A different perspective

Everything is different in Queens.

For a start, windows have a view of more than just the building next door. This morning, while taking my shower I noticed the sun glisten from the "Lipstick Building" (of which I have this exact view).

The trains are more of a multicultural experience. The 7 train at rush hour feels like it passed through a dozen different countries before landing at my stop. On the carriage you can hear 3 or more different languages and this seldom includes Ingles.

To top it off the kind people of Grand Central Station decided to reward all 7 train passengers with escalators to the ground level. I never did like climbing stairs at 8.45am

Queens Revisited

I am now a resident of Sunnyside, Queens, NY. It feels strange to see the Manhattan skyline from the outside. It feels great to pay half the rent for the privilege.

My new roommate Pelin made me feel very welcome, showing me around the neighbourhood, which includes a 24-hour supermarket, a number of different restaurants, pubs and laundromats all within a few blocks of the apartment.

We ate Japanese food in a great restaurant close by. I think I will go there again soon...


Click image to enlarge

Thanksgiving

My first ever Thanksgiving was spent in New Canaan. Shelby and Tracy invited their friends over to celebrate with turkey, stuffing and 5 desserts. I sat next to someone who could, amongst other things, hula 5 hoops simultaneously and someone else who can, amongst other things, write very enjoyable comics. My only talent was that I could eat five different slices of dessert!

On my way home I stopped off at Marion and Milt, who live close to Stamford. I discovered they are living in an aladdin's cave of collectibles, some of which include Menorahs, handcrafeted by Milt himself (and that look a lot better than those on this web page!).

As the train pulled into Grand Central I looked at my watch and it was nearly midnight. I must have been sleepy, since the person who I sat next to came up to me, handing me my umbrella that I'd left behind on the seat. I said "thanks".