Big decision

Big decision - Trip to NYC

My husband and I made a small trip to NYC for 3 nights from March 24 to March 27. This trip schedule had been planned before this big disaster occured in the East Japan on March 11. We wanted to meet the very important lady, a senior vice president of MLB who had given a big support to our son when he was involved in WBC as a liaison officer. He did it for his internship, necessary subject to get MBA from SDSU. We wanted to show our appreciation and thanks to her. Then this big historical disaster made us hesitate to move on.

 However we couldn't miss this big chance taking opportunity of spring recess for my husband. Also we needed to feel and see the present mega-culture in NYC. It was our first time to be there in 15 years. The ground zero was very much activated. We stepped into the preview sight musium which impressed us very much. The memorial sight is now under construction and we felt a big power and energy there. Lots of people are working hard to establish a memorial sight to remember that big human disaster occured in September 11, 2001.

 We took subway this time wherever we went and walked a lot. The NYC subway system which is the longest in the world in terms of the length is easy and simple to understand. US$2.50 ticket makes us go to anyplace. Subway fare is just US$ 2.50 only. One ride costs US$ 2.50. Besides trains and stations are much cleaner and we feel safe and comfortable, very different from those we used to live back in 1993-5 and 1977-79. Very practical, effective, reliable and cheap. I would like to recommend to use the subway when our destination is clear. We went to Lincoln center twice this time for the opera Tosca and Romeo et Juliette. Everything is the same as used to be.

The Metropolitan opera world is everlasting there and the people are proud of it. Maybe the quality of the audience has been changed. More young people join the others, kind of classical and presitigeous. It is amazing to see them in full seats. A small portion of the audience is dressed up to enjoy opera as used to be. We were able to feel the sophisticated and intelligent culture.

Another amazing fact is the ticket reservation system. We reserved on internet before our departure from Nikko. We only brought the printed-out paper to the ticket gate where a staff checked with a barcode sencer machine. That's it! We walked around the broadway to find out gorgeous neonsigns and prosperous atmosphere with so many musical theatres. We chose "Memphis" before hand in Japan which was a good choice. We were very much impressed and the powerful performance just overwelmed us. Very enjoyable.

 Some people who noticed us Japanese showed their deep sorrow about the Tsunami and Fukushima nuclear power station's big disasters. Top news on TV focused on Lybia and Fukushima. Whole world is now watching Japan with big worry. I now feel like the world is unifying into the one. We hope the serious problem happening from nuclear station will be solved as quickly as possible. A big worry is now going on not only in Fukushima, its neighbors, nationwide but also international community. This is the worst case we have ever experienced ; the both natural and human disasters have strongly attacked the people in all over the world.