Pen-Elayne on the Web

The Bronx and Staten Island II (This Time It's Personal)

As I mentioned yesterday, we decided to check out Staten Island today to see whether we'd like to relocate there. Very positive vibes so far, and I'll be trying to hook up with some realtors in the next week. It was cool taking Robin on the ferry - it was the first time he'd ever been on a boat in open water, and it was a good maiden voyage. The winds were choppy but most of the ferry is enclosed, and we got great views of Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty (both with their flags at half-mast). The one successful open house we attended was a place that was perfectly situated but way too small; however, we're only starting the process and we have high hopes for the borough in general. It feels sort of halfway between the other boroughs and New Jersey, which seems fitting. Lots of transit of both the public and private variety, and mostly very quiet, which tops our want list. A bit exhausting heading all the way down and back - the length of the "1" train is about an hour, add in the wait for the next ferry, a half hour to get across the water, whatever SI buses would take us to our varied destinations, etc. - but eminently navigable for the carless. And what a treat to come home to more quiet, and another helpful e-mail from SI resident Sarah Dyer (link at sidebar) cheering us on!