Tag Archives: travel

Day 141: Anonymous letter left at Tavern at the End of the World

Posted on May 21, 2015 | Leave a comment
Tavern at the End of the World, Charlestown, MA.

Tavern at the End of the World, Charlestown, MA.

When I travel, it’s easy to fall behind on writing letters. Sometimes it’s easier to leave some anonymous notes around the cities that I’m visiting. I did that on Monday night at the Met’s game and tonight I thought I would leave a note at the Red Sox game, however, Sox tickets were going for no less than $40 so I skipped the game.

I’m staying in Charlestown, MA tonight. There’s not a whole lot of places to go for dinner near my hotel – to be honest, there is only one place: Tavern at the End of the World. It’s a good join – they had some nice live music and I had an interesting chat with a guy fresh back from a trip to Florida on his Harley.

I ate dinner there and enjoyed a couple of local beers. I took a few minutes while I was there to write today’s letter.

Day 141

Hello!

I’ve made a commitment to write someone a handwritten letter or note every day for a year. Today, my note is to you. If you’re here at the Tavern at the End of the World, you’re probably thirsty – you know, there is not a man, woman or child in these United States of America who doesn’t enjoy a nice cold, refreshing beverage. Your next one is on me. 

Cheers,
Reed

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Day 140: David Letterman

Posted on May 20, 2015 | 2 comments

“There’s not a man, woman or child in these United States of America who doesn’t enjoy a nice cold, refreshing beverage.” – David Letterman

They wouldn't let me in to meet Dave this morning or even leave this letter for him, so I took a moment, paid my respects to the legend and dropped the letter in a mailbox in front of Times Square.

They wouldn’t let me in to meet Dave this morning or even leave this letter for him, so I took a moment, paid my respects to the legend and dropped the letter in a mailbox in front of Times Square.

I’ve been saying that quote for 25 years – and it’s just as true today as it was the first time I heard Dave say it.

I’m in New York City today and it’s Dave’s last show so I thought I would go by the Ed Sullivan Theater to say farewell and good luck to my friend. With my bags in tow, I hiked up from Times Square to 54th Street and Broadway – it will be sad not see the iconic blue and gold Late Show with David Letterman marquee lighting up the block. It’s been there since my first visit to the Big Apple.

Dave and I started hanging out when I was about 13 or 14 – he spent a lot of time in my living room during the summers when I could stay up late. We don’t spend as much time together any more – I feel he changed, or maybe I changed. Who knows. And frankly who cares? None of that changes the feeling of sadness that I have today as an era comes to an end.

And what about Paul Shaffer? Maybe I should have written him, I guess he’s out of a job now too. He’s been there, donning his bizarre outfits, right next to Dave since the very beginning. I should have added a postscript to my note to Dave, “Please share my regards and best wishes with Paul.”

Day 140

Dear Dave,

Day 140-4I came all the way from Washington, D.C. to personally say thank you for entertaining us for the past 30 years. You changed the landscape of late night television. Best of luck in all of your personal and professional future endeavors.

Thanks for the laughs and the memories,
Reed Sandridge

By the way, if you want a to see a vulnerable side of Dave that you rarely see, check out this interview with New York Times’s Dave Itzkoff.

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Day 139: Anonymous letter left at New York Mets Citi Field

Posted on May 19, 2015 | Leave a comment

Day 139-2I love going to baseball stadiums to watch America’s pastime. There’s something nostalgic for me, something that brings me back to my childhood when I hear the crack of the bat or catch a waft of hot dogs and spilled beer.

When I was 12 my Dad took me to see the New York Mets play the Houston Astros in Game 5 of the National League playoffs. Back then it was Shea Stadium, now they play at Citi Field. I’m no longer a die-hard Mets fan, in fact, I’m actually more of a Nationals fan today, but I have a soft spot for the Mets.

As I am in New York, I decided to head out to the ballpark and watch the Mets take on the St. Louis Cardinals. I thought it would be fun to leave a letter at the stadium for some unsuspecting fan. My ticket was up on the 400 level and I wanted to leave the letter up there, instead of down on the lower levels where people certainly didn’t need the money – oh, I almost forgot to mention, I left a ten-spot in the letter.

The game was fun, even though the Mets got crushed 10-2 by the Cardinals. Maybe we’ll hear from the lucky fan who found my letter.

 

I had to write this note on hotel stationery. I also tucked $10 in the envelope so that the finder could treat themselves to a beer or some snacks.

I had to write this note on hotel stationery. I also tucked $10 in the envelope so that the finder could treat themselves to a beer or some snacks.

“90% of my salary I’ll spend on good times, women and Irish whiskey. The other 10% I’ll probably waste.”
-Tug McGraw
Former New York Mets Pitcher

Ballgames can be tough on your wallet – here’s a few bucks to help you out. Get yourself a hotdog, beer or a pretzel. Or buy something for someone else.

Enjoy!

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Day 138: Joseph Broadman, President & CEO of Amtrak

Posted on May 18, 2015 | Leave a comment

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” -Martin Luther King, Jr.

Photo: Lucas Jackson, Reuters

Photo: Lucas Jackson, Reuters

The derailment of Amtrak 188 on May 12th forever changed the lives of many people. Eight lives were lost, many were injured and families were broken. I take Amtrak a few times a year and know many others that do too. Thankfully I don’t think anyone I know was onboard, but my heart goes out to those who were.

Photo: Amtrak.com

Joe Boardman, President & CEO of Amtrak Photo: Amtrak.com

I’ve been impressed about how Amtrak has handled this tragic event. President and CEO Joe Boardman stated, “Amtrak takes full responsibility and deeply apologizes for our role in this tragic event.” You almost never hear a leader say that.

Everything that I’ve read and heard about how Amtrak has responded to this situation has been positive. Good for them for doing things right. I thought Mr. Boardman might like to get a note letting him know that we are watching and appreciate his leadership during this difficult time.

Day 138-2

Dear Mr. Boardman,

Day 138

I embossed the letters and added washi tape to the bottom of this card.

Please accept my most sincere condolences to you and the entire Amtrak family for the recent tragedy outside of Philadelphia.

I wanted you to know that I have been very impressed with how you have managed this situation. It’s easy to be at the helm when business is going smoothly, but real leaders are uncovered amidst trying circumstances.

I was on one of the first trains to carry passengers between Philadelphia and New York since the crash on May 12th. As you can see - it was a pretty sparse train, only two other passengers in my car.

I was on one of the first trains to carry passengers between Philadelphia and New York since the crash on May 12th. As you can see – it was a pretty sparse train, only two other passengers in my car.

I was one of the first passengers to ride Amtrak between Philadelphia and New York this morning when the route was reopened. Some questioned whether that was a safe decision on my part. Your leadership and transparency to date definitely played a role in establishing the trust that I have in your organization. Please keep up the good work.

My thoughts are with you, your team and the families of those affected by derailment.

Sincerely,
Reed Sandridge

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Day 120: Rhonda

Posted on April 30, 2015 | Leave a comment

I’m the proud father of a baby rhino. Yep, check’em out here.

I didn't have a rhino stamp, but I embossed an elephant on her card. In Nepal, you can see rhinos, elephants and if your lucky, tigers.

I didn’t have a rhino stamp, but I embossed an elephant on her card. In Nepal, you can see rhinos, elephants and if your lucky, tigers.

Day 120-4

The rhino on my screen saver was happy to have some new company.

My boss just came back from a trip to Bhutan and Nepal and brought me back this little guy. Although she felt the earthquake, she had already left Nepal to travel to Bhutan when the 7.8 magnitude quake rocked the small Himalayan nation. I can only imagine how eery it must feel to realize that places you visited just days ago, monuments that you photographed and people whose eyes you looked into are no longer with us.

My thoughts are with all the people of Nepal right now.

Day 120-3

Rhonda,

Thank you so much for the hand-carved rhino – that was very thoughtful. I’m glad that you and the other travelers are all safe – what a devastating earthquake. I look forward to hearing more about your travels.

-Reed

My coworker Jake also received a rhino from Rhonda. He put his to work guarding some Trader Joe's Chocolate Covered Almonds. Sadly I have to report that two almonds were poached under his watch on the first day.

My coworker Jake also received a rhino from Rhonda. He put his to work guarding some Trader Joe’s Chocolate Covered Almonds. Sadly I have to report that two almonds were poached under his watch on the first day.

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