“From Hudson to Manhattan: A 2‑Day Dive into NYC Life”

I boarded the Greyhound bus at Berri Station in downtown Montreal, early on a Thursday morning, embarking on my journey to New York. From the start, the driver’s extraordinary kindness made the ride not just comfortable, but genuinely enjoyable. When we finally reached Manhattan—in blazing heat and bumper-to-bumper traffic—everything seemed to move in slow motion. At 31st and 8th Avenue, a woman sharply cut into traffic to pick someone up. Instead of honking or reacting aggressively, our driver simply smiled and waved her through—recognizing, with calm patience, that her behavior may have stemmed from a self-centered impulse all too common today.

Arriving at my friend Nathalie’s apartment was a warm contrast. She greeted me with wine, cheese, and a wagging welcome from Willow, her spirited “princess” dog whose life belies her regal title. Later, Anthony dropped by after work. As usual, we laughed, reminisced, and shared a bottle of wine or more well into the evening.

The next day, we sampled delectable Swedish fare at a tiny local restaurant, then returned to one of our cherished favorites—Avra, the elegant Greek-Mediterranean gem on 48th Street (Midtown) where I celebrated my 60th birthday a decade ago. The menu of fresh seafood, the island-inspired décor, and the refined yet relaxed vibe make every visit memorable.

Our friend Louise joined us at the bar, and the appetizers appeared just as reliably perfect as always. Avra was my go-to spot back when I worked at the United Nations—it still stands as my favorite Greek restaurant in Manhattan. Our bond with Nathalie and Louise stretches across four decades, rooted in a circle we affectionately call The Life & Friendship. We’ve weathered many storms together, and in doing so, our connection has only grown stronger.