"How Did I Get Here?"

I got off the subway at Canal Street. My Google maps wasn't working. I needed to get to Greenwich Street. I'm crossing the street, waiting for the light and a guy rolls up on a bike. I recognize him immediately. I ask him for directions. Greenwich Street is 2 blocks up. As he pulls away I say, "Thank you David Byrne!"

Yeah so the lead singer of the Talking Heads gave me directions in TriBeCa tonight.

Leather Notes?

When it comes to wine, what I don't know could fill a very thick wine list.

What I do know, is that it's great to have a friend who works at a wine bar.

She's been letting me taste wines with hints of leather and tobacco. Who knew?

No Boone's Farms here, folks.

This is Wine and Roses on the Upper West Side. Try the prociutto, pear and blue cheese app if you happen to come. And tip heavily!

Water Towers

What exactly do they do? I realize that's a dumb question. But are they just for fires, or do they supply the regular water for a building? And why can you only see them in some buildings? Is it only older buildings of a certain size? Even though I have a lot of dumb questions about them, I like them. There's something really pleasing about their shape as they perch on the top of buildings in the city.

Sleepless In The City

Amen, brother. Amen.

Free Ride

new york city bus
Originally uploaded by sally henny penny

There are those somewhat rare occaisions when you board a CTB (that's "Cross Town Bus" to you uninitiated) and instead watching you make the expected payment, the driver covers the card reader with his/her hand and waves you on board. Even though it's actually because the reader is broken, it feels like you are getting away with something. There's a small leap of joy inside and I think, "Can you do that? Awesome!" Remarkably, I feel that way even when I am carrying an unlimited ride metrocard.

Furthermore...

Lucky_King_Bakery-5
Originally uploaded by android land

I stopped for a small tea in this bakery on Grand Street. A small tea, with very milky milk (cream?) and sugar was $.75. SEVENTY-FIVE CENTS. It has a really nice bustle about it. And interesting chairs. I'd like to try some of their baked goods next time.

Grocery Shopping in Chinatown

Fishmarket in Chinatown
Originally uploaded by Artem Portnoy

Why is food cheaper in Chinatown? Fish is a bargain, meats are reasonable, and vegetables are cheap.

I bought
1/2 pound of mushrooms
along with small servings of
baby bok choi
green beans
a large head of broccolli
a smallish piece of ginger
All for $3.42

NYC Central Park Reservoir

NYC Central Park Reservoir
Originally uploaded by reidm2235

I walk across Central Park along the North side of the Reservoir about 2 mornings a week from 6:30-7am. This time of year I am walking across just before dawn. (Sunrise today was at 7:06). It's my favorite time of day and year to take this walk. It is dark and cold. The wind bites my face when I reach the East side of the Resevoir. Right now the water itself is frozen over. There are footprints of small animals across it. When I am walking, sky is beginning to glow, but the lights in the buildings are still on. It feels like a magic moment. There are only a few people out, runners mostly, and there can be long stretches where you can't see another person. It doesn't feel creepy to be alone, like it does so many other places in the city. It doesn't feel dangerous.
It is immensely peaceful.
Sometimes I can see geese and ducks napping. I've even seen a raccoon. Pictures can't quite do it justice. I feel closer to God on this walk than virtually any other time during the day. It just feels right.