What was Your First Big Vacation on Your Own (or w friends) and not...

[electric_blue68]

45. Very interesting stories of NYC, DC and The South in your family!.

Yes, I remember reading some of your DC experiences.
I remember Sen Javits, and Church.

I worked briefly for a small Madison Ave Ad agency as a paste up & mechanicals person.

I don't think I ever knew LaGuardia was a Republican! I'm old enough to have known of a few good Liberal Republicans back in the day: Mayor Lindsey, and (there's that odd 'name') Senator Charles (Goodell).

True, since you travel so much for work in the different surrounding countries you have to learn some! It does seem that you have a natural knack for languages from an early age.

I took Russian in Junior High, and did well. The specialized HS I was to attend didn't offer it.

Imagining that each US State had a common language, and a State language.
I'd have to learn "New Jerseyan" since I still have relatives there I visit.

Oh, I get that "dark time" stuff. I know from my on line Finnish friend that Heavy Metal is a thing in Finland. I said to him is it to help keep you awake during the dark time, and fend off scary feelings. He said yeah, something like that.

I hate the short days. Our Day Light Savings Time ends 2 days before The Election. So sun setting at 4:30 PM soonish. Bah!

My mom and her family spent a bunch of years living in Hell's Kitchen just west of 8th Ave in the mid-upper 40s. On the poor side, too.They were there when the Independent Subway line (A, D, B, C) was being cut into the ground, tracks laid, stations built up, etc.
And my mom hit a "two sewer" playing stickball!

Have a good day since it is morning for you, and very late here. 😄