Off the cruise ship in the morning and taxi to the hotel to drop my bag and walk around until I can check in. The weather is much cooler and pleasant than it was when this adventure first started on July 1. This one-night stay is specifically to meet up with Lesley and Mike for dinner.

My hotel room is ready around 2 PM with a lovely view of Brooklyn and the river.

I walked to Lesley and Mike’s home to see what has changed in the neighborhood since the last time. Crossing near Borough Hall, a lot of hustlers trying to get me to stop for whatever it is they think they can sell. Sorry guys, I’m from Chicago and we don’t fall for your BS. Clinton St. and then over to Henry St. both are busy with people out walking to somewhere. What is apparent to me is that no one is old in this city. It is rare to see anyone over the age of maybe 50? There are a few new buildings on Henry but for the most part it is still lined with brownstone homes. Mike tells me one of them near their condo is on the market for $14 million. Insane!

We enjoy dinner at Confidant, a new restaurant on Atlantic Avenue. Interesting, flavorful dishes and each one is uniquely prepared. The prawn pot pie was delicious.

After dinner, they take me to a small bar named Elsa for a nightcap.

It was a fun evening and nice to catchup in person. Goodnight and goodbye, New York!