportation.
18
Top of the Empire State Building, of course. And yes, I watch lots of old Movies.
Happy Holidays, Miss Ley.
6
About 5 years ago, I retired from my job. One day, while walking to downtown (about 6-8 blocks), I passed a young woman, on the sidewalk, who was trying to pull three wheeled suitcases. She asked whether I could help her, and I agreed. On her way to the airport, she was supposed to have been driven by a friend who had called at the last minute to cancel, citing work responsibilities. So, the young woman was walking to the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) station to catch a train to the Oakland Airport, and then fly to Los Angeles. I grabbed one suitcase, and she grabbed the other two. We walked quickly in silence, about 5 blocks, slightly uphill, to the elevator entrance to the BART station. At the entrance, I handed her the suitcase that I had pulled up the street and wished her luck in catching her plane. I am old enough to be her grandmother. That was my good deed for the day. I never saw her again, although she said she lived in an apartment building about one block from my house.
38
New Yorkers, I'm an Angeleno and I love it, but I often think your city has the biggest heart of all.
34
A young friend called earlier, and he is coming to New York with his lady for a day in the City to launch the New Year. They have been a happy couple for the last fourteen years, and he is planning to surprise her with a marriage proposal.
Her 'Grandmother' is looking after their two children, the engagement ring is being adjusted, and he asked for suggestions on where in the Heart of the City this romantic highlight should take place.
Help is needed because my husband of fifty years proposed after we had been to see 'Young Winston' in the 70s and we raised a toast in his honor on returning to our tiny studio. He suffered a memory glitch the morning after, and I had to remind him.
Nothing ventured, nothing gained, perhaps somebody will have a mistletoe idea of a joyous celebratory site to unite these love-birds in matrimony. Their funds are limited, but their hearts are large in mutual compatibility and contentment.
A friend has forwarded an online sighting of 29 romantic places to propose in New York City, and this is an auspice beginning, and a reader of The Metropolitan Diary may come forth in the Spirit of The Yuletide Season with a bright guiding candle as well.
15
@Miss Ley, I have a marvelous memory of being at the Met in the Temple of Dendur room, on a quiet mid-week morning. Big, fluffy flakes off snow were falling steadily outside those gorgeous windows. The filmy light was perfection, and the silence of that space was trance inducing. I didn’t want to leave.
If you could arrange a morning like that for this couple, that would be good. I think there are spirits in that room. It would make them happy.
21
@Passion for Peaches,
You are a gem! Your description of the Temple of Dendur in winter is beautiful, and what better way to ask for a woman's hand in marriage than surrounded by wise ancient spirits at The Met in the silence of snow falling gently outside with a view to going forth by the light of the day.
Wishing you and your loved ones a peaceful and joyous holiday celebration in The City that Never Sleeps.
9
@Miss Ley The Rainbow Room Bar at sunset. So romantic, with a view of the Empire State Building. Only costs the price of a drink and they can stroll around Rockefeller Center in a romantic haze afterwards, see the tree and the skaters. The top of the Empire State Building is nice but now so expensive and very cold this time of year. I bet under the clock in the center of Grand Central Station would be memorable too.
6
I've lived in NYC for over 20 years. While using the Iphone to find a particular store, I too was walking in circles. Unlike GPS for cars it does not tell you when and where to turn. Ohh the good ole days of paper maps and knowing North, South, etc.
24
@West Side 215 Try Google Maps. Its turn by turn pedestrian directions are very helpful.
4
@West Side 215
Perhaps you know this already but on the outside chance you don't and aren't using Apple Maps's walking directions correctly — or that someone else reading this might learn from it — here goes:
On your iPhone, (1) open Maps, (2) search for your destination, (3) select the correct one if multiple search results appear, (4) tap the big blue "Directions" button, then (5) at the bottom tap "Walk" if not already selected (you can set your default mode of transportation in Settings > Maps), then (6) tap the big green "Go" button. Maps should then give you turn-by-turn walking directions.
As for the perennial Google Maps vs Apple Maps debate, in my experience each one has good days and bad day, just like most of us.
3
I don't know when I enjoyed reading any article so much as this one. So refreshing considering all the horror stories we are faced with on a daily basis thanks to the current administration.
Born raised and educated in Manhattan, truly the greatest city in the world. And, the nicest and most interesting people to be found anywhere.
39
@Sari Oh, the number of times I have exited a subway station and walked confidently in the wrong direction. Why can't they paint a North marker on the sidewalk by or on the stairs.
26
@David Rose Same! When I first moved to NYC I did the same, except when I could look to the skyline and see the WTC and know which way was NOT North or South, but rather Uptown or downtown.
7
@Sari
Anyone who doubts it should read Humans of New York!
1
@Metropolitan Diary Editors, Congratulations, a 5 for 5 today. Great stories. The first one is obviously the best but not by a long margin. Great stuff.
I wish the local rag had some such column but sadly no. All we have is food and wine.
17
When I see people who look lost, and looking at a paper map or tour book is a good sign, I always offer to help. Then I ask where they are from, and the final thing I say is, some of us New Yorkers are actually nice people,
31
@Jerry S
My husband and I started a club we call SF-LOST; which acronyms out to San Franciscans Looking Out For Searching Tourists.
If we see people who look lost, we try to help them make their time in our city just a little easier.
28
@Rebekah
All the folks I've met in NYC have been pretty nice people. Actually - true pretty much everywhere actually. Hard to remember sometimes as we peruse the daily doom and gloom. :)
24
@Jerry S, heh. I worked in the city for many years and although I live in New Jersey, I helped a lot of folks find their way around Gotham. ;)
10
Metro Diary on one day is worth a NYT subscription. Thank you.
43
As a long time New Yorker - I FREELY ADMIT it: I just LOVE New York and the New Yorkers - I know - it may sound corny - but it’s TRUE - I used to work in 2 World Trade Center on 9/11 - I survived - I also watched and heard about the BRAVERY of the members of FDNY and NYPD as well as the First Responders - ordinary New Yorkers risked their own lives to save others - I firmly believe that ordinary people do extraordinary things and random acts of kindness bind us all together as human beings
82
From my 11 years living in NYC, trains were what you took to the boroughs; subways ran in Manhattan.
11
@MKB, thank you. That’s what I’ve always thought.
2
@MKB
Take it from a lifelong New Yorker, that's simply not true. The subway runs throughout the five boroughs...
2
@MKB Hmmm...no. This isn't true. You don't take subways anywhere, as they refer to stations where trains are located. Perhaps you're thinking of the Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North trains?
The young guy that carried the suitcase down the steps to the LIRR sounds like something my nephew would do, a good soul who routed a non English speaking woman to the correct train to Patchogue.
26
Word on LIRR Huntington Grandmother and Parking Spot !
Nice to read on a rainy Monday morning, about to head off on the commute.
12
I love this column. It gives me such faith in humanity and in people's ability to express themselves beautifully. And it always makes me smile.
47
Dear “jaded,”
Given your comments the name you chose to write in under doesn’t seem to fit you. Your words, like the Metropolitan Diary entries and reader comments, make me smile as well. I love this column too.
Wishing you comfort and joy.
Allen
9
So much better than the news.
56
I love this column even though I haven't live in New York since the late 1800s.
I've read a lot of nice, improbable stories, but Rebecca Eis's concluding piece verges on the impossible.
“I’ll find another spot,” he said. “Here, you take it.”
I wonder whether he wound up parked in Fort Lee or Astoria.
Dan Kravitz
28
@Dan Kravitz
You haven't lived in New York since the late 1800s? The world wants to know the secret of your longevity.
23
@Dan Kravitz
You meant 1980s?
2
First one made me cry.
20
My time in New York has been scattered weeks and weekends across a span of years. I will never be a citizen of any borough.
Of all the valued and valuable parts of your publication, the weekly “diary” is my favorite.
24
It is a sad commentary on our society that a person who can play a violin concerto needs to play on a crowded, rush-hour subway to pay his rent, while purveyors of internet trash make hundreds of thousands of dollars.
As to the comment from MP: most sonatas would require an accompaniment as would all concertos. However, when you're a musician, the original gig economy for the vast majority of musicians, you adapt.
28
@Steve Fankuchen
History has a lot of great artists who died penniless, in poverty.
If you define success not by the money you make but the joy you get and give, this musician has a degree of success.
7
It is a sad commentary on our society that a person who can play a violin concerto needs to play on a crowded, rush-hour subway to pay his rent, while purveyors of internet trash make hundreds of thousands of dollars.
As to the comment from MP: most sonatas would require an accompaniment as would all concertos. However, when you're a musician, the original gig economy for the vast majority of musicians, you adapt.
9
Wonderful stories this week, as always! The intersection story reminded me of my first day in New York City- I was supposed to meet a friend for dinner that night, and I told him, with great confidence (from a payphone, no less) that I was coming from the corner of 34th and 35th streets. He, a born and bred New Yorker, laughed and said: I can assure you, you are not!
38
The story by Myra reminds me that there are angels among us! My Mom had a taxi driver just like this young man.
21
Absolutely loved the story about the woman looking for the Angelika Theatre. I laughed out loud for the first time today.
Having moved to Manhattan about 15 years ago, it was imperative that I find the Angelika Theatre because first-rate films are shown there. However, strangers directed me and I found it.
I’m glad to know that the woman from Brooklyn did also. How lovely.
14
As usual these stories are wonderful and inspiring. saying in my son's 6th floor walk up in the East village who he was in France observing some eclipse was a big treat for this southern Belle.
My friend and I were in uptown looking confused when a middle aged man came up to ask us where do you ladies want to go? Saks we said. He gave us directions. Asked how did you know we were at a lost? You looked it!
I love New Yorkers! Thank you so much for these stories that warm our hearts.
29
It was after Thanksgiving and we were piloting up the East River just downstream of the bridges in Buttermilk Channel when we saw the shape in the water. It didn't look good, so we called it in and the Rescue Center said they'd send the NYPD dive boat, who came out while we stood by and they took the body aboard. We usually handled this directly ourselves, but as the NYPD had the resources and the medical examiner they took the lead. They had two long poles, with a fast sinking chain between them, and the sunk it under the body and pulled it up onto the afterdeck, simple, quick, fast. A man. In a suit and overcoat with a tie. Done so much more neatly and efficiently than we did it, with all our handling and grabbing and litters and lifting and grunting and cover the body with a blanket we'd throw away later. I stood next to my shipmate, and he said, "New York. Must happen here a lot." I nodded and wondered who he had been and went back in the cabin and we motored to our berth.
12
@angry veteran
A rosebush has plenty thorns. These stories are the roses of NYC.
1
It's wonderful to read stories that make me re-read them because they make me smile.
11
Simply wonderful vignettes. At a time when there is so much bad news, Metropolitan Diary is a gift. Thank you.
69
I lived in London in a small neighborhood and was driving my car when I saw an elderly woman and a 50 something man, who I assumed was her son, walking when the woman just seemed to crumble to the ground. I was on the same side of the street as they and rolled down the window to ask, "Can I help?". The man spitted out "What can you do?", and I said. " Can I drive you home or to your GP?". He was kind of a loss for words and thanked me profusely. I drove them about 3 blocks to her GP ( local doctor). It was such a small act of kindness on my part that didn't put me out at all, but meant a lot to them. I try to remember all the time that what is a small act on my part can mean a lot to others.
112
The first vignette made my tear up and remind me how much I love my own 102 year old grandmother. I’m definitely going to visit her more at the nursing home this holiday season. Thanks Myra for reminding us grandchildren how special older generations are and to the young man, kudos! - 37 year old teacher
73
I've been reading Metropolitan Diary since the 1970's on my Metro-North commute from White Plains. I use to say that New York and I would not miss each other. Thanks for the reminder that you can take the guy out of New York but cannot take New York out of the guy.
43
These vignettes, as all Metropolitan Diaries do, are so uplifting!
I thank all who contribute.
In our chaotic world, a respite is so welcomed!
54
Could it really be a concerto if he was playing by himself?
15
@MP Mayb
e he was playing a solo from a concerto. It's hard to get an orchestra to play with you on a train.
44
@MP Yes-just without the orchestra part
14
@MP
Most sonatas would require an accompaniment as would all concertos. However, when you're a musician, (the original gig economy for the vast majority of musicians), you adapt.
After all, it is a sad commentary on our society that a person who can play a violin sonata or concerto needs to play on a crowded, rush-hour subway to pay his rent, while purveyors of internet trash make hundreds of thousands of dollars.
7
Re: Sweet Spot
The guy gave you his parking spot on the UWS in the pouring rain? I consider that on par with being donated a kidney. Congratulations.
317
Only two more miracles for sainthood.
61
It just one of those little things that gives you hope for humanity.
19
Dear Jacksonian Democrat,
I agree with you completely; the Diary entry about the “Sweet Spot” does indeed give one hope for humanity.
Seeing the name you wrote in under makes me think of my American history studies in college many years ago when I read Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr.’s, book “The Age of Jackson.” I also read an interesting journal article at that time with the wonderful title: “Jackson Men with Feet of Clay.”
Be well.
Allen
3
@Allison Well, I am from the Class of '62 so I know that makes me a few years older. However, even here in Chicago I receive in the mail some of the most beautifully designed clothes and housewares catalogs from a friend of yours. If we were walking together out to dinner in New York, people would be admiring "those two gorgeous women" obviously dressed by Gudren.
I save all those catalogs just to admire. Oh and SHOES! The most comfortable shoes ever from the minute I put them on until forever; not to mention socks, and leggings, and Christmas tree ornaments. A few years ago I spotted her ad on the inside front cover of The New Yorker, and I've never gone back. Let's drink a toast to Gudrun. Skoal!
9
This entire edition is a holiday treat. Thank you, submitters and NYT!
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I, too, can barely get passed the daily headlines without sinking beneath the table. Each week I await Metropolitan Diary and the precious treasures it offers. Indeed, New York mensches abound and cause my heavy heart to lift and sing. Thank you, thank you, NYT, for this weekly blessing.
140
People everywhere can be very territorial about how New York public transportation is referred to. In the midwest, 40 years ago, on hearing an Allman Brothers song wherein Greg Allman mentions "subway trains", someone was riled up by the lyric, and stated, "they aren't trains, they're subways". I knew they were both, but I just let it be.
22
“Ninety-seventh and Third. Don’t forget. You are to always remember intersections; addresses are not as important in New York City.”
So true! I've always wondered why places in NYC don't include that info in their addresses, it would be so much more useful than a street number. When I need to go to a place I'm unfamiliar with in the city, I always have to look at a map to find the cross street. There is an algorithm I once had that converted street numbers to the cross street, but I found it too cumbersome to use, easier to just type the street address into my phone now. But still....would be so much easier if they'd just include the cross street in the first place.
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@Shawnthedog's Mom
When living in CA and I would give trades people my home address for any kind of repairs, the first thing they asked for were the cross streets. Now, returning to CO, I include cross streets with my address. The reaction is always the same, "Oh, now I know where you are located." The cross streets are the thing.
36
@COH EXCEPT in places where the same streets cross in two very far apart locations, even if the same city.
5
@Shawnthedog's Mom Exact;y. Google hasn't figured that one out yet. You have to go to Google Maps! Very annoying.
1
I love how Ms. Fischman got the young man to carry her suitcase. Instead of just asking him, she asked him about his grandmother, if he loved her, etc. That's irresistable, how could anyone have said no? What a sweet, and apparently very sharp, woman (having been at a 4-day conference).
And kudos to the young man for going back on the train.
This suburban guy loves these stories.
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I love the fact that an 86 year old woman was away at a conference for 4 days. I wonder what it was about.
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@Matt - Me too! I have so many follow up questions :)
50
@Matt - yes, great queries, how can we find out?
26
@Matt lots of us old birds go places this 86 year old one, for instance, this June went to Greece (3 islands & the mainland), but of course it was easy, it was my 13th trip & I took 2 "girls" (age 65) along. This coming summer I'm just going to a conference.
54
Whenever I read some acts of kindness in the Metropolitan Diary I feel elated and charged up. Actually one such kind act by Dr. Omprakash of Manhattan, Kansas, who accommodated us for couple of days when we landed in America on 26th January 2007, India’s Republic Day, has made our lives better and inspired us to accommodate two strangers from India after couple of years in Flushing, NY. These unknown guests were legal immigrants, who came to America for studying M.S. They were stranded in Airport on account of storm. I don’t remember whether it was snow storm or ice storm. Our daughter requested us to provide emergency accommodation since they had no place to go. We had a nice time with them. They were in touch with me for couple of years. Hope they are doing well wherever they are.
Thank You Dr. Omprakash for what you have done for us. Hope yourself and your family members are keeping fine.
102
I enjoy reading these lovely / entertaining / heartwarming stories Sunday evening to mentally prepare me for the hectic workweek ahead.
69
My first trip without my husband was to Paris. Every time I approached a stairway at the Metro stations, someone would ask if they could carry my suitcase up for me. I was so grateful for the little kindnesses of the young strangers.
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@Northshore A very un-North American thing. EVERYWHERE in the world the young offer to help the older, the men to women, etc. In some cases though they decamp with the stuff. ;-))
17
@Northshore It's nice to hear about these acts of kindness in other places.
9
as to the story of the 86 year old woman:
I was on a checkout line in a Waldbaums
in Queens about 10 years ago, when an
elderly woman who appeared to be on
the verge of despair as a thunderstorm
broke out of nowhere, asked a young
couple if they could drive her a few
blocks away to her home. I regret to
say that a loud and resounding NO was
their response as they walked to their
car in the parking lot. it was the only
time in my adult life that I wished I owned
a car.about a quarter of a way down the
block in a driving storm, I turned and saw
the woman pummeled by the rain making
her way down the block pushing her shopping cart.it is an image that
I will take to my grave.madam you should
consider yourself very lucky indeed.
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@Frank
Why should she consider herself lucky to be forced to make her way home in a rainstorm?
1
@CKent ,
He is referring to Myra Fischman. She was lucky to have gotten help from that young man in the train station.
34
@anonymous
Got it. That wasn't clear to me in the comment.
4
Sounds like that doorman doesn’t know what he is talking about. Several trains go other directions besides uptown or downtown. And most people refer to it as the subway.
17
@Pepper
The doorman’s sage advice was to remember intersections and not bother with addresses. It was a fellow pedestrian who was so dogmatic about the subway, pardon me I mean the train.
45
@Pepper
I think the doorman was talking about subway lines in Manhattan, which do run mostly north and south. And yes, New Yorkers say things like "subway lines," but always say "Don't take a bus or a cab. Take the train instead." That's the way it was when I lived there, anyway.
29
Good reading today. Thank you to all the contributors and thank you to the NYT for the grouping.
40
Sweet, all of them.
38
“I wished I had hugged that young man and had told him to hug his grandmother for me.”
Thank you so much to Myra Fishcman, for sharing that story.. And maybe extra hugs from lots of us who find that train station’s surprises infuriating - even with no luggage! You've always got to plan for something to go wrong there - you just don't know what. :)
Tune of “Mama, He's Making Eyes At Me”
Grandma!
Here in the Diary
Grandma!
You brought a high to me
Grandma, seems setbacks don’t get you down.
So inspiring!
Attitude that earns admiring!
Grandma!
No problem fazes you.
You are so can-do.
Though that place can breed frustration
You’re not beaten by Penn Station!
Grandma!
Big hugs to you!
52
@Freddie "Ma, He's Makin' Eyes at Me" might be the first song I heard that I can recollect (not counting lullabies that my mom might have sung when I was an infant.) A favorite aunt of mine, long since passed, would always sing it, before I even understood what "making eyes" was. Thanks for bringing back a sweet memory.
25
@Shawnthedog's Mom , this was one of my favorite renditions, by Lena Zavaroni,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2A2jwejaQGc
I think I first saw her on The Tonight Show or Carol Burnett Show. She went on to a nice career even as an adult, though she passed away young.
The first time I heard the song was a young girl named Louanne who won on The Gong Show, who went ion to play "Annie" onstage and some films. She was one of a number of performers (like top 10 singer Cheryl Lynn, and Mare Winningham from the Bob Dylan jukebox show) who actually went on to real careers after singing on that goofy TV show.
1
I know it's not the same pronunciation or spelling, but reading about the Angelika Film Center and being on Houston Street made me think of the Oscar-winning actress Anjelica Huston.
Though nothing came up for me when I searched on google, I'm wondering if there's a connection between Angelika/Houston and the star's name.
9
@Freddie
But the "Houston" is pronounced so very differently. When I first came to the NYC area, that was one of the many things that confused me.
15
@yl Visiting Boston, I was told to get off at “Pack” Street. As the train pulled in and out of Park Street station, I realized I had missed my stop!
79
@Freddie
A number of years ago I was at the corner of Broadway and 79th waiting to cross and noticed the woman standing next to me was Anjelica Houston. If I see her again I’ll ask.
43
A common theme for today’s Metropolitan Diary entries could be “People helping people.”
Even the anonymous person on the train helped everyone to understand the difference between a concerto and a sonata.
Dean
92
@Dean - could it be this anonymous person is related to the Anonymous who wrote the book about Washington that I got as an early Hannukah present? (or maybe "Anonymous" is one of those names like Smith or Jones or Barron?)
Thoughts on "Anonymous" with the song stylings of Sebastian Gorka -
"If I Could Talk to Anonymous" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=veHUrsMi_hw
I was trying for a version of Rex Harrison as Dr. Doolittle, but it mixed more like Sebastian Gorka, so I've started to say that's who it was meant to be. :)
16
@Freddie
I enjoy so much your YouTube connections to various songs and this one was a particularly great one. Afterwards there was Bobby Darin singing "If I Could Talk To The Animals" which I also enjoyed. Another great one!
Anne
17
New Yorkers on the move assisted by their neighbors, plus one "subway" rider jostled by a violinist. Love this batch of Diary entries. I teared up at the first one, but I was already in a teary frame of mind, having just read about the kindergarten class that attended an adoption hearing for their classmate in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The judge asked each child to stand up and say what they loved or appreciated about their classmate. The good feeling spilled over to the Metropolitan Diary, where even a parking space can be a blessing.
124
Dear Ms. Fischman, Ms. Silva, and Ms. Eis,
Thank you for your uplifting Diary entries this Sunday. Your stories of kindness and of people freely, good naturedly, and willingly extending themselves to provide needed help are the best tonic in the world for restoring one’s equanimity and sense of well being in a world seemingly gone mad.
I must confess that after a lifetime of keeping abreast of the major news and political stories I can no longer do so without my spirits going down and my blood pressure going up. Many days scanning the headlines is about all I can stand. Stories such as yours are the reason I so look forward to the Diary every week, as I know so many of us do. They are restorative in every sense of that word.
Thank you again, and thanks to all the good commenters whose thoughts and experiences have the same good and refreshing effect.
Stay well everyone.
Allen
178
I began reading about kids being exploited on game sites. I couldn’t take it. I come to the diary for refuge. Peace my friends.
110
@Matt Me too. I just couldn't believe the story I was reading. Metropolitan Diary saved my evening.
32
@Allen
And you, as well!
7
When I was a young woman, I often helped old ladies. Now young people help me.
152
Dear Madeline Conant,
I know what you mean. Sometimes when I'm in a store to buy something, the cashier automatically gives me a senior discount. Without even asking me!
Cheers!
Dean
57
@Madeline Conant I am a (fit) 71-year old man who rides his (heavy) bike throughout the city. When it gets cold or rainy at night, though, I take my bike on the subway, then walk it up the stairs to the street. In the last year, I have had two younger guys ask if I needed help with this. I said thanks but no. A third man did not ask. He grabbed the bike, pushed it up the stairs, then walked away before I could say thank-you. Another reason to love NYC.
140
@Dean :
The manager of my local grocery store calls it the "Teenager Discount" !
45
Hmm, I call it subway all the time.
24
@Imagine I always understood that real natives, burough born called it "the train"
3
“ At Penn Station” story has brought huge smile on my face not because the young gentleman had carried Myra Fishchman and had seen to it that she sat in the train but mainly because he came running after realising the mistake and then helped her sit comfortably in the correct train. I shudder to think what problems she would have encountered if she were to continue journey in the wrong train.
“ Wise Words is a beautiful story about local people guiding strangers properly so that they are not lost in a new place. It happened to me a number of times.
On 6 th December I was on my way to attend a wedding in a function hall in Hyderabad, which is far away from my residence. I engaged an Auto Rickshaw for reaching the place. Even after travelling for 40 minutes, the destination was nowhere to be seen. A gentleman kindly guided me properly to reach the destination in time.
”Sweet Spot“ story is all about another sweet act by a gentleman, who is ever willing to help people.
This being winter,” Sweet Spot” story has brought back memories regarding amusing game played by the New York car owners, who park their cars on either side of the road, whenever snow falls. During winter Municipality maintenance staff tirelessly clear the roads from snow but sidewalks are not cleared perhaps due to lack of sufficient staff. Apartment Complex owners, shop keepers and car owners play hide and seek in pushing the snow back and forth.
18
It is a NYC subway tradition, if you meet up with an umbrella stroller at the first step of a staircase, up or down, it is your obligation to grab the plastic web on the front of the stroller and help carry the toddler.
184
@mlb4ever
Or, if a gun fight should break out between Al Capone and Eliot Ness, make sure the stroller rolls safely to the bottom of the stairs without hurting the passenger within.
93
@yl Brilliant!!!!
14
@yl
Oh thanks!
11
I came to the city in October for a meet-up with 2 college friends from the class of ‘66. Like Myra Fischman, I found myself at the head of a non-working escalator with my rolling suitcase and handbag. I stood there for a moment, redistributing my gear for the descent. All of a sudden a woman appeared at my side. “Going down?” she asked. Almost before I could answer, she scooped up my suitcase and marched down with authority. She waited at the bottom of the stairs, handed off the suitcase and was on her way, almost before I could thank her. And I didn’t even have to play the grandmother card!
184
Dear Allison,
Thank you for relating your own story of a good hearted person providing assistance on the spot and without being asked just because that is the sort of human being she or he is. Such stories always make me want to be a better person myself.
I hope you enjoyed a lovely reunion in the city with your college friends. I was the class of 1966 also—a toast to your happiness and good health.
Cheers,
Allen
76
@Allen It was wonderful. The last time I had been with these friends was at the funeral of the husband of one of them, five years ago. So much better to have things to celebrate. Saw a play, walked the High Line, made a pilgrimage to my favorite clothing store, Gudrun Sjoden, in Soho and talked and talked. The best kind of visit, both intimate and public.
Wishing you the best, fellow grad of ‘66! (Brown)
65
Dear Allison and Allen,
I was also in the college class of 1966.
Here’s a toast to both of you, fellow graduates of the class of ‘66.
Cheers!
Dean
64