New York is expensive

© 2014 Rob Castro

New York is expensive, but that is to be expected.  Here is a run down of some of the things I incurred:

• Two glasses of mediocre Red Beaujolais  $32
• Two tiny Lobster Sandwiches from Fort Greene Park $32
• Two marginally sized Rib Sliders served on paper plates from Fort Greene Park $18
• Brunch bill after waiting for 45 minutes to get served  $120
• Four cocktails at Village Vanguard bar without real choices to drink $70 
• Two "cheapest" bottles of red wine at Costco $25
• One way train fare from Great Neck to Penn Station $11 per person (peak hours)
• One toothbrush $2.99

Trader Joe's doesn't even have wines let alone Two dollar Forty Nine Buck ($2.49) 

Chucks.  They do have beer.  I guess beer is not considered alcoholic beverages.  I didn't buy any.

But there are cheap deals too.  For instance:

• One used Army Jacket circa WWII $ 22 (haggled from $55 at Fort Greene Park)
• Bic lighter $0.99 (at Korean Pharmacy store)
• Travel size toothpaste $1.25 (They priced this at a bargain deal so you don't have to use a toothbrush. Also at Korean Pharmacy store.)

Average prices for most part:

• One small can of Pellegrino $2 
• One time use of subway ticket $2.75 (if you need a new card.  $2.50 for refill.)

Some are free:

• Board and lodging at uppity Great Neck, Long Island ($0)
• Use of printer and lap top computer ($0)
• Wi-fi ($0)
• Stamps and mail service ($0)
• Ride to get to train station ($0)
• Tickets to watch New York Philharmonic Orchestra at Avery Hall, Lincoln Center ($0.  Daughter paid them.)
• Tickets to watch Kenny Baron Jazz Group at Village Vanguard (0$.  Daughter also paid them.  Haha.)
• Entrance to flea market at Fort Greene Park ($0)
• Nice weather ($0)
• Suntan ($0)
• Allergies to spring pollen ($0)
• Airport shuttle to and fro ($0)

Priceless:

• Spending time with daughter
• Getting lost in the subway
• Late night talks with host friend 
• Traveling with spouse all the time