This may be my best memory yet. Background: The fireworks are a BIG deal here. All week, the buzz has been where to go for the best view, and how early to get there. We decided we're "only here once" on July 4th, and we should go over to NJ so we could see the fireworks burst over the water and against the background of NYC skyline. So we navigate a few trains and get over to the Jersey shore. IT WAS ALREADY CROWDED!! But then....we notice this great area - like a park (with it's own portajohns no less), and just a very few people over there. So we walk over, and the area is barricaded off. Turns out, it is an area set aside for RESIDENTS of Weehawken so that they have a great view without having to deal with the hordes that are coming in on the train! We talk to the 2 guard guys, and... no way can we get in. Then, Gary says "will $20 open the gate??" Man, those guys didn't bat an eyelash, it was like... how quick can we let these people in". But then the guard said "don't just give me the money, show me your ID!!" So we went thru that farce--showed ID and slipped a $20 They opened the barricade, ....and as we passed thru, the guy said "don't forget, you're from Weehawken!!)
We were right in front on a pier, totally unobstructed view.... In the shade with plenty of breathing space. Man, we are living right (with our neighbors)! Gary was mad that he offered $20 instead of $10. But in Manhatten people were paying $75 pp to have a lessor view than we had. The way I looked at it, we saw the fireworks and Gugenheim for a total of $22. Deal of the century.
These photos are view of midtown Manhattan from NJ shore.
Jim Burke would have been proud of us....only he would have offered PASTA COUPONS instead of dough!
