We started with a basic menu of requirements: doorman, elevators, and fitness center. So, after location, size, and layout, what really mattered? I thought it was under-counter sinks. All things being equal, it seemed like a way to determine quality. “Sinks can be changed,” LaLa patiently instructed. Built-ins? We saw all manner: drawers, cabinets, closets. All nice, but nothing we couldn’t do later in our own way. Appliances? I was drawn to exquisite countertops, gourmet stoves, tall and sleek cabinets. Ironically, I don’t really cook. Washer & Dryer? Nice, but why tie up a closet for something used once a week? And if the apartment above you floods…why risk disaster? Besides, how will you meet your neighbors if not in the laundry room? A pool? Who knew there were so many indoor pools in Manhattan? I sure didn’t. All with hapless lifeguards waiting for someone to show up. Seemed like a drain on common charges. Floor height? I knew scientists determined that street noise is loudest on the 4^th floor. But I didn’t know that high-rise buildings are restricted to the corners of the block. As a result, one was never far from the busy avenues. Balconies were loud and grimy, so hardly a necessity. Views….ahhhh: cityscapes, glinting glimpses of river. Yes, I believe if you’re going to live in a vertically integrated configuration, go for the views. Obviously, that takes altitude, so higher floors won out. “Views can be seductive” LaLa cautioned. So we tempered our enthusiasm and looked for a balanced collection of attractions. These included sauna, steam room, media room, wi-fi business area. In the end, no place was perfect, but one was exceedingly good enough.

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