This is the final installment in a series about the trip that I took to New York City last weekend. After a great day of sightseeing on Sunday, I had the distinct pleasure of attending the gala inauguration for Pedro Mandoki, the incoming Chairman of the American Hotel and Lodging Association. My associates and I tried to get in one of the quintessential New York Experiences, drinks in the Oak Room at the magnificent My friend Pedro is the CEO of Plantation Management, which owns the beautiful Gulf Shores Plantation on the Fort Morgan peninsula. He is the first Alabamian to serve in this important position in the hospitality industry. When Pedro greeted me at the door to the ballroom at the Plaza, I asked him about how much damage the sprawling complex had suffered. He said, “Bill, I am embarrassed and grateful to say that it was minor.” Pedro was introduced by Herb Malone of the Gulf Coast Convention Bureau and a Gulf Shores songwriter entertained following the new chairman’s remarkable speech. After working on Tuesday, we met clients for an amazing evening of Indian Cuisine in a fine restaurant on 43rd street.
Tuesday was my fun day. My associate Kenneth Stovall and I took a taxi up to Viand’s, which is the stereotypical New York City coffeehouse on the upper east side. I had a day of sightseeing planned, while Kenny was heading back to Washington. I spent two hours in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which doesn’t do it justice, then walked all the way across Central Park. It was down Fifth Avenue then, where I visited the Cathedral of St. Patrick during the 12:30 mass. What a magnificent place. Then for a little window shopping, a walk around Rockefeller Plaza and a visit to the immense and gorgeous New York Public Library. The reading rooms were massive!
I ended with a delicious lunch at a Tapas restaurant somewhere around 46th Street and Sixth Avenue. It was then on to Penn Station for the 4 p.m. Amtrak Acela train to Baltimore. With a huge suitcase and packed computer bag, I soon learned the true value of a redcap. My wonderful weekend was over.
Tuesday was my fun day. My associate Kenneth Stovall and I took a taxi up to Viand’s, which is the stereotypical New York City coffeehouse on the upper east side. I had a day of sightseeing planned, while Kenny was heading back to Washington. I spent two hours in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which doesn’t do it justice, then walked all the way across Central Park. It was down Fifth Avenue then, where I visited the Cathedral of St. Patrick during the 12:30 mass. What a magnificent place. Then for a little window shopping, a walk around Rockefeller Plaza and a visit to the immense and gorgeous New York Public Library. The reading rooms were massive!
I ended with a delicious lunch at a Tapas restaurant somewhere around 46th Street and Sixth Avenue. It was then on to Penn Station for the 4 p.m. Amtrak Acela train to Baltimore. With a huge suitcase and packed computer bag, I soon learned the true value of a redcap. My wonderful weekend was over.