Uptown Manhattan & Flushing, NY

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This morning I went to Shabbat morning services with Avi. We went to the Ahavas Israel Synagogue, an orthodox shul. Avi made the 9th for the minyan, plus 5 women... We got there just as they were beginning to read from the Torah. The synagogue was built in 1904... Anchorage became a city in 1915. The inside was beautiful! I sat up with two other women in the upstairs though I could have sat downstairs also. From the upstairs I had a great view of the marvelous stained glass windows and the myriads of Stars of David painted on the walls. The seats felt old and looked old. The other people I met were very nice and welcoming... they did ask about our politics in Alaska, I get asked that a lot. I did not stay for the service to finish as I was meeting Aunt Joan in the city.

Got downtown, no uptown... once when I was on a visit to NY I told my Uncle I wanted to go downtown to walk around. He set me straight about where I was going and it was not and would not be downtown! So uptown to 34th and 5th Avenue. I did not realize I was right outside the Empire State Building, did not go up, that is for another time. I think the last time I was up there was with Aunt Joan and Uncle Jerry. Again the weather has been lovely, not too hot, not too humid, not like it has been on past visits. We wandered around looking at the stores and the people all over. One of the biggest things that always strikes me in NY is the lack of a view of the horizon. One has to go up very high to see the edge of the city, unless by the water and then there is the horizon.

After wandering a bit we headed to Flushing. Flushing is a multi-cultural feast. From the signs in different languages to the different modes of dress and the languages one can hear just standing on the corner. Lunch at the Palace Diner, yes, hot pastrami again. Looked like rain but has not started yet. At least if it rains the road will already have been wet for the movie folks filming again tonight!

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Comments

[Dallas]

Fascinating
I'll be asking many questions when you return. What exactly is the difference between uptown and downtown? What is Sephora? . . .

[Mem]

uptown downtown ephora
Uptown nicer part of town Downtown not the nicer part of town Sephora a fancy shmancy make up and beauty store