CK Link - Theatre of Dreams for Calvin

Interesting Facts about NYC (Episode 1)

After living in the Big Apple for about two and a half months, I realized something which is quite appealing, at least to me, as a Chinese and a Hongkonger:

1) One-way roads
- I was in the Americas region for the first time in 2001. In Guatemala City, there are a lot of UNO or one-way roads...I found it really kind of strange as even in HK, we have so narrow roads, but we still have two-way mostly. Then when I came to NYC, I found that it's the same here; except some cross-town streets and avenues, most of the Avenues (North/South) and Street (East-West) are one-way only.

2) Subway
- There're a lot of observations one can make with New York's subway system, MTA. Firstly, it is run 24/7, meaning 24 hours and 7 days. (except certain lines) Second, the concept of "express" and "local" is highly incorporated into the system. So there're altogether 4 tracks basically in each of the subway station. I had a colleague in NYC actually asked me why HK has onyl two tracks - he asked what happen if one broke? Well, that was a surprise to me. We do have subway malfunction but since we have overnight checks, so it rarely happens...The reason for NYC to have express and local trains? My wild guess will be since the subway trains are all north-south bounds, it will be much faster and convenient for one to get on an express to go from north up (like the Bronx) to say Chinatown in lower Manhattan. (footnote: even in the former World Trade Center, the express/local idea was implemented for the elevators)

3) Bagels, Pizzas and Diet Coke
- Food is always a nice thing to explore and think about a culture. Bagels are really big here for breakfast. In my company, we have weekly sales meeting that I usually sit in. Breakfast, primarily meaning all kinds of BAGELS, is provided. Italian restaurants here are overwhelming. Remember to grab a slice when you come to NYC! (Lonely Planet USA's advice: get one from a pizzeria with Italian-looking staff and near a subway station, they're the best and genuine ones)
For drinks, diet coke is all the time for ladies here, and some gentlemen like me who do not really like coke but when soft drinks turn out to be the choice)

4) Tippings!
- If you do not know the rule of tippings or simply like me, are not used to it, you will be in big trouble. Always keep in mind in restaurants, taxi cabs, bars - tip appropriately for the services! In restaurant, we normally tip for 15-20%. For cabs, good services can goto 20% or when you asked the drivers to wait for you or carry the lugguages for you.

5) Lady first
- Elevators, doors, entrances...remember to respect the ladies! I like it because it is a polite manner. On the other hand, it could be a good example/counter argument for people saying that we're in hurry and simply forget that. Business people in NYC also practice it all the time.


to be continued...

posted by CalvinCK @ 10:31 PM