My father warned me about the security people at the airport making you take your shoes off, so I wasn't surprised when they asked me. I was slightly surprised to hear an alarm go off on the machine they ran them through, and to see "Explosives" and "Chemical" light up on the screen. I was much more surprised to see about six security people huddle around my shoes and send one guy off to get my bag and go through it like I was an ex-husband. But the real surprise came when they told me there was nothing to worry about and handed me a plastic box with the fucking pieces of my destroyed boots in it.
But despite small inconveniences like that, I've arrived. I'm home. My trip took just under half a day, including waiting time at the airport when leaving, and the roundabout route I walked to get here from Grand Central Station.
Man, has New York changed. I was suprised at how clean it is, even though by bay area standards it's fucking filthy. I was so happy to see that many of my favorite stores are still in business, although most of them had moved about a block away from where they used to be. Weird. I bought some prosciutto bread, which is a big O of spiced bread with bits of salami, pepperoni, ham, and prosciutto all through it. It's about the size of a frizbee, and I ate almost all of it.
The subways now have electronic signs inside that tell you the time, the next stop, and what train you're on. They also talk. It's spooky how high-tech they are in comparison with the rolling steam engines I grew up with. Get this - you used to be able to open a window big enough to climb out of on the subways. No longer. They're more like space shuttles now, except they don't explode.
With the towers gone, the New York skyline is fucked up. Period. I'll probably write more about that when I go to the hole where they used to be.
Right now, the city is hot. I mean hot and humid and I'm sweating like a Kentucky convict. It's about 3:30 AM here, and I'm not tired at all. I feel like going out and taking a walk, actually. But I think I'll be going to bed soon.
It's hot. And I miss you.
Posted by Matt at July 24, 2003 12:33 AMhope nyc is good-back from rehab, lots to tell you, come home soon...oh, and i am not going back to florida. its gonna be a california fall
Posted by: liz at July 27, 2003 12:13 PMhm
Dont forget to eat those things called "bagels" stupid New Yorkers don't know what a real bagel is like.
Posted by: d0g_p00p at July 24, 2003 07:23 PMNo, no pizza yet. I'm saving that for my gathering with the dregs (at some point later.)
There are a few things I'm here to do - stay tuned! :-)
Posted by: Matt at July 24, 2003 09:35 AMAND you can't get between the cars. ;)
Is Lucca still around? And did you have a slice of the best pizza in Manhattan? (Note: I say Manhattan, not NYC.)
What're you doing home?
Posted by: c o'k at July 24, 2003 08:32 AM