Thanks to my dear friend D I am staying in a nice little apartment in the greatest neighborhood in Manhattan. the only favor D has asked in return is that I have the toilet repaired. This is involving the building superintendent, a nice repairman, and just a few hours of waiting around, on my part. The bad news is that the toilet is jacked; the good news is that the super has provided all the magical replacement parts that the nice repairman is now installing.

It kind of sounds like bad news; that I’m spending a precious vacation time-block just sort of sitting around with little distraction (no wi-fi here and spotty cell coverage). However, it’s secretly good news, as really I need a bit of time to nap and be generally glassy-eyed useless. It’s icky and rainy outside so yeah, it’s nice to take a breather, and experience the extremely rare sensation of being mundane in New York.

Random observations from my wanderings so far (my massive schlep to the Village from Grand Central yesterday and my walk to the East village this morning):

New Yorkers like to use umbrellas a whole lot, even when it’s gusty and the umbrellas flip inside out.

So, so much texting and walking.

“Brash New York Douchebag Screaming Ibto Cellphone” still an oft-sighted character.

Women are skinny skinny skinny here.

The weird Euro-fancification of New York has not completely eradicated good old screaming fights on the street. Saw two choice ones last night, both involving cabbies (shocker)!

Also, streets are still plentiful with weirdos, really good ones; so different from the west coast variety.