Here’s a riddle for you.

Q:  What do you get when you throw a whole bunch of people into a relatively small space? 

A:  Some pretty intense attitude.

Change the area code to (212) and you’ve just decribed New York, in my opinion.  What’s even more apparent (to me) is the differing levels of customer service doled out in NYC.  And when I say doled out, it’s not necessarily all peaches n’ cream.

Over the next little while, I’ll fill you in on some of the experiences I had whilst in The Big Apple.  Before I do, though, I’d like to give you a ‘teaser’ of what you can expect. 

What’s even more interesting is that some of these ‘experiences’ fall under the guise of Canadian companies, or, for that matter, companies I/you/we frequent often. 

I’m going to use DIRECT quotes which I’ll admit, were not always directed at me.  Without giving you a lot of context, here’s what I observed, and I’m not making this stuff up (you just can’t):

Air Canada (La Guardia Airport) - indirect

Ticket counter person:  “Do we LOOK like retarded children to you?!  Well DO we?”

Random customer:  “No”

Ticket counter person:  “Didn’t think so.  It’s not a million dollar job you know!”

Random customer:  [scared]

Starbucks (in Times Square) - direct

Barrista:  “What’s this?” (looking at my Canadian five dollar bill)

Me:  “It’s a five”

Barrista:  “Whatever man, we don’t take mexican money here.  Next.”

Me: “Ummmm…what?”

Grand Central Station - direct

Me:  “Excuse me, where can I catch the connector to Times Square?” 

Information/Ticket Person:  “Huh?” 

Me:  “Where can I catch the connector to Times Square?” 

Information/Ticket Person:  “Read the sign! Right at the corridor and walk straight.” (shakes head)

So, yeah…not pretty.  Don’t think I’m colouring NYC with a broad brush here…nonono.  I (and the others who were with me) received amazing service at a number of places (mostly restaurants and lounges) including Buddakan, Marquee, Buddha Bar, and Cain, to name  but a few.

If you want to read more of this kind of stuff, a friend of mine actually put me in touch with a site that collects what I just told you.  It’s hilarious and it’s called overheardinnewyork.

I’ll be in touch…

darren