Tourism and the generation gap

      With a friend,  Matty and I drove up the Hudson Valley Hyde Park and visited the several buildings dedicated to Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt. They included the large house where FDR was born, his presidential library, the hilltop house where he entertained world leaders and his girlfriend, and the house where Eleanor lived and worked. I have always found it fascinating that as two of the most privileged people on the planet he became the hero of the working man and she became a champion of civil rights. The folks taking the tours were all Matty's age-mates and if you're wondering where the younger tourists were I can tell you.They were hanging out two blocks from where we are staying in the West Village, at Grove and Bedford, taking pictures of the exterior of a six story apartment building which was the setting for the Friends tv show. Now, the fact that the show was filmed in LA and the actors probably never set foot near the place in no way diminishes the historical significance it holds for these young onlookers. Every time we pass there are four to ten milennials gawking and taking pictures.
    Matty went to the Whitney Art Museum today and discovered another draw for the younger tourist. A Brazilian artist was represented and had several popular installations. There was the snooker table free for use, the large sandpile with tents, parrots and clothes to try on. But most popular was the room with mattresses and pillows and music and videos. The younger folk checked their Instagram, Matty almost fell asleep.

    I am finding New York interesting and different. Matty went to a blues performance, then took me for a walk and even though it was well past midnight we could have bought flowers. Here is a typical New York conversation: Two bicyclists pass each other going opposite directions on the bike path. In their loudest voices one says, "You're going the wrong way". The other responds, "F___ You!"

Easily the most important exhibit at Hyde Park