I’m going to butcher this quote but I think I’ve got the sentiment right: some wag (underused word) once said something like, “New York City always feels like the party ended just before you arrived.” Having periodically arrived and left New York many times over the last forty years, I can attest to the accuracy of that statement.
i have this exact reflection a lot as a 30 yr Austin resident. the light bulb joke is 1 to change it and however many others to tell the 1 how much cooler the old lightbulb was.
we do in fact kinda miss the places that have closed, but mostly what we miss is our youth.
Oh, Michael, you nailed it - it isn’t the place, it’s the time. And not just one time, but everyone’s time. Those were the days my friend, for every generation.
My experience has been different. I left NYC more than 40 years ago, and every time I come back to visit, which is about once a year, I still feel the energy the moment my feet hit the ground. Sure, the city has changed, I've changed, but it still has an excitement unlike anywhere else in the world.
I think Fran lebowitz said that about NY. Also, saw you last night and it was a fun evening! So glad The State still exists, in whatever form. Did any of you predict you would be singing Porcupine Racetrack 28 years later?
Thank you for this delightful read. One of my best friends passed away recently (in Virginia )and he was a New Yorker to the bones. Your story reminded me of his joy when describing the City. He would have agreed with you completely but he did love to talk about rubbing elbows with the wealthy & famous while always wearing his Brooks Brother’s finest (complete with a hat), & a “knowing smile”- but that was in his youth, some 45 years ago. Thank you for the memories.
i have this exact reflection a lot as a 30 yr Austin resident. the light bulb joke is 1 to change it and however many others to tell the 1 how much cooler the old lightbulb was.
we do in fact kinda miss the places that have closed, but mostly what we miss is our youth.
Represent. Atx man here. Particularly the part about how cool the old one was...
I had never heard of billionaires row before so I googled some photos. Yeah, it’s visually very unpleasant.
I’ve very much been enjoying your writing and look forward to reading more.
Oh, Michael, you nailed it - it isn’t the place, it’s the time. And not just one time, but everyone’s time. Those were the days my friend, for every generation.
Anthropology like this is reminiscent of the new journalism. It is very inspiring writing.
My experience has been different. I left NYC more than 40 years ago, and every time I come back to visit, which is about once a year, I still feel the energy the moment my feet hit the ground. Sure, the city has changed, I've changed, but it still has an excitement unlike anywhere else in the world.
Gawd, I miss my hometown. Well, that’s Brooklyn, but at least it’s not Staten Island.
Wait. Hold on.
The State is doing shows?
I think Fran lebowitz said that about NY. Also, saw you last night and it was a fun evening! So glad The State still exists, in whatever form. Did any of you predict you would be singing Porcupine Racetrack 28 years later?
Thank you for this delightful read. One of my best friends passed away recently (in Virginia )and he was a New Yorker to the bones. Your story reminded me of his joy when describing the City. He would have agreed with you completely but he did love to talk about rubbing elbows with the wealthy & famous while always wearing his Brooks Brother’s finest (complete with a hat), & a “knowing smile”- but that was in his youth, some 45 years ago. Thank you for the memories.
Wishing you all the best in your NYC run!
You are a real pleasure to read. I think you might have just implanted my mind with memories of a New York that I never visited. :)
Wish we knew each other then have a great run! Love reading you here