For 2 of the past 2 ½ years I have worked in NY and lived in or near one of the 5 boroughs. I have lived in Rockland County, Brooklyn, Long Island, and soon back to Brooklyn. I have driven over almost every bridge to Manhattan from the Tappan Zee to the North to The Verrazano to the South; driven up and down both sides of Manhattan, the BQE, the LIE, and everything in between. The Metro North, the LIRR, and the NY subway systems are good friends. I have almost become a New Yorker. The head Teamster at one of my jobs in Brooklyn called me “Brooklyn Danny”. Who am I to dispute one of “dos guyz” ?

What have I learned being Brooklyn Danny?

Driving!! Driving across Brooklyn every day for months has helped me develop high speed reactions – not for my driving skills but my quick response hand gestures.

Language skills have also developed rapidly as I have driven across Brooklyn. Driving Atlantic Avenue a couple hours every day is like having a free Rosetta Stone course for vulgarities. Hand gestures and language skills are useful when constantly driving over pot holes the size of Volkswagens.

Parking!! Actually there is NO parking in Brooklyn. It is an urban legend that there are spaces for parking. People will drive around for nearly an hour to find a spot. Parallel parking is a cross between demolition derby and ballet. IF you finally find a spot and try to park, there is literally less than a foot on either end to fit in. It is an admirable skill one develops.

Finding an apt in Brooklyn Heights where I stay turned into an amazing good fortune. Considering I had no idea of the neighborhood when I began the apartment search, it turned out to be unbelievably special. Just a short few minute walk to the end of my little street (Pineapple) is the most breathtaking view. The Brooklyn Promenade is here where you can see Governors Island, the Statue of Liberty, lower Manhattan, the World Trade Center, Brooklyn Bridge, and Empire State building without ever moving. Every citizen should see this vista.

What do we love the most about living in Brooklyn?? We live less than a 15 minute walk to the 2 most adorable granddaughters ever, and a 15 minute straphanger ride to see the little man, the cutest grandson ever. They make the best part of being Brooklyn Danny.

So if you want to come visit, we can see the most beautiful sight in New York. But if you want me to drive you anywhere, Fuhgeddaboudit!!