Confessions of a taxi lover

A long time ago, someone said to me, "if you want to be rich, never take taxis." Well, he must have been right because I took taxis and I'm not rich. Fast forward to today where I bid farewell to the joys of outsmarting the other 4,000 people at the opera by walking 3 blocks up, taking the downtown taxi outside of Carnegie Hall and leaving for an appointment with 5 minutes to spare. I now relish the sport of cleverly designing my subway route and choosing among the #5, #104, or #7 buses outside Lincoln Center.

There are two secrets to using public transportation successfully: one is the MetroCard, discounted by 50% for seniors (65+) so you're only paying $1.25 on all subways and buses; the other is, always leave an hour. You may not need it, but plan for it and you won't get that panicky feeling of not getting there on time, but things being what they are in New York, you probably will need it.

To get your magic MetroCard, go to www.mta.info/nyct/fare/rfapply.htm and fill out your application, complete with photo and ID or go to a Senior Center. It will automatically refill and you will never have to make another decision about what kind of card to buy. Try www.hopstop.com/search to get the best routes.

Your magic card will take you on the aerial tramway to Roosevelt Island where you can see the really beautiful newish Four Freedoms Park celebrating FDR for Free and enjoy the architecture of Louis I. Kahn (somewhat belatedly as he designed it decades ago.) Non-New Yorkers have already discovered the magnificent views from the tramway but to my shame, it took me 40 years (was it fear?) and the suggestion of happily retired friends to go.

It will also take you to the lively Brooklyn waterfront with the best view ever of Lower

Manhattan, some really excellent ice cream  and some low cost BargeMusic by the Manhattan Symphonie www.manhattansymphonie.com.

Also to the Bronx Zoo-- Wednesday is Suggested Donation Day at the Bronx Zoo (Free or Almost Free,) but if you can, give a donation as the animals need it, and the New York Botannical Garden--grounds admission is Free to everyone all day on Wednesdays and from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday.