Brooklyn and Movies

This past Saturday I traveled the City far and wide. It was incredibly warm out for January, almost 70 degrees and it would have been a crime not to be outside. So, I lied about going all over the City- the majority of my day revolved around Brooklyn, my beloved borough. The reason why I thought so much about my love for Brooklyn is because during my train rides to and from Manhattan, I read my new book, "The Brooklyn Follies," by Paul Auster. Auster, a Brooklynite, writes about three men's lives in Park Slope and captures the vitality of Brooklyn very well. I was in Park Slope on Saturday, but the real adventure, was a trip to Bed-Stuy for a party at night. I had never been to Bed-Stuy before, but I was very happily surprised by its beautiful architecture...specifically the townhouses. No one could ever get bored living in New York City because there are just so many cool neighborhoods to see, each with its own personality and history. I'm not sure about the history of the architecture in Bed-Stuy; maybe it was wealthy Jews who built those homes, or maybe, like Park Slope, middle-class merchants and immigrants. Who knows? But, I suggest you take a trip...I got off at the A/C stop at Nostrand Avenue. (Above, see the picture of brownstonesBed-Stuy.)

Sunday I tried to go the to the sneak preview of "The Namesake," a movie based on Jhumpa Lahiri's precious book. Although many friends were interested in joining me, I ended up going by myself and after standing in line for what seemed like ages, I finally made it to the front, only to find out that the rope was blocking my path...I was the first one not to be let in. How fucking frustrating- why couldn't they have had 301 seats instead of 300, or why couldn't I have been the 300th person, instead of the 301st. Goddamnit. It's a good thing I had a good book with me, "The Brooklyn Follies," so I hopped on the M5 bus and it took my right to my door (literally). Bummer. But, if anyone wants to see this movie with me- Rebecca A or Rebecca W- let me know, because I didn't get to see it. Bummer.

Friends and Blogging

After having lunch with my blogging friends, Katie and Rebecca, I've decided that even though I don't live in an exotic location (yet, fingers crossed), I can still comment on things that take place in my life in New York City. Granted Katie, Rebecca, maybe Alex and my sister will most likely be the only people who read this, I thought I would give it a shot.

Let's see...today's lunch with Katie, Rebecca and Alex took place at Lombardi's pizzeria in Soho. This is apparently the oldest pizzeria in America- it was established in 1908 or something like that- I'm surprised that that's the oldest pizzeria, but I won't fight them on it. The pizza was delicious and it was nice to have lunch in a new location outside of the Financial District. New York is SO cool, even though it seems at this time of year that it's hard to find a local New Yorker in the popular neighborhoods.

My friend Katie lives in Spain right now and after seeing her during her visit to the US this week, I realized that as the world gets smaller and we all get the "live abroad-bug" it's sad to think that I probably won't be able to live close to all the people I care about. Although email, skype and airplanes manage to keep the jet-set connected, there's nothing like a midnight drink or dinner plans or catching a movie... it's hard to not have people nearby. Obviously I've thought about this before considering that my close friends from Brussels don't live nearby, but it hit home again today. Furthermore, my coworker Mayumi came back from a two-week visit to California today and after talking to her, I realized that I really missed her. I feel very lucky to have such good friends and I hope that I will have the means and the fortune to either live near them or be able to see them frequently if we happen to live in different locations.

In any event, after pizza and seeing good friends, I've decided to give this blog thing a shot and so far I've realized that it feels weird to not be writing about personal stuff, which is usually what one writes about in emails and other correspondence. But, I'll give it a shot. Now to upload pictures....!