Weekend, November 24-26, 2023 – AN AFTERNOON IN THE KIOSK WITH OUR VISITORS
FROM THE ARCHIVES
WEEKEND, NOVEMBER 24-26, 2023
AN AFTERNOON
IN THE KIOSK
ISSUE #1132
JUDITH BERDY
SHOP THE KIOSK FOR YOUR HOLIDAY GIFTS THIS WEEKEND!!!
KIOSK OPEN 12 NOON TO 5 PM DAILY EXCEPT TUESDAY
WE WILL HAVE OUR MERCHANDISE AVAILABLE AT THIS SALE ON DECEMBER 2 AT THE SEIOR CENTER, 546 MAIN STREET.
Recently I have heard a tirade of complaints about tourists, mostly unfounded. There have been some challenging times at the tram but the wonderful, interesting and curious people whom I meet make our island better. Our guests support our businesses and restaurants. The island’s magic, which probably attracted you to live here probably started with a tram ride to the Island.
Today I decided to work in the kiosk. Having no plans until dinner, I decided to work while everyone else was enjoying the day off.
Just as I opened, neighbors from Rivercross stopped by to purchase a tapestry throw. A rush of business always occurs before I am set-up, but it was a good omen.
A couple from Amsterdam and I conversed on favorite TV shows. They love our American detective and action ones while we had laughs over old episodes of Benny Hill and Faulty Towers. (They never watch Van der Valk)
Today was a great day for South American visitors: Brazil, Colombia, Peru and Ecuador. My Spanish made everyone sigh with relief that they would be able to converse (not that well ) with me.
Many of our visitors had been to the parade and the usual response was that this was a one-time experience and it is better on TV, as per two sisters age 6and 9.
A woman from Serbia enjoying a week on her own in the city, just wandering thru neighborhoods to discover our city. After trying to get into the Museum of Natural History she decided it was not the day to be near Central Park. I assured her that tomorrow we will be back to our normal chaos.
A Mexican family and I had a great time discussing sloths and interpreting our conversation while they shopped and “adopted” a sloth to take home. Seems sloths are not well known outside Costa Rica and Panama.
So many of our visitors are living in New York temporarily for their jobs and are thrilled to be here. They take every opportunity to explore the sites.
One gentleman had a great job, testing all the high tech on European sports cars. Showed us a photo of the salesroom with a $250,000 one ready for purchase.
A young woman from the Middle East was soon to leave the island where she has been for a few years with a job in finance. She is single and regrets having to return to a different culture. Tears were flowing when she thought of leaving New York. We do not realize what opportunities we offer to all who come from restrictive cultures. I invited her to visit as often as she liked before leaving our island.
Just as I was locking up, a women came into the kiosk asking about the Smallpox Hospital. Being almost 5 p.m. and too late to see the building, I asked of her interest in the hospital. She is a research microbiologist who studies epidemics and medical history. She purchased one of our books and I told her to contact use for more information on the island history.
Time to close up and off to dinner at Granny Annies.
A fun afternoon and as always, you do not know who walks in the door.
WEEKEND PHOTO
MAY THE HOSTAGES AND PRISONERS
BE RETURNED TO THEIR FAMILIES
DURING THIS WEEK
THURSDAY PHOTO OF THE DAY
The Saks Fifth Avenue holiday display opposite Rockefeller Center.
Hara Reiser and Nina Lublin got it right.
PICTURE OF THE DAY
THE ROOSEVELT ISLAND HISTORY BOOK
THE BEST GIFT FOR A NEWCOMER
OR YOUR FAVORITE RELATIVE.
OUR CLASSIC ROOSEVELT ISLAND BOOK, THE ESSENTIAL GIFT $25-
CREDITS
JUDITH BERDY
MAYA LEVANON-PHOTOS TIK TOK & INSTAGRAM
All image are copyrighted (c) Roosevelt Island Historical Society unless otherwise indicated
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THIS PUBLICATION FUNDED BY DISCRETIONARY FUNDS FROM CITY COUNCIL MEMBER JULIE MENIN & ROOSEVELT ISLAND OPERATING CORPORATION PUBLIC PURPOSE FUNDS.
Copyright © 2022 Roosevelt Island Historical Society, All rights reserved.Our mailing address is:
rooseveltislandhistory@gmail.com
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