Never have I slept so well in New York! I woke up at 10, and had an open day ahead of me- with no worries about work or figuring out my life or being particularly productive. My only motivation was pleasure.
I decided that today wasn't a museum day. That felt too much like something I would do if I felt like I had to "make the most of" my time here. But somehow being here felt like home, coming back to an old friend, this time without the same sort of pressures as I had in the fall- so accordingly, I spent the morning lazing about, listening to the street sounds, basking in the sun streaming through the one small crack between the buildings, and doing a bit of unpacking and repacking of my belongings here. At about one o'clock, after filling a small duffel of things I didn't feel were worth shipping across the country, I headed downtown to Buffalo Exchange. I spent my sweet time in the store. It's easy to be relaxed when you have no time pressure- long lines? No problem. Want to look through every last garment on the racks? As you wish.
I did a satisfying trade at Buffalo, always a great feeling when you get some interesting new pieces for old duds without spending a penny. Then, I looked for food- I hopped into City Bakery totally expecting the full spread to be available at 4 o'clock. I guess even in New York that's kinda late to be eating lunch. So, I headed over to Souen to have my favorite jappa soup- a light, brothy concoction with fresh white fish and chock full of steamed vegetables and fresh grated ginger (see below!). It wasn't super cold today, but the hot broth was really perfect.
I really wanted to spend the rest of my day in bookstores. I met up with Lia in Union Square after my meal and we headed over to Strand, where I finally found a beautiful vintage copy of The Second Sex (Simone de Beauvoir). While Lia went to church, I sat in The Coffee Bean across the street with my camomile tea and new book. After church, we wandered around some more, and ended up bursting in the doors at Screaming Mimi's (vintage shop) just a few minutes before closing. It was great to remember where things were, like where to drop off Buffalo's rejects (Goodwill around the corner), where to feed myself some decent and not overpriced food, where the bookstores are, or where the closest J.Crew is (haha, I definitely got my shopping down from all of those returns this fall!).
At around eight, we called it a night (how healthy and early!) and I came home, caught up with Meredith and Zeb, and plan to put myself in bed for another nice early night. It's nice to be in New York for pleasure, but know my way around somewhat- not be a tourist, but not have to be a workhorse, either.
It's no fun to be forced to have a slow day if that's not where your pace wants to be that day- but having a leisurely day without feeling constrained by anything at all is really lovely. I bought myself a week long unlimited metro card- I think it will be put to good use, because my kind of leisurely required 4 subway trips today. Maybe spontaneous is more the word. Who knows.
I decided that today wasn't a museum day. That felt too much like something I would do if I felt like I had to "make the most of" my time here. But somehow being here felt like home, coming back to an old friend, this time without the same sort of pressures as I had in the fall- so accordingly, I spent the morning lazing about, listening to the street sounds, basking in the sun streaming through the one small crack between the buildings, and doing a bit of unpacking and repacking of my belongings here. At about one o'clock, after filling a small duffel of things I didn't feel were worth shipping across the country, I headed downtown to Buffalo Exchange. I spent my sweet time in the store. It's easy to be relaxed when you have no time pressure- long lines? No problem. Want to look through every last garment on the racks? As you wish.
I did a satisfying trade at Buffalo, always a great feeling when you get some interesting new pieces for old duds without spending a penny. Then, I looked for food- I hopped into City Bakery totally expecting the full spread to be available at 4 o'clock. I guess even in New York that's kinda late to be eating lunch. So, I headed over to Souen to have my favorite jappa soup- a light, brothy concoction with fresh white fish and chock full of steamed vegetables and fresh grated ginger (see below!). It wasn't super cold today, but the hot broth was really perfect.
I really wanted to spend the rest of my day in bookstores. I met up with Lia in Union Square after my meal and we headed over to Strand, where I finally found a beautiful vintage copy of The Second Sex (Simone de Beauvoir). While Lia went to church, I sat in The Coffee Bean across the street with my camomile tea and new book. After church, we wandered around some more, and ended up bursting in the doors at Screaming Mimi's (vintage shop) just a few minutes before closing. It was great to remember where things were, like where to drop off Buffalo's rejects (Goodwill around the corner), where to feed myself some decent and not overpriced food, where the bookstores are, or where the closest J.Crew is (haha, I definitely got my shopping down from all of those returns this fall!).
At around eight, we called it a night (how healthy and early!) and I came home, caught up with Meredith and Zeb, and plan to put myself in bed for another nice early night. It's nice to be in New York for pleasure, but know my way around somewhat- not be a tourist, but not have to be a workhorse, either.
It's no fun to be forced to have a slow day if that's not where your pace wants to be that day- but having a leisurely day without feeling constrained by anything at all is really lovely. I bought myself a week long unlimited metro card- I think it will be put to good use, because my kind of leisurely required 4 subway trips today. Maybe spontaneous is more the word. Who knows.
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