Questions about a US Trip

[DinoDoc]

I said best not crapiest.

[lord of the mark]

Originally posted by DinoDoc
He's missing the best parts of the country probably the cheapest parts as well.

not many youth hostels in the South, but lots of cheap and decent motels. Kind of makes renting a car imperative. Doesnt sound like the trip Eli has in mind.

[Jon Miller]

Northwest rocks, but I can see doing Northeast first.

JM

[lord of the mark]

Autumn in New York


[ella]
Autumn in new york
Why does it seem so inviting
Autumn in new york
It spells the thrill of first-nighting

Glittering crowds and shimmering clouds
In canyons of steel
They’re making me feel - I’m home

It’s autumn in new york
That brings the promise of new love
Autumn in new york
Is often mingled with pain

Dreamers with empty hands
They sigh for exotic lands

It’s autumn in new york
It’s good to live it again

[louis]
Autumn in new york
The gleaming rooftops at sundown
Oh, autumn in new york
It lifts you up when you run down

Yes, jaded rou‚s and gay divorc‚es
Who lunch at the ritz
Will tell you that it’s divine

This autumn in new york
Transforms the slums into mayfair
Oh, autumn in new york
You’ll need no castles in spain

Yes, lovers that bless the dark
On the benches in central park
Greet autumn in new york
It’s good to live it again

[trumpet solo]

[ella]
Autumn in new york
That brings the promise of new love
Autumn in new york
Is often mingled with pain

Dreamers with empty hands
They sigh for exotic lands

It’s autumn in new york
It’s good to live it again

[LordShiva]

Originally posted by DinoDoc

So looking on DC and everything to the north of it

Originally posted by Eli
My first requirement is civilization.

[DinoDoc]

@ LS: Why did he mention DC then?

[Patroklos]

Ok, you say the focus is on cities. Are you thinking Boston-NY-Philly-D.C.

If he wants to see the real north then he should do Baltimore/Pittsburg/Newark/Providence

[Eli]

Ozzy:

Originally posted by OzzyKP
You definitely have time.

I think I'll be okay with planning. I do foresee a huge problem with getting a visa fast enough.

As for prices... if you want to go ultra cheap I can give you tips. But I assume you don't want to rough it, so anything beyond the bare minimum in prices I"m not the one to ask.

How do you define ultra-cheap? Dumpster diving?

So what's the consensus on the weather? Cold isn't critical as long as life and traffic move on and there are stuff to do. Frankly, the last time I saw snow was when I was 6 and I don't remember anything, so I wouldn't mind seeing some, within the limits of reason.

LOTM:
I think there are some friends of relatives at whose place I can stay a day or two, but it's something I prefer to consider as a potential boon, not as part of the plan.

Arrian:
The NY Subway prices look great! 24$ for an unlimited 7 day pass is amazingly cheap.

Ok, you say the focus is on cities. Are you thinking Boston-NY-Philly-D.C. ?

Yeah, and their vicinities. I think I'll focus on NY and DC. I might do Toronto if it's not too expensive and/or too much hassle.

DinoDoc:

He's missing the best parts of the country probably the cheapest parts as well.

I'm looking for the most stuff to do in the smallest geographical area. The south is a bit of a problem in that regard.

LOTM again:

Kind of makes renting a car imperative. Doesnt sound like the trip Eli has in mind.

Yeah. No car renting unless it's for something special.

[VetLegion]

You are going alone? Why not add low crime rates as a requirement then

[LordShiva]

He knows krav maga.

[Patroklos]

You are going alone? Why not add low crime rates as a requirement then

I think we have some of those in Minnesota, maybe

[lord of the mark]

So what's the consensus on the weather? Cold isn't critical as long as life and traffic move on and there are stuff to do. Frankly, the last time I saw snow was when I was 6 and I don't remember anything, so I wouldn't mind seeing some, within the limits of reason.

As long as youre not driving, the weather shouldnt be an issue at all. NYC doesnt close cause of snow. DC is more likely to, and thats cause folks here are silly, and cause the city is more auto dependent than NYC. I really wouldnt worry about it even if you came in Jan or Feb. November you are unlikely to see any snow (if youre not going north of NYC). You should bring a sweater and warm jacket, or be prepared to buy one here (NYC has fun places to buy cheap clothes - DC does not, unless youre eager to see a North American shopping mall, and then it wont be cheap).

[lord of the mark]

Yeah, and their vicinities. I think I'll focus on NY and DC. I might do Toronto if it's not too expensive and/or too much hassle.

Im not sure theres anything in the NYC vicinity outside the 5 boroughs that would be a priority, unless youre planning on going to Great Neck and impressing the young women with your accent and your Tzahal uniform


DC you might want to see Mount Vernon (accessible via tour boat from downtown DC) the Pentagon, old Town Alexandria, all accessible on the Metro.

[Eli]

Originally posted by VetLegion
You are going alone? Why not add low crime rates as a requirement then

I am going alone. At least as far as I know. This idea appeared 5 hours ago.

As for crime rate - millions of people live their lives there, I think I'll manage.

LOTM:

That's great about the weather. I've been worrying that a trip in the fall (and late fall) might be stupid.

[lord of the mark]

Originally posted by Eli


I am going alone. At least as far as I know. This idea appeared 5 hours ago.

As for crime rate - millions of people live their lives there, I think I'll manage.

LOTM:

That's great about the weather. I've been worrying that a trip in the fall (and late fall) might be stupid.

re crime: The NYC youth hostel apparently IS at 103rd and Amsterdam. Im not sure how that area is these days, you might ask GePap here. If you stay at a cheap motel on New York Avenue in DC youd have to be careful too. When you have the specifics, ask here.

Also, for the the youth hostel in NYC, you might want to book ahead. The earlier you can book, and the more planning you put in, the better your odds of a "find" in terms of lodging. I suspect more so in NY than in DC.