An Afternoon In Manhattan...

As I took my typical walk across midtown Manhattan this afternoon to go to my Exhale Exercise Class, my attention was drawn to the various flags flying at the Plaza Hotel. Hmmm, I thought, I did not realize that Eloise was staying at the Plaza these days. The brilliant Pink Flag with "Eloise" emblazened across it in large white script, was there gracefully fluttering next to the American Flag and others. As I continued my swift clip to the class on CPS, I began to wonder if Eloise was infact still happy with her accomodations?!? After an extensive structural renovation and the conversion of much of the storied hotel into condominiums, could the Plaza Hotel really be the same? My curiousity getting the best of me, I took out my mobile telephone and dailed the Plaza reception desk to speak with Eloise directly. After insisting that I KNEW she was in residence, the operator finally confessed that Eloise was indisposed at the moment. I left a message and hoped to have my questions answered.... Could she possibly be happy in a room without a park view? Was it even bearable to attempt tea in the Palm Court - once the nucleus of the hotel and the world beyond - now that it was so claustrophobically contained by unused hallways that once were abuzz with all of the comings and goings of grand hotel life? Even at a certain age - and Eloise cannot possibly still be a teenager any longer - the snail pace of the Palm Court would have to be jarring to her. Then I thought of the new hotel lobby on the 58th street corner that is at best, a shadow of it's former self. She must be absolutely in shock at her predicament! A girl of a certain age residing in the shell of something formerly glorious. One must give the old gal credit for her loyalty!

As I arrived at Exhale, I was jolted back into my present reality and off to an hour of Mind, Body, & Spirit (also known as physical torture for your health!)

After class I received a call; Hello young man, it's Eloise. Meet me in the lobby at 8:00 PM,
....but we'll have to take a car downtown for dinner!