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Busting up a Starbucks

Monday, 31 October 2005 12:35 PM

I’m in New York City right now, taking a few days off. A dear friend invited me up, baiting the hook with tickets to a show I wanted to see. How could I refuse?

Yesterday we went to the matinee of Spamalot — ohmygawd! My first ever Broadway show too. We were in serious nosebleed-vertigo-triggering-dust-the-rafters seats, looking down on everyone's bald spots, but it's such a neat theater and the show plays well even up to the ceiling. (BTW, if you're looking for a christmas gift to give me, I so need those vorpal bunny slippers.)

Last night we hopped a subway out to Brooklyn to see Steve Buscemi read something by William S. Burroughs at a bar, but the place was overfull and we couldn’t get in. Still, was interesting to see Brooklyn; we had a couple of beers at a sweet little bar/bistro. Tonight there are Halloween events all over, plus the Steeler game. Tomorrow I hope to get to the MOMA during the day, and of course I'll be starting in earnest on the NaNoWriMo novel. And at night we’re going to see Rufus Wainright and OK Go. Then I have to leave early on Wednesday to get back in PA for Book Boot Camp.

We walked all over town yesterday, with luggage, and I’m sore all over. I would have been happy to pay for a cab, given the suitcase issue in particular, but my dear friend is more thrifty and was wearing more sensible shoes than I was. Later I compounded the problem by getting off the subway on the Upper East Side last night instead of the Upper West Side. It was too late and dark to cut through the park, so I started walking around.... And it's very far to walk around. By the time I realized that I definitely should have taken a cab, I had gotten into a rhythm. So I walked the whole way. It's amazing how many people are out and about late on a Sunday night. Ultimately walking was a fine choice, in that it was a beautiful night and I saw a side of the city I hadn't known before. And fortunately there are plenty of Duane Reades around for me to stock up on blister treatments.

My hotel, the Beacon, is awesome — we got a suite at a discount, and I could pretty much live there forever without trouble. There are no fewer than three spacious closets, plus a kitchenette, living room, and big comfy bed. But right now I’m having fun sitting in a Starbucks on Broadway, watching harried people walk around. These paparazzi types are standing outside, watching a hotel across the way with cameras at the ready. I can’t tell who they’re trying to photo. Until moments ago this gorgeous guy was sitting next to me — he pointed out that he too was carrying a Timbuk2 bag and a Mac Powerbook. But his Powerbook was bigger than mine. Also, he appeared to be truly working, not skimming email and writing blog posts.

Must run -- lunch awaits!

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