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Frommers

I recently found myself near New York City on business and, having never seen this incredible city, wanted to see what it's all about.  However, I was by myself and had no idea where to start - that's where Gordon came in.  I found his page by searching for tours and contacted Gordon about the possibility of him meeting me at the train station and showing me his town - and that's exactly how it worked.  I gave him a list of things I wanted to see and he orchestrated the time we had to spend.  One of my goals was to "see, hear, and smell New York City," and that's exactly what we did.  While I listed the places in NYC which we've all heard about it, along the way Gordon spiced up the trip by showing me the off the beaten path places....... a charming herb shop  in China Town, a little cemetery with Alexander Hamilton, a shop with really  unusual natural wonders!  I got to ride the subway and look up at the buildings without having to worry about anything.  Gordon knows his way around NYC and can share "facts and folklore."  He also has a love for  the city which he cannot hide!  He really made the whole experience fun,  interesting, and safe! 

I would wholeheartedly recommend Gordon as THE NYC Tour Guide - he gave me such a positive adventure, I can hardly wait for the next opportunity I have to get another piece of the New York Experience! 

Nancy Brown
Holland, MI    USA

We loved the tour you gave our group immensely, but the thing we loved most was your flexibilty and creativity.  You took our scattered plans and created a unified tour which we could never have accomplished without you.  Your knowledge of the major sites and more hidden  treasures allowed us to experience New York as if we were locals enjoying a day out.  Many thanks and lots of luck with this personalized tour business.  I hope I can find a similar guide when we go to London next summer.  Any suggestions? 

Cheerio, 

Craig Williams et. al. 
Texas

    As someone who has planned previous educational tours for my students, I found that our tour director, Gordon, was an exceptional find.  His knowledge of New York far surpassed my students and my expectations. 
  
One phrase would probably describe his approach to his job:  He is passionate about his work.  The students picked up on this vibe, internalized it, and then used it to help them make the most of their trip. 
 
We appreciated his energy and professionalism throughout the tour.  His willingness to do more than what was expected was an added bonus. If ever I get back to the area, I will definitely seek out Gordon to run another tour! 

Lorraine Mar 
Teacher 
Maple Ridge, BC  Canada 

I haven't polled all the students yet but here are some comments: 
  
"He was great, he made the trip fun." 
  
"He knew the city so well he was able to give us good information and take us off the beaten track."
  
"He made the trip excellent." 

Tina D'Amelio, 
Dramatic Arts Teacher,  
British Columbia, Canada 

Hello Gordon: 
  
We had an incredible time. I appreciate your time, energy, and personal touch with the group.  You have left a positive impression of NYC and New Yorkers for the kids to grow up with.  Thanks so much. 
I will contact you if we plan another NYC adventure.  

Dany Ray, 
Washington Middle School, 
Cairo, Ga  
 

Gordon:
   
Just a quick note to thank you for a great day in NY.  The students had a wonderful day, as did I.  I will be in touch with you next spring for next year's trip and will give your name to other Global Friendships' coordinators.  The other group that was there sans guide had a dreadful day.  Oh well, live and learn. 

Thanks again,
Karen
Global Friendships, NH

My friends and I were lucky enough to find Gordon on the internet and arrange a personally guided tour of New York's best jazz establishments. With no prior contact with Gordon I must say in total honesty that Gordon proved to be so thoroughly knowledgeable of jazz locales and players that he could attune the tour to our personal tastes and experience with jazz.   
   
His caring, professional, and at the same time friendly guidance made the tour the hit of our week-end in New York. His experience has made him the essence of a tour guide. He makes you feel thoroughly at home in New York and in the various clubs and has followed up that evening by answering many follow-up requests for information as a matter of genuine courtesy.  
   
No to be too lengthy, Gordon is truly a "find". He can make New York jazz come alive for the newcomer or aficionado. This sounds like a paid commercial. I can assure you it is totally spontaneous and the result of his outstanding work as a tour guide. The others in our group of Philadelphia doctors, lawyers and professors thoroughly subscribe to the above.  

Jack Dobbyn
Philadelphia, PA

Dear Gordon,

Thank you so much for guiding me to that fantastic Monday Night Harlem Jam.  Without your help I could have never been exposed to such a wonderfull true jazz experience like that in my life. I now know what is the real jazz , the music and the atmosphere.

Hopefully seeing you again.

Sincerely,
 
Osamu,
From far away country,
Chiba, Japan.

Hello again Gordon,

First of all, I want to thank you for the very nice photo you sent me yesterday from the Jazz Tour we did in Harlem. No lie, that was a great time -- definitely the most interesting time I have spent in New York City, and just an amazing musical experience for me. I have since gotten some of James Carter's music and sent it to Mihyang in Japan so she can enjoy it also. We talked a long time about how nice a time that was.

Also, you seem like a really classy guy, and because of that also the tour was so nice. I mean, when I tell people about the tour, I find that I am talking about you and your style as much as the music. I really appreciated just getting to meet someone like you, doing such an interesting thing like those tours. The peeks at some of the back streets on our drive back to the hostel were really nice! I really can't emphasize enough what a nice time it was.

I will be definitely passing your name on to those I meet interested in jazz!! Meanwhile, I wish you great success in your business and life. I hope you have a nice holiday and continue enjoying the great music that is there. Be healthy and well.

Sincerely,
Nat
York, PA

My husband and I would like to thank you for the experience we went through with you. That jazz tour we took with you in New York was an amazing adventure.  Those places we visited, the whole atmosphere in them, the people performing, the environment... everything was tops. And we thought we had seen jazz before!! We were completely mistaken.  

Again we have to thank you for your company because that was also part of the whole experience. The way you know the places, how much you know about jazz, and the people who are part of the hidden jazz scene in New York.  These places we went to, we would have never been able to find them on our own, there is no way we would have seen these places without you. 

We want everybody to know that this tour is a must.  A must-do, a must-see, a must-experience. Don’t miss it.  A really unforgettable treasure.  Thank you, Gordon. Thank you very much. 

Adrian Stoppelman 
Graciela Rodriguez 
Buenos Aires, Argentina

Gordon,

When we describe our visit to New York the evening with you is always a highlight. I did a lot of research but I never would have found the places you took us to. Thank you again for your help. I think you might want to rethink your prices though. It was beyond a bargain. I don't see how anyone could afford NOT to use your services.

Thanks,
Sharon Verrall
Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Gordon,
Hey! from North Carolina. Thanks so much for the taste of Big Apple jazz last week. Showman's was authentic Harlem, and we were so close to the stage at Smoke that the trombonist nearly hit me each time he moved his instrument!

I recommend that others get in touch with you if they want a relaxed -- even personal -- encounter with the late-night jazz scene. The evening was casual yet professional. It's not so much a tour as it is a chance to hang out with an enthusiastic jazz buddy. That, I suspect, is a unique offering.

Much success with introducing others to the joys of New York and NYC jazz.

Regards,
Phillip Daquila
Durham, NC
 

Gordon,

Thanks a million for the fabulous Harlem jazz experience you mastered so wonderfully! I wish all my colleagues from the UN could hear your charming stories and insights, or the fantastic jam sessions you gave us the chance to enjoy in some cool clubs. My stay in New York would have been much poorer without this tour! Thanks for opening my eyes to the places where I can have the most authentic and thrilling jazz experiences!!! I’ll be back!”
 ~ Ambassador Simona Miculescu,
Permanent Representative of Romania to the UN

Dear Gordon

Your tailor-made tour of jazz clubs was the indisputable highlight of our visit to New York.
I can think of no better way to get acquainted with the New York jazz scene. 

Regards from your Dutch connection, 

Kees Broekhof 
Trombonist and jazz enthusiast, 
Oegstgeest,
The Netherlands

Dear Gordon, 

I just wanted to follow up and thank you so much for the wonderful experience David and I had with you on the Harlem Jazz Tour recently.    We had a fabulous time that night.  The memories are strong, clear and very happy.  I have told a number of people about you and will continue to do so.  I think the service you provide is unique and very good.  I recall testimonials on your web site from former clients, let us know if we can be of any help in providing you with testimonials or other promotions. 

Best to you and thank you again for a great time, 

Sarah Richardson
Iowa City, Iowa

Sincerely,  

Anne Stadler

I can imagine you have collected hundreds of accolades already and what could I possibly add.  Ecuador & the Galapagos still rank up there with my East African safari and trip down the Amazon River, and much of the enjoyment I experienced  was due to your ability to guide without guiding and lead without pushing.  Wit, humor, compassion & patience are fine attributes of a remembered host. 

Best of luck!  Like your web site.       Ernie Richards,  
Knoxville, TN 

Mel Hirsey