AUTHOR: SalsaCrazy TITLE: August in New York, Salsa - Salsa, and Salsa - Part 2 DATE: Wednesday, September 07, 2005 ----- BODY:

New York, New York, what a Wonderful Town!

Ok, so I've gone a little New York crazy. The weather has really been great this past week, with cool breezes, fair days, and temperate nights. Great to wander around the active streets, sipping iced coffee. J I did my usual routine, but on Sunday night – got treated to the most awesome of “socials”, Jimmy Antons.

Jimmy Anton throws what is, inarguably, the best “social” salsa dance in NY. There were hundreds of people there, a live band, and endless dancing. I recognized many people from San Francisco, some past students even. The amazing Cobo brothers were in attendance (I really like the smoothness of the way these guys dance), and women outnumbered men by a small margin (never a bad thing). I had a great time dancing the night away, and getting a bite to eat afterwards – at a great thai restaurant, right off University and 13th (highly recommended for a light curry). This night alone would have been enough of a reason to come back to New York. The whole night was just that fun! There were even a few beginner’s on the floor there, which is a rarity in New York (where are all the beginner dancers?). It’s been hypothesized that since the dance level is high in New York, beginners don’t dare venture out until after a year or more of classes – but that can’t be it.

I wanted to take a class with Jimmy Anton, as I’ve heard many good things, but caught a little cold, and my desire to dance and learn has been waning a little as the trip gets longer. Now that it’s coming to an end, perhaps I’ll take a private lesson with someone (and perhaps I'll just sit around in the park, soaking up the sun).

I continued my stay at the Super8, but found an even better hotel, the La Quinta, which is even less expensive, while offering free breakfasts and wireless access. I’m becoming quite adept at saving money so I can squeeze every last day out of this adventure.

Now, even though I spoke of this earlier, I have to come back and talk about Bryant Park. This park, on 41st and 6th, is really great. It’s got all sorts of food and drink (and I’ve become addicted to the fantastic Root Beer floats they have - one a day), plus wireless access, plenty of seating, and endless people watching possibilities. The parks, scattered throughout New York, are really awesome. Union Square and NYU’s Washington Park, are also beautiful places to relax and soak in some afternoon sun (and they’re great places to write long, in-depth travel diaries). ;) It’s just a great time of year to be here.

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