New York, New York! It’s so nice you have to say it twice! I love NY! I’ve been traveling to, through, and throughout over the past 2 decades. What was once an intimidating city has become a second home for me.
I picked up a Blue Guide New York for my most recent trip, because I was looking for new places to go. I felt like I’ve exhausted all my “Greatest Hits”. After reading the guide cover to cover, I found out how much I had missed over the past two decades. Everything was hiding in plain sight and I had no idea it was.
After reading the Blue Guide, I was looking for validation. I found it in the form of the New York City Sightseeing Guide Examination. It’s a long form, multiple choice exam of 150 questions. You must answer a minimum of 97 questions correctly to pass. There’s an application ($50 fee), passport photos ($10 fee), exam ($50 fee). Throw in an $8 convenience fee and I’m out $120; but, can you put a price tag on the prestige and admiration that comes with this coveted license?
I scored a 118 on the exam. 21 questions above the minimum of 97 required of passing and 2 short of having an asterisk next to my name. I’m content with the results, but I wish I went back and checked my answers. Out of all the tidbits I learned about NYC, there is one that stands out. McSorley’s tavern did not allow women to enter its premises until the 1970s. That explains why the women’s bathroom was put in a broom closet.
If you’re looking for a tour guide, give me a try. If you’re looking for a few places to visit on your next trip to NYC, follow this link to my Google map from my last sojourn in the greatest city in the world.
