The Dowager Duchess and the Kid Brother have been keeping us awfully busy since our arrival in New York Wednesday afternoon. I’ve got lots of photos and stories but no time to share them. We head back to Spain tomorrow. Sunday, the Kid Brother arrived at 8 a.m. (he had already arrived at 8 a.m. Thursday and then Monday, as well). We headed to the casino at Aqueduct Racetrack, gambled, had lunch, gambled some more, and then went shoe-shopping (sadly, not with gambling winnings). San Geraldo bought two very nice pairs of big shoes for his big feet.
 |
| NEW YORK CITY MOSAIC WALL AT RESORT WORLDS CASINO AT AQUEDUCT RACETRACK. (CLICK TO MAKE THE BIG APPLE A BIGGER APPLE.) |
The Dowager Duchess financed The Kid Brother’s gambling, but gave me the money to dole out so he would think it was coming from me (I’m much better at saying “no”). The Kid Brother’s financial management skills are no better than ours (San Geraldo’s and mine). When I finally cashed out all our tickets, I had $77 remaining of The Kid Brother’s original $100 budget. He couldn’t quite understand that the $77 were not winnings and, in addition, the $77 did not get turned over to him.
 |
| BROADWAY MOSAIC AT THE CASINO. (CLICK TO MAKE THE GREAT WHITE WAY GREATER.) |
We rented a very nice car at the airport. We upgraded so The Dowager Duchess could be chauffeured around town in comfort. We insisted on a very new car (low mileage), so we could be confident that the car would not give us any headaches. The first thing I was thrilled to notice was that this car actually had REVERSE. And it worked. I didn’t have to push us out of the parking lot.
 |
| THE RED “R” STANDS FOR REVERSE. AN AMAZING INVENTION. |
On our second day here, we were going to head out shopping (in the blowing wind and pouring rain). Chivalrous San Geraldo went to get the car and bring it around to the back entrance of The Dowager Duchess’s building so that she (and I) wouldn’t have to suffer in the weather. However, about two minutes after leaving us San Geraldo returned. “We’re not going anywhere,” he said. “We’ve got a flat tire.”
The tire was as flat as a pancake it turned out. We had picked up a large and pointy screw. So, our American rental car (made in Japan) wasn’t going in reverse or forward.
 |
| WELCOME TO NEW YORK CITY. A SPANISH TIRE SHOP AND A RUSSIAN PHARMACY. (IF YOU EVER HAVE A FLAT IN BROOKLYN, HERMANOS ARE THE GUYS TO SEE.) |
We, of course, hadn’t taken the additional “tire insurance,” which would have cost $9 per day. So, now we figured we’d regret that decision. AVIS sent someone very quickly to put the temporary spare on the car, but we then had to get the tire repaired ourselves. We went back upstairs and went online to find a nearby tire repair place. San Geraldo phoned and we headed over. We double-parked out front and waited 10 minutes in the entry of a very funky (well, very dumpy) little store. The repair cost $10! So glad we didn’t take that insurance.
I always enjoy stories of your adventures in Brooklyn and the photos, too!
Walt the Fourth:
I don't know why, but I didn't take a lot of photos this time. Still more to come, but I missed some good opportunities. Thanks so much!
This sounds like total immersion in the New York experience! Good you could rise above it and not let it spoil your day. As always, you saw the positive and thought yourself lucky. I just love that about you!
Ms. Sparrow:
Oh, we moan and complain, but anything is an opportunity for a story. And that makes it all better for us both.
Never a dull moment! But things worked out very well, I'd say.
I could sense your brother's excitement that his big bro was in town. I am sure you 'made his day', Mitch.
Now I really think a post is in order to show San Geraldo walking about in his new shoes!! The 'emperor's' of course….
Jim:
I'll have to take some pictures of the new shoes on the old feet. He's only worn one pair so far, but he loves them. Yes, Kid Brother was very happy we were both there! And the flat tire situation couldn't have worked out more easily (except if we never had the flat in the first place).
At least your didn't go through your lunch money at the casino…any time you have money left over at any of those places ….you win!
Off to my pool for a swim with Savannah…she's learning how to swim.
saludos,
raulito
Raulito:
Can't believe Savannah is learning how to swim. What fun! Hope you had a great time.
As for lunch money, The Dowager Duchess treated!
Interesting that you live in Spain but it's your adventures in New York that seem exotic. I hope you both have a safe flight home.
Stephen:
It's fascinating how foreign New York has become to us, too.
Chris and I adore New York……
ADORE IT
John:
It's an amazing place. And clearly unlike Trelawnyd!
Sounds like a very lively time thus far!
Jacquilineand….
The entire visit was very nice. Skyped with The Duchess and Kid Brother today. All back to normal (and she's not happy about that).
Haaaaaa! What a story! I have never even thought about who would be responsible or what to do if I had a flat on a rental.
How are things at The Dowager D's apartment building and neighborhood?
Judeet:
I'll be doing a post on the neighborhood soon. Unbelievable the damage that remains from Hurricane Sandy. All the landscaping has been removed (but not the big old trees, fortunately). Many houses and stores are boarded up. Some condemned. Some under major renovation. I can't imagine the devastation at the time considering this is month's later and there's still so much to be done.
NYC is lovely
Spo:
Hmmm… Lovely has never been a word that comes to mind for me. But it's exciting, interesting, and quirky.
It's great to spend time with those that you love. And great stories to remember that time with.
Stew:
Many more stories. You're so right.
Glad you got the tire fixed for cheap! have a safe journey home.
Knatolee:
I was shocked when one of the "hermanos" said $10. In New York! And while we waited! Miracles do happen.
Sounds like a great vacation! Really. Even the flat tire worked out, in a fashion. And I know your brother had a great time!All of you did.
Kristi:
We threw off my brother's routine, which is a mixed bag (think Rainman). But we did have a great time with him and he with us.