exploration en solo

It was a beautiful day in the neighborhood today. The wifey has a new part time job, so I found myself exploring the city alone today. [insert a bit of a sad face here] My agenda was three-fold: A used bookstore by Union Square, the area surrounding the hotel chosen by our (first official) friends/visitors next weekend, and to locate the Whole Foods by Central Park.

First, I love riding the subway. Perhaps at some point it will become dull and monotonous, but each and every ride reminds me that we are really and truly living here. In addition, I am an avid fan of people watching. One thing in particular that stood out today, is how many adorable little older couples live in this city. I seldom take a trip anywhere by any means of transportation that I do not encounter these seemingly ancient couples.

At our bus stop today before we parted ways for work and the city, one such ancient couple exited the bus as we waited to get on. The man made his way through the crowded bus first and hopped off in front of us. As he did so, he yelled back into the bus, "ya coming, Pancake?" in a thick NY accent. As I looked onto the still crowded bus, here comes "pancake" making her way through the crowded aisle. "I'm coming, Pancake!" she answered back, as she ask for my arm to help her step off the bus. The last we saw of them, they were walking arm in arm up the sidewalk toward their destination. I don't know their story, but as we made our way onto the crowded bus, I thought to myself, "if we should be so lucky."

I found every spot on my agenda today, but my mind drifted back often to the ancient little couple and their cute interaction we had witnessed. I found myself aware of many other such older couples as I made my way through the city. They all seemed in their own little world, conversing with one another, and oblivious to the bustle around them. How beautiful it is to find someone who is willing to walk with you through this journey called life.

As for my agenda, I found the Mecca of used bookstores today: Strand. Priceless. I am also now semi-confident of the area and its offerings for next weekend's visitors. As for the Whole Foods...well, let's just say it was a zoo. The entire store was much busier than the bread aisle before a snowstorm, and I believe we'll be finding our health food elsewhere.