[This photo was taken yesterday.]
1. So I’ve been in my beloved New York for roughly 24 hours, after an absence of seven years [I lived in Manhattan between Christmas 1997 and September 1999]. Besides the late, lamented World Trade Center no longer being here, it is remarkable how little has changed. Most of my old hangouts are still live and kicking, with often the same people working there. Considering how much I’ve seen London change over the last decade, it seems rather odd at first. But on another level, I find it quite reassuring.
2. After being here for about an hour, I realized that the New York I spent seven years missing so terribly was all inside my own head.
3. Walking around Union Square yesterday, I realized how much my old job here sucked. Dreadful. Appalling. Lousy. I feel so lucky to be doing what I’m doing now.
4. The last time I was here I didn’t have a blog. Hell, I didn’t even have my own website. Somehow I find that idea utterly bizarre.
5. I didn’t look up any friends from the old days. I’m easy enough to find on Google. Hell, I’m easy enough to find on Google, even if you spell my name wrong. If they cared, if I cared, we would’ve hooked up again by now. And so much has changed since then. Whatever.
6. Thanks to Andrei for inviting me to his girlfriend’s birthday party last night. I had a lovely time. Lovely people. Thank you.
7. I lost my credit card. Don’t worry, I’ve taken care of the problem, but for a few minutes there, I had panic flashbacks of New York in 1997, when I had just arrived. When I was poor, lonely and desperate.
8. Walking around constantly reminds me of the secret reasons why I left New York back in 1999, and my veins pump venomous, silent rage towards certain people who are still not completely forgiven.
9. I’d forgotten how lousy the food is here. Living in Europe has spoiled me.
10. I’d forgotten how brutal and ugly and tatty this town is in places. But I guess all big cities are.
11. I fell in love with New York once. But one day I came home to find her in bed with someone else. Don’t even ask.
12. For all the personal baggage I have with the place, it’s great to be here again. I love this city. It’s one of the few towns one can never accuse of being overrated.
P.S. Looks like the geek dinner tonight is set for about 20 people. Should be fun!
