You can call me a Harlem Globetrotter

I am appreciating New York eversomuchmore than I had imagined I would. I assume it's the particular company I have. For one, Nari and Zoe have been on top of it in the entertainment field. It's good to slip into the cozy and worn friendshoeps like this. The breakdown of my own solo exploration is nothing less than typical tourism. I am content with this simply because, as being from the US, I feel obligated to see all the things I'm supposed to. In France, I had some hosts that hadn't left their region before and hadn't visited some key points in their country. I was all, "whuuuuuuh? how could dat be?" But it came to be that I held the same reflection. I need to remedy this.

After seeing so very many movies and other depictions of New York, I could very easily have lumped this into the Paris category. I haven't oooh'd or awww'd and anything, as I feel like I've already been here before. However, it does still manage to have enough energy in the street life to keep my interest. From the corner break dancer lost on his way into the 90s, to the loud quips of the transvestite in the grocery line. Perhaps the below freezing temperatures have dissuaded the mass of tourists I was expecting... or maybe I just don't know how to spot them due to matching languages. Then again, it could just be that I'm simply glad that I can order Dr. Pepper with my meal (a wonderous thing in of itself), with ice cubes, actually have it be IN the danged glass when it arrives to the table. All of which is a third of the cost of those unopened 33cl cans they slam down next to the glass.

Times Square is a little smaller than I'd imagined. I felt kind of nauseated when I realized I knew exactly where they film(ed) TRL. Is that show still on? Anyhow, I had just made a first pass when I received a call from my younger brother. He's done with basic now and bought a cell phone and laptop with his own moneys. Awww.

It came to my attention somewhere in binary land that the ferry to Stanten Island was at the low, low price of free. I made my way down to Battery Park and jumped on that sucker mid-Friday. If nothing else, I obtained this amazing view of the city's profile unlike anything else I'd get in person. All the giant green lady did for me when I saw her was remind me of the first leg of my trip. And, awesomely enough, felt like both her and I were gifts of the French that day.

I went out to Brooklyn for no other reason than to ride the 1 train out to its end. There is a Target where I got more flavors and brands of things I've missed.

Friday night was spent eating at BRGR, where if you're not careful, could easily drop a twenty on customizations. The staples are free. Tomatoes, onions, pickles and all... but if you want to tread avocado, mushroom, or extra cheese territory, you best be able to fork over a Metro Card's worth of cash for each.

By nightfall, we stood in the blistering cold for a good while for the highly popular Upright Citizens Brigade. Found in both NYC and Los Angeles, this improv school is in high regard and has occasional guests from SNL and other television publications. We managed to catch the 7 man act of the day on standby, and it was worth every penny. I have a feeling I'll be visiting Seattle's Theatersports more often when I go home. I'd forgotten the joys of the unscripted.

As far as the WTC is concerned, I found myself staring upwards for a good while trying to envision how tall those towers really were. Imagining how much damage just simply having the shards of glass falling would do. Let alone the rebar, concrete and Al Peterson's stapler. Apathy had stood up for a moment to use the bathroom, and perspective sat in its place.

Lots of excellent food and cafes, good company, ice cream and melty brownies during season one of Mad Men. I look forward to the last few days here.

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