03 July 2007

Walking shoes & Miles of Museums

I don't want this to turn into a listing of things that I've done, but my, I feel like I'm doing a lot in this city. At the same time, despite my imaginative ventures where I create a jam-packed day of things to see, hear, taste, do all over the city, I usually end up doing about .5% of what I planned- which is still a lot. I mean, walking around in this city is an adventure in its own. The buildings range from modern, shiny, black walkways into the sky to crumbling, dusty, squatty-looking edifices to intricately-engraved, decorous pieces of stone art. And the people! People here seem to revel in their uniqueness and exploit it with color, fabric and attitude. Contrary to what people say, the folks in New York are some of the friendliest, most helpful people I've ever had the pleasure to share a city with. Several times already I've hesitated for a moment on a corner or in the middle of a sidewalk when someone has come up to me asking, "Do you need help?" or "Where do you need to go?" And always in a genuine way because these people LOVE their city and sharing it especially.

During my extended weekend, I made it to the MoMa, the Museum of the City of New York, the Schomburg Center and many cafes, thrift stores and (necessarily) shoe stores in between. How strange to find designer ware upon fancy brand name clothes at the Goodwill instead of ripped-up t-shirts and goofy blue jeans. But good deals, nonetheless. Unfortunately, good walking shoes aren't as economically-priced but I did end up finally with a good pair after much searching. And thank goodness, what a difference it makes!