Breakfast In America
My first visit to the New World.10 total reviews
Comment from J.Collishaw
I just want to say a friendly hello because your story warmed my heart! I am a native New Yorker, I live in the suburbs north west of the city, on the west bank of the Hudson River in a town called Nyack (naei-ack). What you did was allow me to see my home through the wonder of a tourists eyes. I laughed countless times, from your description of the summer heat when you first walk outside (shocking, isn't it?), to the fireflies (I used to be one of those laughing kids! Oh, how I love the fireflies), the cardinals (you should see them on an ever-green tree covered in snow in the winter, look a picture up online), the drive through the woods, pools and barbecues, being a tourist in New York City, and mingling with the locals (I wish you mentioned the name of that beach bar - I want to go!). For a few minutes you gave me a chance to not take it all for granted. I loved your story, it does justice to a home I love so very much. If you ever come back, you should see Nyack, you'll find a town that a lot of Europeans love for its quaint "old world charm" (meaning that it's reminiscent of Europe). I hope you come again for holiday sometime, I'm so glad that we were good hosts!
Be well and good luck with the contest!
reply by the author on 10-Mar-2013
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I just want to say a friendly hello because your story warmed my heart! I am a native New Yorker, I live in the suburbs north west of the city, on the west bank of the Hudson River in a town called Nyack (naei-ack). What you did was allow me to see my home through the wonder of a tourists eyes. I laughed countless times, from your description of the summer heat when you first walk outside (shocking, isn't it?), to the fireflies (I used to be one of those laughing kids! Oh, how I love the fireflies), the cardinals (you should see them on an ever-green tree covered in snow in the winter, look a picture up online), the drive through the woods, pools and barbecues, being a tourist in New York City, and mingling with the locals (I wish you mentioned the name of that beach bar - I want to go!). For a few minutes you gave me a chance to not take it all for granted. I loved your story, it does justice to a home I love so very much. If you ever come back, you should see Nyack, you'll find a town that a lot of Europeans love for its quaint "old world charm" (meaning that it's reminiscent of Europe). I hope you come again for holiday sometime, I'm so glad that we were good hosts!
Be well and good luck with the contest!
Comment Written 09-Mar-2013
reply by the author on 10-Mar-2013
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Thanks for reading and reviewing. I think the bar in Brooklyn was called The Surf Bar. It was in Williamsburg but I can't remember the street name or number. I had such a great time on that trip I thought that I'd share it. I'm glad you liked the story. Thanks for the kind review.
Comment from Bill Schott
Reading your story makes me happy that people enjoy visiting America. We are so hard on ourselves here, blaming ourselves for the world's problems and sometimes forgetting that there is no place on earth like it (Well, perhaps Scotland).
reply by the author on 09-Mar-2013
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Reading your story makes me happy that people enjoy visiting America. We are so hard on ourselves here, blaming ourselves for the world's problems and sometimes forgetting that there is no place on earth like it (Well, perhaps Scotland).
Comment Written 09-Mar-2013
reply by the author on 09-Mar-2013
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Thank you very much for your kind review. I had a blast there and was lucky enough to go back five months later. That time I celebrated New Year in a little Irish bar in Queens with my family and went skiing in Pennsylvania. Great times and happy memories. I can't wait to go back. Thanks for spending time reading and reviewing.
Comment from hifein
i must say up front that i am a life long new yorker so you have a tough reviewer here. i am glad that you enjoyed your time here, but other than the pizza which you showed great enthusiasm for, you don't express strong emotion through your words. perhaps it's the scot in you :-) it seemed to me that the things you enjoyed most were the simple country things that are not unique to the us. you didn't talk about the diversity of people here or any interesting experiences you had and could not remember the name of the huge bridge you traveled over -- was it the george washington or the brooklyn or another. going from manhattan to connecticut you don't cross any bridges other than small ones that i know of. I might have continued looking for the places you saw in those movies you mentioned up front. also, you didn't seem to like 'the most exciting city' at least in this country and seemed anxious to leave it. For what you describe as 'the best place you have ever visited', from my perspective, it didn't seem too exciting from the way you described it. i think this piece could definitely be improved upon from a literary perspective. be more specific and use more interesting language. sorry to be such a hard critic.
reply by the author on 09-Mar-2013
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i must say up front that i am a life long new yorker so you have a tough reviewer here. i am glad that you enjoyed your time here, but other than the pizza which you showed great enthusiasm for, you don't express strong emotion through your words. perhaps it's the scot in you :-) it seemed to me that the things you enjoyed most were the simple country things that are not unique to the us. you didn't talk about the diversity of people here or any interesting experiences you had and could not remember the name of the huge bridge you traveled over -- was it the george washington or the brooklyn or another. going from manhattan to connecticut you don't cross any bridges other than small ones that i know of. I might have continued looking for the places you saw in those movies you mentioned up front. also, you didn't seem to like 'the most exciting city' at least in this country and seemed anxious to leave it. For what you describe as 'the best place you have ever visited', from my perspective, it didn't seem too exciting from the way you described it. i think this piece could definitely be improved upon from a literary perspective. be more specific and use more interesting language. sorry to be such a hard critic.
Comment Written 09-Mar-2013
reply by the author on 09-Mar-2013
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Thanks for reading and reviewing. The critical ness doesn't bother me as you will obviously know a great deal more about NY than me. It was my first time and I really enjoyed it. It was a big thing for me to go. My girlfriend and I were just getting serious at that time so I spent most of my time with the family rather than mixing with the locals. We mostly hung around Maspeth Queens and I got to know a few of the locals. Just being there with such a great family was a great experience. I can't remember what bridge we went over other than it went from Queens to the Bronx on the way to Stamford. It wasn't as big as the Brooklyn or GW but it was still huge to me. I'm hoping to come over again in a couple of months and I'll have a list of more places to see. Thanks for reading and for the review.
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glad you're a good sport. do come back and enjoy all we have to offer. my best to you. hi
Comment from elliejean
I love the story. I love New York City. It has a reputation. But I think most of it is because it is such a big city.The city proved its self during 911. I saw so many people working together. I am a country girl so the tall buildings truly amaze me. Great work.
reply by the author on 09-Mar-2013
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I love the story. I love New York City. It has a reputation. But I think most of it is because it is such a big city.The city proved its self during 911. I saw so many people working together. I am a country girl so the tall buildings truly amaze me. Great work.
Comment Written 09-Mar-2013
reply by the author on 09-Mar-2013
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Thanks for reading and reviewing. I had a blast in America and can't wait to go again.
Comment from Bina1
A very interesting read, it is nice to get the view of a non-American! We thank you for all the positive findings! Good luck in the contest, a fine entry.
reply by the author on 09-Mar-2013
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A very interesting read, it is nice to get the view of a non-American! We thank you for all the positive findings! Good luck in the contest, a fine entry.
Comment Written 09-Mar-2013
reply by the author on 09-Mar-2013
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Thanks for reading and reviewing. Your comments are much appreciated
Comment from Judy Couch
I read your account of a trip to America with great interest. I'm glad you enjoyed it. Personally, New York City would not be my idea of a fun vacation. I hate the big cities. I love going out west where there are miles of open countryside. Your story is written well enough to hold the attention of the reader and to make the reader think.
reply by the author on 09-Mar-2013
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I read your account of a trip to America with great interest. I'm glad you enjoyed it. Personally, New York City would not be my idea of a fun vacation. I hate the big cities. I love going out west where there are miles of open countryside. Your story is written well enough to hold the attention of the reader and to make the reader think.
Comment Written 09-Mar-2013
reply by the author on 09-Mar-2013
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Thanks for reading and reviewing. I'm glad you liked it. Many thanks.
Comment from Cariboubill
What a pleasure to see America through the eyes of a visitor. On the other hand, I like the idea of Scotland, so we are even on that score. You wrote this very well, with a positive outlook on our country. That was refreshing after all the complaints we get. Thank you!
...Bill
reply by the author on 09-Mar-2013
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What a pleasure to see America through the eyes of a visitor. On the other hand, I like the idea of Scotland, so we are even on that score. You wrote this very well, with a positive outlook on our country. That was refreshing after all the complaints we get. Thank you!
...Bill
Comment Written 09-Mar-2013
reply by the author on 09-Mar-2013
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Thank you very much for reading and reviewing. I am very humbled by your comments. I never expected this would get anywhere near six stars so thank you very much. I'n looking forward to my next visit which will hopefully be in a couple of months. Thanks for reading.
Comment from marijmd
That was a sweet story. I liked the part about being welcome by the family is what made your trip so wonderful. AND of course NY does have THE BEST pizza in the world. (Sorry Italy)
reply by the author on 09-Mar-2013
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That was a sweet story. I liked the part about being welcome by the family is what made your trip so wonderful. AND of course NY does have THE BEST pizza in the world. (Sorry Italy)
Comment Written 09-Mar-2013
reply by the author on 09-Mar-2013
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Thanks for reading and reviewing. It was a great trip. I'm glad you liked it.
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Thanks for reading and reviewing. It was a great trip. I'm glad you liked it.
Comment from Carolyn 'Deaton' Stephens
I have to award six stars for this story. First of all, it is well written and very interesting to read. It had a great visual beginning, I could just see your excitement and the packing frenzy. Your story was progressive and included detail which meant a lot to you. I valued your enjoyment of the family unit and the time you spent with them. I valued them and your friend, Mia, as they all welcomed you with open arms. And I value that you love America, my home. You are so welcome anytime. Best to you always, Carolyn from Missouri, USA
reply by the author on 09-Mar-2013
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I have to award six stars for this story. First of all, it is well written and very interesting to read. It had a great visual beginning, I could just see your excitement and the packing frenzy. Your story was progressive and included detail which meant a lot to you. I valued your enjoyment of the family unit and the time you spent with them. I valued them and your friend, Mia, as they all welcomed you with open arms. And I value that you love America, my home. You are so welcome anytime. Best to you always, Carolyn from Missouri, USA
Comment Written 09-Mar-2013
reply by the author on 09-Mar-2013
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Thanks for reading and giving me such a great review. The six stars are unexpected but very welcome. I'm glad you liked it. Thank you.
Comment from Jerry Rauhuff
Great story with good movies mentioned, i loved Godfather and Donnie Brasco. Rose up in the middle with good plot and ended the right way. I say well done.
reply by the author on 08-Mar-2013
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Great story with good movies mentioned, i loved Godfather and Donnie Brasco. Rose up in the middle with good plot and ended the right way. I say well done.
Comment Written 08-Mar-2013
reply by the author on 08-Mar-2013
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Thanks for reading and reviewing. Its not the most exciting piece I have ever written but I loved that trip. Thanks.
