New York tries to get back to normal following damage from Sandy

A week after superstorm/hurricane Sandy wreaked havoc on New York, things are getting somewhat back to normal.

Reuters reports the subway is operating at about 80 per cent capacity but that service on many rail lines is reduced, which made for tough commutes today. That won't affect most tourists, but the subway system is still an issue.

USA Today is reporting that the 9/11 Memorial, Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and South Street Seaport remain closed. But the Bronx Zoo and most New York parks reopened on the weekend. Already back in operation are such attractions as the Empire State Building, Top of the Rock and Rockefeller Center skating rink, Metropolitan Museum of Art, and most Broadway theatres. So that's good.

"The visitors bureau recommends that travelers reconfirm hotel reservations directly with the property, regardless of location. Meanwhile, notes USA TODAY's Barbara De Lollis, the city's hotels are coping with unprecedented cancellations and requests to extend stays, a high number of walk-in room requests from powerless local residents, unpredictable staffing levels, non working phone lines, and in some cases no steam heat."

You gotta feel for the poor folks on Staten Island and on Long Island, where so many people lost loved ones in the storm or lost their homes and most treasured possessions. Not to mention, of course, the severe damage in New Jersey.

Heartbreaking.

THIS AND THAT

I see that Southwest is taking over some Air Tran routes in Key West, including flights to Orlando and Tampa. There's talk of a direct New Orleans-Key West flight, and how much of a dynamic duo would that be? I mean can you imagine the debauchery of a combined Big Easy-Key West vacation? All they need to do is add is a stayover in Las Vegas and they'd have the triple crown of carousing ... I have my own political views, but there's no doubt who wins the presidential election as far as travel and home states are concerned. Mitt Romney is mostly a Michigan, Boston and Utah guy, I'd say. And that's not bad. Boston is a great, great city and Michigan has plenty of charming inns and lakes and one of the best college towns in America, Ann Arbor. Utah has awesome skiing and beautiful canyons and deserts. But Obama can claim (mostly) Chicago and Hawaii. Chicago has incredible museums and powerful architecture, a fine waterfront and some of the best food in the U.S. I'd probably give it a bit of an edge over Boston, but it's as close as a Romney-Obama fight in Wisconsin. Hawaii is easily one of the world's great destinations, with perfect weather, amazing beaches and friendly people. Under-rated cuisine, too, if you ask me.