Captain Mike because the latest Flyertalker to be treated to the hosting duties of the FLyertalker my bestest buddy wanderlust proudly calls "the Cat-Bassador."

Before my quick trip report: Stayed o-night at the Essex House. A virtual FOUR PAWS UP Stay. Nice small room with a terrific view of Central Park. Only problem: The shower nozzle seemed old and I was afraid of breaking it.
Terrific service at front desk and by bell staff though. I love this hotel!

Capt. Mike (an AA Gold) Met me in the lobby of the Essex House. We had a day together so I let him do the itinerary (a rule is teh Catbassador lets the guest makes the suggestions and he leads them there

So we:

*Split a mega sized Corned beef and pastrami sandwich at Carnegie Deli, the favorite of Dgolds and Mweiss and other Flyertalkers. WARNING: CARNEGIE DELI DOES NOT TAKE ANY CREDIT CARDS! NADA! SO BRING CASH! I AM SHOCKED!!! The food is great though.

*Capt Mike did his first Subway ride in years. LIked it. Also the free ride on the bus -- broken fare box -- to Pier 84 and The Circle Line Ferry around Manhattan We went to pay and Mike asked if they honor the Triple A discount. They did and we were shocked that we got the $24 dollar Tixs each for HALF PRICE! Maybe it was the weather (Damp and rainy) or we got lucky!
>Great 3 hr cruise around Manhattan Island, esp if the weather is good. I didn't do it in about 10 years and it brought back great memories of doing it with my aunt. Capt Mike was amazed at everything: that's the great thing about playing CATBASSADOR you get to appreciate something you found ordinary through someone else's eyes.

*Capt Mikes loses his Krispy Kreame virginity (CAN I SAY THAT??? -- if not delete He enjoyed the original glazed, and I think KK has a new customer!

*Kalula and Coffee back at the Marquis room at the Marriott WTC -- a new treat for me. They had a light snack layout of beef egg rolls, cheeses, fruit, drinks and PEPSI!!! Nice little club at teh top floor of the WTC Marriott.

Thanks Capt Mike for letting me show you around my city, and I hope to see you back here and at FLyertalk get togethers soon!