Planning my trip to New York City took some time and I am still learning more about improving my efficiency while traveling. Learning who takes credit cards, who accepts cash, etc. can be a problem, so I travel with credit cards, small amounts of cash. Four helpful suggestions while traveling. Travel with an open mind, bring a good book with you, be mindful of others, and spend money wisely and not much of it.
My limo driver picked me up from my apartment in Ohio at four in the morning. I was expecting a van or an SUV, but when they said limo service that is exactly what arrived, a huge white limo arrived right on time and the driver was awake and very friendly. At 4:00 in the morning no one was awake to see me get into the limo, but I was there. It happened. I sat near the front and talked with the driver.
While I waited for my plane to go to New York City I read the first few chapters of Donn Piatt Gadfly of the Gilded Age. I am not aware if Charles Cist was related to the Piatt family, but I am having success in my research paroling old pioneer families who traveled from Europe in the late 1600's to the East Coast of the British Colonies in the 1700's and then moved through Pennsylvania and into Ohio as migration history progressed with the purchase of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. From the late 1600's to the 1800's I am learning more about early pioneer daily life, cultural happenings, political entities formations, rebellions, conflicts, beneficial amendments, and other governmental formations. Donn Piatt Gadfly of the Gilded Age by Peter Bridges, is helping me connect different historical events and people connections while researching Cist. Theory( Donn Piatt was many things, statesmen, journalist, farmer, poet, ambassador to France). Charles Cist was a printer in Philadelphia and was Treasure for the Continental Congress, and helped establish the first government printing offices under President John Adams. The Piatts stayed in Washington D.C. for awhile before Donn Piatt became ambassador to France. Charles Cist was a generation before Donn Piatt, but with the migration to the Ohio Valley after the war of 1812, there might be a Piatt connection with later Cists, Charles Edward Cist (noted librarian from Cincinnati) moved to Cincinnati after the war of 1812. Charles Edward Cist was a son of the Philadelphia Charles Cist.
My trip to the World Stamp Expo at the Javits Convention Center allowed me to meet several historical figures: Benjamin Franklin, and Paul Revere. These men were in colonial costumes and talked in historical fashion about the stamp world in the early colonies. Mr. Franklin portrayed by Mr. Tim O'Conner, shared with the educational seminar group that not everyone wrote letters. He shared with the group about how Franklin preserved his writings that were later donated to Philadelphia. I have his email address if I need future information. (Mr. Tim O'Conner's email).
Additionally, Paul Revere asked me what he said after is famous ride. I said "One if by land two if by sea? He replied No. Then I guessed "Don't shoot me I am just the messenger? Paul Revere said No. Then I guessed my last turn and replied "Don't shoot until you see the whites of their eyes? Paul Revere said No. I said "What did Paul Revere say after his famous ride? He smiled and said " I need a new saddle! I said to myself "Ok, I just got a taste of my own medicine. Sometimes you learn something historical. Sometimes you just go with the flow. I am glad I tried.
The Vanderbilt YMCA hotel at 224 East 47th Street is modest, clean, friendly and very affordable for a stay in New York City. Some amenities are 24/7 security desk, fast check-in, vending machines on certain floors, quick elevators, and a fitness center plus Wi-Fi to post blogs. I walked across the street to a 24/7 grocery store and brought along my lunch pale and purchased soups, drinks, and a banana to place in the mini refrigerator that was in the room. This food will last me a couple of meals. I am saving money.
Communications mishaps in the City. I approached a stamp auction house to try and auction off stamps. I heard the gentleman speak. I recognized an European accent. and a sign behind him implied German, so I said Gutan Tag, which is German for good morning. The European gentleman replied "I am Dutch. Oh well. Then my taxi ride back to the hotel was eventful. I shared a taxi ride with a delightful couple from the United Kingdom. I asked "What is the proper way to split a cab fare? The couple paid the fair to their hotel along the way to my hotel. I quickly said "I will pay your tip to the driver" It worked out nicely and we both waived as they both left the cab. As the taxi driver dropped me off at the YMCA, I shared with him that my friends have taught me to place my hands together and say Hare Krishna. The driver said " I am from Pakistan. Oh well. I fall down. I get back up again.
Sometimes you have to realize who you are in life. I humbled myself and said "I am just a farm boy from Ohio who needs adjustments to the big city. The New York City Public Library is closed for Memorial Day weekend, so my Amtrak train ride is tomorrow evening to Philadelphia. My trip continues.
Andrew C. Allen
pewabic34@gmail.com
May 29, 2016
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