Tag: life

One More Stadium, Day #2. “A Visit to the Past, Plus Some Comedy”

by reissmd, posted in New York City

This entry most likely will be boring unless you are my sister.  Feel free to stop reading now.  How’s that for a enticing teaser?

We had tickets to a show Monday night and not much planned for the morning.  Patrice asked what I would like to do and I said, “Explore my roots”.  Being the good sport that she is she said “Sure!” and we were on our way.

Thanks to our experience yesterday with our daughter-in-law, Robyn, we felt very confident taking the subway to Queens.  That was our home when we last lived in NYC.  We took the train to Rego Park, Queens and walked a short distance to 99-60 63rd Road.  It was somewhat surprising but I recognized the building as we approached it. We met a current tenant who told us the building was now a co-op (no renters) and she purchased her 1 bedroom unit 2 years ago for $250.000.  We didn’t talk about the cost of a home in Los Angeles

99-60 63rd Road, in Rego Park, Queens. Childhood home of a famous blogger.

We said goodbye to my former residence and then took a short walk to Stephen Halsey Junior High School where my brother attended.  Amazingly I directed us to the school from memory.  I recall “almost dying” there playing stick ball (I got hit in the stomach with a liner that knocked the wind out of me, very scary for a 7 year old).  

Then we headed to Forest Hills HS.  It was also a relatively short walk and nothing looked familiar.  We were both impressed about the beauty of the homes leading up to the school.  I didn’t have any memory of ever being there before.  We introduced ourselves to the security guards who were very welcoming.  Patrice told them that my sister attended the school a few years ago.  I told them 69 years ago to be exact.  I informed them that she was in the class one year ahead of Simon and Garfunkel.  They were not impressed but one of the guards was kind enough to take our picture but more importantly they let Patrice use the bathroom. 

Possibly the first, and most likely the last, time I will be at Forest Hills High School.

Then it was off to PS 206 where I went to school until I finished 2nd grade.  Zero memory of my days there and the staff we met didn’t seem to care that a former student was now a famous travel blogger . 

We then took the train back to Grand Central Terminal.  We had lobster rolls in the station dining area where I received an email informing us that our show for the night was cancelled.  Ugh

Pretty much everything on Broadway is closed on Mondays.  This might be the “City that never sleeps “ but apparently they do take a nap on Monday (well at least Broadway does).  Lucky for us Robyn and her brother Corey had lots of recommendations.  

At their suggestion we went to the  New York Comedy Club (https://newyorkcomedyclub.com). The club has three venues and we went to the one on the upper west side.  This location was very small and had an intimate environment.  We saw 7 or 8 comics and had a wonderful time.  It was a great way to end a wonderful trip.  

Moments before the show from our great front row seats.

We are done traveling until August. If you want to hear from us please provide a like or a comment.  I need to know people are out there because I don’t like talking to myself (Patrice here: He doesn’t like talking himself?  Does he actually think I am listening to him every night?)

Ciao

New York City in May Day #1, “The Arrival”

by reissmd, posted in New York City, Uncategorized

As if our lives weren’t crazy enough, with our upcoming move we decided to make a quick trip to New York City.  The reason for this trip will be discussed later.  One thing we counted on was that a trip to NYC in May would be accompanied by better weather than during the winter or summer months.  Well as soon as we exited the terminal at JFK I was very happy I brought my heavy coat and rain jacket.  It was cold and raining when we arrived and the forecast calls for a 100% chance of rain tomorrow but only 95% on Monday.  It will be clear on Tuesday………. the day we return home. 

No matter the weather we always make the most of our travel experience.  We did get a thrill on the way to the hotel.  Our driver was very entertaining in that he was talking to himself most of the trip.  You’re probably saying he must have been on his phone.  I thought the same, but no, he was talking to himself.  

We are staying at the Le Meridien hotel (120 W 57th Street) .  It’s a Marriott property and has a very nice lobby.  We chose this location because of its proximity to Carnegie Hall.  Yes, we will be going on Monday to hear an amazing pianist. 

The hotel is lovely on the outside and upon check-in we were told about all sorts of perks they offer (e.g. free museum and movie tickets).  We were escorted to our room by a very nice bellman and could not believe the sight we saw.  This has to be the tiniest room I’ve ever seen.  We requested a room with a king size bed.  We got the bed we wanted but apparently floor space is an added option. The room is so small we will need to put the luggage on the bed in order to open it.  

This is ALL the space available to put our luggage. You might be saying “I see a drawer below”. No, that is a safe.

The room sucks but today’s highlight was meeting our son, David, and our grandson, Julian, for dinner.  And you know what that means, yes, food pictures.  Well not tonight.  Sorry but spaghetti and pizza doesn’t make it to the ReissTravelBlog.  Maybe better luck tomorrow. 

Ciao

A Special Night in Denver. “The 2026 Modell Award Winner Is ………..” March 5, 2026

by reissmd, posted in Denver

Patrice and I find ourselves in Denver, Colorado.  Loyal followers of the blog know that we have already been to Coors Field in our quest to visit all 30 MLB stadiums so that is not the reason we are here.  Even if we hadn’t been to Coors Field, it is very tough to see an MLB game in early March unless you are in Florida or Arizona.   No, we are in Denver for a much different reason.

Many of you on this blog have helped me raise money for the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation in order to fund research needed to find a cure for Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s disease known collectively as Inflammatory Bowel Disease.  Each year we participate in a fundraiser called Take Steps where we walk to raise awareness of this problem and raise money for this fine organization.  Last year our team (“Team Reiss”) surpassed $1.000,000 in total funds raised.  In recognition of this milestone the Foundation is giving me the Modell Award honoring the Foundation’s Volunteer of The Year.  When I first heard that I was being given the award I was taken aback.  My motivation in raising money for the organization has always been to help people suffering from these diseases.  You probably know that 2 of our 3 children have IBD.  Yes our son, David, and our youngest daughter, Erica, have Crohn’s disease.  I am hopeful that my continued fundraising will help us find the cure in my lifetime. 

Prior to receiving the award there was a heartwarming video shown with a variety of people congratulating me.  By the time I got to the stage to accept the award I was a sniveling mess.  I can hear you now, “Robert crying?  Is the Pope from Chicago?”

Yes, I was emotional but I managed to make it to the stage and thank people for the honor and their support.  Two of my biggest supporters, Patrice and David, were in the audience, which of course made it even more special. 

No food pictures, no monuments, no star sightings, no just one happy husband and father.

Do I look happy? With my son and wife, how could I not be happy?

If you would like to be a member of Team Reiss please use the link below.  If you are a regular donor, don’t worry your email will be on its way very soon.  If you are new to the fight please accept my thanks in advance and if you don’t receive an email please contact me.

Join me in helping end Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis (see the link below)

https://takesteps.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/participant/TeamReiss

Off To Visit the Baby, Madrid 2025 Day #5. “A Day of Rest”

by reissmd, posted in Madrid

Today is a holiday in Spain. December 8th is the Day of the Immaculate Conception.  In a Catholic country this is obviously a big deal and pretty much everything thing in town was closed so we spent the day chilling out.  Erica perused the web for a possible apartment to buy (tear, tear, she’s not coming back to be with mommy and daddy).  Patrice went to the fitness room to work out.  I sat here thinking what it would take to be a full time blogger. 

The thought of blogging full time seemed quite attractive to me since it would give me a reason to wake up and get out of bed each day and I could get paid to travel.  So we did some research to see what it takes to earn a living as a blogger.  I read that quality over quantity can make for a profitable blog.  A blogger can do quite well with as little as 1,000 followers.  That being said, in view of the quality of my posts I will be needing at least a million followers.  

Another key concept is to know your niche.  I clearly know my niche but unfortunately it’s only things that I find interesting (Patrice here, took him this long to figure that out?). 

Apparently to make real money on a blog you have use product placement in your photos.  That’s like selling yourself to the devil.  Clearly something I’d never do.  That reminds me Patrice took this candid shot of me the other day.  Don’t you think it’s very flattering?

I just happen to have those things on the table when she shot the picture. I would never resort to product placement to earn a buck. Hey General Mills, please notice the box of Cheerios!

After a lot of chill time we decided to go out for a walk and meet up with an old friend.  In 2008, I visited Spain and took a Spanish class when I was here.  One of my teachers was Angelica.  During class I mentioned that I was from California and she said she would be going to California soon.  I told her to come stay with me.  She warned “Don’t say that because I will.”  Well she came to LA and stayed at our house and we have been friends ever since.  Every time I would travel to Spain she would help me make plans.  I have affectionally referred to her as my Spanish mother.  She is significantly younger than me so for her to be my mama that is a real case of Immaculate Conception. 

Patrice, Erica and I met Angelica at a local cafe to have some coffee and talk.  The coffee was delicious and the conversation even better.  I always feel so wonderful seeing her.  She is a wonderful mama but even more importantly she is a regular follower of the blog making me an International sensation.  I consider 1 follower in Spain a sensation.

Patrice had tea.  They brought it with a timer instructing her not to pour it until the 5 minute timer completed.  See below.

Notice the 1, 3, and 5, minute timers.

Erica and Angelica had specialty coffees. See below. 

Barraquito (Left): sweetened condensed milk, milk, espresso, foam, and a slice of lemon soaked in liquor.
Mocca (Right): chocolate syrup, milk, espresso, foam.
Chocolate chip cookie in the center

I had a café con leche as usual. Boring but pretty. See below.

A quick selfie with Patrice, Erica, Angelica, and me prior to parting.

After leaving Angelica we headed to an Indian restaurant close to our hotel for dinner.  The food was superb and I strongly recommend you try Atocha Tandoori located at Paseo de Santa Maria de la Cabeza, 27.  Sorry, no pictures of the food but I did get a picture of the aperitifs they served after the meal.  See below.

Patrice had the mango puree with yogurt. Erica and I had the Crema de Orujo.

Those who know me are aware that I am a non-drinker.  Tonight was the 4th time I have had a Crema de Orujo on this trip.  I might need a 12 step program when I get back. 

Adios

ACP in NOLA Day #2 “More Food”

by reissmd, posted in New Orleans, New Orleans (NOLA)

Today I started the ACP conference and Patrice toured the city.  She definitely got the best of the deal.  For example I started my day with a talk about pains in the butt.  That was my highlight.  In all sincerity the talk was very informative and gave me some tips that will help me assist my patients.  I hesitated writing that knowing that someone will make some butt jokes at my expense.  Go ahead I can take it.  The rest of the talks were just okay. Patrice on the other hand took a city tour.  Here is the one picture she sent me.

Caesar’s Palace Casino? Do I need to keep a closer eye on this woman?

The afternoon lectures were okay but none were as good as the 7:00 AM Butt lecture. In addition to going to the didactic sessions we have time to go to the the exhibit hall where all sorts of companies are looking to sell their products to doctors. There are electronic medical records companies, drug companies, and a variety of companies looking to hire doctors. I stopped at one of the booths to talk to a recruiter. I cut to the chase, “Would you consider hiring a doctor of my age?” The rep enthusiatically said, “Yes, yes!”. So we had a conversation and I think we might have a deal. I really liked the look of their booth. What do you think?

I later asked if they knew who their oldest primary care physician was at UCLA. They did not, so I told him it was me.

In addition to looking for a job I was availed some health food in the Exhibit Hall. After all this is the meeting for the nation’s elite internal medicine specialists, of course we eat healthy.

Delicious brownines. Not up to Patrice’s quality. But how would I know, did I eat one? No, I ate two.
Hmmm, maybe this is why I’m so thirsty.

That’s enough about food. Well maybe not.

Tonight’s dinner was at GW Fins (808 Bienville St, New Orleans, LA 70112). It was recommended by my friend Andy, who said he had the best meal of his life there. Andy is from Fresno. Should I have been worried?

The restaurant is in the French Quarter and they had a modest dress code (men required to wear collared shirts). They started us off with biscuits. They looked very plan but beleive me they were anything but.

Very tasty biscuits.

Patrice and I both ordered the Scalibut.  Seems like this day started with a lecture about butts and ended with us eating two. The Scalibut dish was Shrimp, scallops, halibut, and risotto.  Also with a few peas to fool you into to thinking you’re eating healthy.

This was amazing and gone in a flash.

I don’t know about you “butt” I’m exhausted. Talk to you tomorrow.