Laundry - New York Style

One of the best things about New York City is the laundry. Being that most rentals don't come with in-home laundry, I have gotten used to cherishing every quarter that comes my way. And unlike the places I have rented in California, most rentals in NYC don't have on-site laundry facilities - which is why there are laundromats every three blocks.

Laundry, New York style.

There were a few times in San Diego when I would just go to the laundromat and do a huge laundry session. That means I have to stay at the laundromat for however many hours making sure my clothes didn't get stolen. Although, where I lived in SD even this rule was lax, and I had no problem grabbing a burrito while I waited.. mmm burrito... But in NYC nobody leaves their clothes unattended, because they will surely get jacked. On the weekends, though, who wants to be sitting around in a muggy laundromat waiting for the washer and dryer.. NOT ME, that's for sure, especially since there is so much to see and do in this city. So what do the lovely people of New York have to offer to people like me? That's right, laundry service.

I go to my local laundromat with my bag of clothes, put it on a scale, and pay by the pound. Of course it is a bit more expensive to do laundry this way, but it's totally worth it. I come home in the evening to warm, perfectly folded, good smelling, clean clothes! Amazing!

It is best to always have 10 lbs. or more because even if you only have 5 lbs. you will still get charged for 10 lbs. (hey they still need to pay the water and electricity bills, and it costs the same for them to run a machine regardless if you give them 5 lbs. or 10 lbs.).

My only question: why don't we have this in California?!?

Slackline in Harlem NYC

Russell and I discovered this sweet little slackline place overlooking the Hudson River - and only a block away from our house! Not the best slackline session of all time, but still damn fun! I still need to put up video of us slacklining at Niagara Falls - but first - enjoy Harlem Slackline:

Goodbye Bronx. Hello Harlem!

West Harlem Piers Park

On Tuesday I moved from The Bronx into the Morningside/Hamilton Heights area of Harlem. People who don't live in New York often say, "Um, isn't that area dangerous?" while people who live here say, "Oh, that's a really nice area." Although Harlem is predominately a black neighborhood it is still very safe. There are kids playing on the streets and people come out once the sun goes down to sit and chat on the sidewalks.

Our new place is really great. It is a one bedroom with a living room, kitchen, and bathroom, on the top (3rd) floor of a brownstone walkup. Right now brownstones are very popular so I am excited that I get to live in one for the next two months. The place is furnished very nicely with all the things that have been brought back from the subletter's travels and the couple's book collection is large and very interesting!

Harlem Home

Our new place is also one block away from Wast Harlem Piers Park - a lovely park overlooking the Hudson River - where Russell and I walk to every day for sunset. There is a path that runs along the Hudson that you can take all the way to the southern tip of Manhattan. This is also the park I walk through to get to work - yes, now I am close enough to walk to work (an easy 1.5 mile walk each way).

Like my Bronx home the subway is only about two blocks away (now I am near the 1 train, rather than the 4 & D). Unfortunately the new stop is not an express train (Bronx had two express trains that stopped by my house). No matter, it is still very convenient and if I need to get somewhere that is far off I can always transfer to an express.

Also, although I am yet to see a delicious place for pizza by the slice, there is a great Italian place down the street as well as a GIANT natural food store called Fairway Market (with free olive samples!).

My new home in Harlem is certainly growing on me!