Great recounting of Christine's Holland Tunnel saga - bad enough breaking down there of all places, but I can't imagine the stress of worrying that the vehicle might actually combust! But... [edited to be slightly less judgemental] really disappointed in the groom with (at least) $100 bucks in his pocket, who not only didn't TIP Braulio for the wedding photos, but actually nickel-and-dimed him for a discount? Bad form, dude. Bad form.
It really is rewarding to be a serial reader of this newsletter. I love all the back references and semi-in jokes. And seeing stories spin off from previous stories makes me so happy to be part of an intertwined world where these webs of association exist. Thank you for being so curious and creative!
Thank you Justin! It's funny, when I first set out to interview the newlyweds and spotted Mr. Cuenca, I almost dropped the original story to do something on him. But I'm glad I stuck to the original plan and in the end got to do both.
Can't believe that couple negotiated with Mr. Cuenca; he's doing such a great service! Hope they were happy with the photos later and realized what an awesome job he's doing
I thought it was pretty crazy, too, Ryan. Especially seeing your typical wedding photographer will run you, what, thousands of dollars, right? I like the idea that the couple might look back on him fondly even if they did not realize at at the time.
As the wife of a retired firefighter I can attest to the fact that firefighters do get very disappointed when they arrive on-scene and find they are not needed after all. At least they got out of the firehouse. 🤣
This made my morning, Anne. My dog had two seizures last night. It’s been 2 1/2 years since the last one. While feeling worried and sad, waiting for the neurologist to call, Cafe Anne brought a smile. Thank you.
Meanwhile I love how NYers don’t need to know northbound, southbound… it’s either “towards New Jersey, the Bronx or Long Island.” There’s NY and the rest of the world. Hehe.
Also, how funny that Christine’s car didn’t want to leave the city. It was telling her to stay put.
For the worst case scenario of getting trapped in the Holland Tunnel, you can watch the movie Daylight starring Sylvester Stallone. This is my fun fact of the day for you.
The $15 bridal portrait is like the dollar slice of wedding photography. Both great stories, though I do feel bad for the Nissan resigned to its North Carolina fate.
More insights into NYC culture. I love the theory that the car really didn’t want to leave. Grin. A very hardworking photographer. So glad that couple wasn’t typical of his customers. Thanks as always Anne. A beautifully entertaining read.
I agree that Mr. Cuenca is very hard working. I got the sense that part of the reason he shows up all day, every day is that he knows people expect him to be on-hand.
Two fantastic stories, Anne! I felt like I was there in both cases. I am not a fan of tunnels and have worried about getting stuck inside and/or side swiping someone. Good for Christine to stay calm during that stressful situation! Braulio is a smart, enterprising and kind man providing a really important service. I wonder if he has considered raising his rates, since inflation is really crazy these days. Very nice of you to loan him the $20. Goodness all around!
Mr. Cuenca found another hot dog stand and paid me back my $20 before I left, of course.
I agree he could certainly charge more than $15. But maybe the $15 itself represents a recent increase? I should have asked him the last time he raised his rate, and by how much.
Getting stuck in the tunnel is a bit of a nightmare. I've thought about it often. Christine moving to NC (actually, I'm moving there too in September) made me think that it might be interesting to ask New Yorkers if they sometimes think about leaving. ~ I love NY, but I have a hard time justifying these prices. Now I'll sound like an old person, but the city has changed a lot in the last 15+ years. More random violence, the garbage, the trash, and rats...so many. Constructions... tourism... and I still love New York/Brooklyn. 🩷
It's funny Olivia—I ask this question of just about everyone I know in NYC—whether they plan on leaving at some point. Almost everyone says yes.
I think the die-hards like me, who swear they will never ever leave no matter what, are few and far between. I think the difference is that the people who think about leaving feel torn—they like some aspects of NYC and not others. And then there's the die-hards who actually like the garbage, the trash, the rats, the construction, the tourism. There's nothing I'd want to change about NYC except to make it MORE NYC. And I'm not even sure what that means!
I know... I get it. And good for you. Despite everything, NYC is a fantastic place to be. MORE NYC would be going back in time. I used to live in Tribeca, oh well, when Tribeca was still 'the artist neighborhood.' We were a group of painters, writers, and photographers with no money living in huge abondened lofts. At night we would go to the even cheaper 😂 East Village enjoying poetry and book readings. It was a special time. It was MORE NYC and BROOKLYN.🤗 ~ BTW, your posts are so well written. Love it!
So glad you liked Mr. Cuenca as much as I did mordy. He was so good humored and relaxed through everything. And I love that he invented his own occupation. I agree it's a real service he provides. Imaging all those newlyweds with nothing to document their wedding day!
Great recounting of Christine's Holland Tunnel saga - bad enough breaking down there of all places, but I can't imagine the stress of worrying that the vehicle might actually combust! But... [edited to be slightly less judgemental] really disappointed in the groom with (at least) $100 bucks in his pocket, who not only didn't TIP Braulio for the wedding photos, but actually nickel-and-dimed him for a discount? Bad form, dude. Bad form.
I have a feeling the transaction I witnessed wasn't typical, JEBNYC. Mr. Cuenca told me most of his customers are very sweet and in a good mood.
Yes, I would definitely think so! Why generate bad karma on such a day in your life, LOL!
It really is rewarding to be a serial reader of this newsletter. I love all the back references and semi-in jokes. And seeing stories spin off from previous stories makes me so happy to be part of an intertwined world where these webs of association exist. Thank you for being so curious and creative!
Thank you Justin! It's funny, when I first set out to interview the newlyweds and spotted Mr. Cuenca, I almost dropped the original story to do something on him. But I'm glad I stuck to the original plan and in the end got to do both.
So happy you enjoyed this issue!
I love this newsletter, Anne! I felt I was right there in the Holland Tunnel, and then, trying to break a $100 bill. Excellent reporting and writing.
Thank you Anne! So happy you felt the same excitement I did!
Can't believe that couple negotiated with Mr. Cuenca; he's doing such a great service! Hope they were happy with the photos later and realized what an awesome job he's doing
I thought it was pretty crazy, too, Ryan. Especially seeing your typical wedding photographer will run you, what, thousands of dollars, right? I like the idea that the couple might look back on him fondly even if they did not realize at at the time.
As the wife of a retired firefighter I can attest to the fact that firefighters do get very disappointed when they arrive on-scene and find they are not needed after all. At least they got out of the firehouse. 🤣
So funny, CC—some people really do love ACTION. Thank God there are people who actually want to run into burning buildings.
This made my morning, Anne. My dog had two seizures last night. It’s been 2 1/2 years since the last one. While feeling worried and sad, waiting for the neurologist to call, Cafe Anne brought a smile. Thank you.
Meanwhile I love how NYers don’t need to know northbound, southbound… it’s either “towards New Jersey, the Bronx or Long Island.” There’s NY and the rest of the world. Hehe.
Also, how funny that Christine’s car didn’t want to leave the city. It was telling her to stay put.
Love the wedding photographer. 📸📸
Oooh nooos I'm sorry to hear about your dog, CK. So scary. I hope your friend is okay.
Happy you picked up the fact that none of us know what direction anything is except in relation to NYC. Such a funny and telling quirk.
Glad you enjoyed the issue!
I hope your dog is feeling better. Seizures are so scary.❤️
Thank you. 🙏 At the neurologist’s now.
For the worst case scenario of getting trapped in the Holland Tunnel, you can watch the movie Daylight starring Sylvester Stallone. This is my fun fact of the day for you.
OMG Natalia, just watched the trailer. A whole movie about that one scenario!
"NO AIR"
"NO ESCAPE"
The $15 bridal portrait is like the dollar slice of wedding photography. Both great stories, though I do feel bad for the Nissan resigned to its North Carolina fate.
Dollar slice! Haha perfect!
I have a feeling that Nissan will be back in no time, Rob.
Mr. Cuenca makes me proud to be a New Yorker!
So cool! Me too Jillian!
More insights into NYC culture. I love the theory that the car really didn’t want to leave. Grin. A very hardworking photographer. So glad that couple wasn’t typical of his customers. Thanks as always Anne. A beautifully entertaining read.
Thanks for your kind words, Beth!
I agree that Mr. Cuenca is very hard working. I got the sense that part of the reason he shows up all day, every day is that he knows people expect him to be on-hand.
I loved both stories! People are amazing!!!
People are amazing!! Thank you Jolain!
Such good energy⚡ from Mr. Cuenca and the Great Anne of NYC!
Awww thanks Nick. Very glad you enjoyed!
Two fantastic stories, Anne! I felt like I was there in both cases. I am not a fan of tunnels and have worried about getting stuck inside and/or side swiping someone. Good for Christine to stay calm during that stressful situation! Braulio is a smart, enterprising and kind man providing a really important service. I wonder if he has considered raising his rates, since inflation is really crazy these days. Very nice of you to loan him the $20. Goodness all around!
Thanks Jill!
Mr. Cuenca found another hot dog stand and paid me back my $20 before I left, of course.
I agree he could certainly charge more than $15. But maybe the $15 itself represents a recent increase? I should have asked him the last time he raised his rate, and by how much.
Getting stuck in the tunnel is a bit of a nightmare. I've thought about it often. Christine moving to NC (actually, I'm moving there too in September) made me think that it might be interesting to ask New Yorkers if they sometimes think about leaving. ~ I love NY, but I have a hard time justifying these prices. Now I'll sound like an old person, but the city has changed a lot in the last 15+ years. More random violence, the garbage, the trash, and rats...so many. Constructions... tourism... and I still love New York/Brooklyn. 🩷
It's funny Olivia—I ask this question of just about everyone I know in NYC—whether they plan on leaving at some point. Almost everyone says yes.
I think the die-hards like me, who swear they will never ever leave no matter what, are few and far between. I think the difference is that the people who think about leaving feel torn—they like some aspects of NYC and not others. And then there's the die-hards who actually like the garbage, the trash, the rats, the construction, the tourism. There's nothing I'd want to change about NYC except to make it MORE NYC. And I'm not even sure what that means!
I know... I get it. And good for you. Despite everything, NYC is a fantastic place to be. MORE NYC would be going back in time. I used to live in Tribeca, oh well, when Tribeca was still 'the artist neighborhood.' We were a group of painters, writers, and photographers with no money living in huge abondened lofts. At night we would go to the even cheaper 😂 East Village enjoying poetry and book readings. It was a special time. It was MORE NYC and BROOKLYN.🤗 ~ BTW, your posts are so well written. Love it!
I appreciate the joy, patience, perseverance and incredible value that Mr. Cuenca brings to his job.
Not easy dealing with the public (on the street) at a time of high pressure.
So glad he is part of the fabric of NYC.
And thank you again for brightening up my Monday!
So glad you liked Mr. Cuenca as much as I did mordy. He was so good humored and relaxed through everything. And I love that he invented his own occupation. I agree it's a real service he provides. Imaging all those newlyweds with nothing to document their wedding day!
There was a miniature poodle in this edition, but no photo? I want to know more about Bodhi!
I've met Bodhi and can tell you he is a huge cutie! Sorry no photo Marina!