.. and had a great time. Spent two days on business and two on pleasure. Truly amazing to visit the WTC site, and very, very sad indeed. To boost my spirits I visited one of Wall Street's best cigar shops, Barclay Rex. Bought a Pardon Anniversay Exclusivo and walked the shoreline around Battery Park reflecting on what a great place the USA is.
Next day, walked from lower Manhattan all the way to 45th Avenue (that's tooo many blocks to even remember). Midway, stopped in Soho and bought a Hoyo 1066 === it gave me the extra energy I needed for the additional 15 to 20 blocks. Then I found something close to heaven, at 45th + 5th --- JR Cigars. WOW!! The whole shop (2 stories), from the time you enter the front door is a self contained/active humidor. Felt like a kid in a candy shop --- so much so, that I returned three separate times before leaving five days later. Got hooked on CAO Brazilia Pirhana's. I guess the JR guys are really good salesmen! Saw two plays, Dance of the Vampires (with Michael Crawford) and Phantom of the Opera (not with Michael Crawford) which were great. Nothing better than finding a nice bar in the theatre district, having a good glass of scotch and a cigar to top the evening!!
I'm happy to say that things appear pretty much back to normal. The recovery is well under way. Never thought I'd say this (being raised in California) but, I LOVE NEW YORK.
GOD BLESS THE USA.
