Bohemia and Brooklyn

Greetings – when we last left our urbanites (Tom W., the Baroness and the Baron) they were awaiting Michele to finish her workshop. Evening was just underway as the group united at The French Roast, scene of brunch with Wayne earlier. Under Tom’s sober eye martinis were distributed to the other three. The day’s sights, wanderings and movie (“Enough Said”) were interchangeably discussed along with the very positive points of Michele’s attendance at NYU for the weekend.

The martinis were rather good and were complimented by the Baron who has been used as a “shaken, not stirred” paragon. Chris even went up to the bartender and conveyed his drinking pleasure. Then it was off to Bleeker St through the Village.

Always a special place, the Village holds decades of anecdotes and events for the bohemian and the pedestrian. Tom and Michele had not seen Rick’s new store so that was the first destination. Here is a night shot of KADOnyc:

Rick was not working that evening but the store offers its own entertainment also.

On the way to Washington Square there was the serendipitous encounter of a dachshund owner. Claire Wolfson (Tom and Michele’s daughter) has started a company dealing with these delightful dogs and her venture provided a lively exchange with the owner and the Wolfsons.

As they neared the square, Tom’s mom, Alice, was celebrated since they were in sight of the labor library at NYU where a pillar is dedicated to her service in the labor and socialist movement. Chris and Gini had been fortunate to have been there for the dedication.

And then the “arch de resistance” was approached. Just love Washington Square any time of the day or night. Its energy is remarkable and its space engaging:

Assuming a veteran subway denizen posture, connections were made to Grand Central. Its one hundredth anniversary was noted by all along with its wonderful ambiance. The five block stroll to the pied a terre went quickly. A pizza was ordered along with dessert as the evening finished quietly with Tom and Michele looking for a crosstown bus.

Sunday morning meant that Phil and Angela would be arriving in town with our car and belongings. This power couple would also bring their own vehicle for their return trip later in the day while dropping off the Element et al at a nearby parking garage. Could they make it any more convenient?

Gini and Chris had a chance to show their appreciation and treated Phil and Angela to brunch at Hudson Place on Third Ave, one of their favorite restaurants. It was wonderful (of course).

Several days earlier it had been agreed that, conditions permitting, the four would walk across the Brooklyn Bridge; something none of them had ever done. Interesting in that three of them were NYC natives. Access was easily obtained due to close proximity to the Lexington Ave subway line. This terminated at the bridge.

The weather, however, was not really cooperating. The clouds were heavy and the air temp close to brisk. The presence of the bridge helped ease any thoughts of aborting our mission. This incredible structure, opened in 1883, spans the East River connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn. Lives were lost, careers made and records broken with its creation. There are lanes for cars, pedestrians and bicyclists. Make sure you know which one you are using.

One of its famous aspects is the view of Manhattan:

There is excitement in this skyline and compares with any city and any age. Perhaps best taken in limited doses, it is never-the-less the quintessential metropolis.

Another perspective is of the harbor and its welcoming mistress:

The nerd/engineer/mathematician in Chris was in awe of the geometric lines of this connective edifice:

The rain did begin to fall and as the walkway’s sinuous path continued, somewhat deeper into Brooklyn than had been initially thought, it was decided to forego some of the riverside parks. Back on to the Lexington Ave subway and back to “the old neighborhood”. It was at this point that the unerring ability to make it all happen seemed to elude our quartet. Becoming pinball pedestrians, they bounced about from avenue to street and back again looking for cappuccino and dessert. Even a call to their son Michael could not orient our troop until the decision was made to settle for Starbucks. It happens. It was fortuitous in that the coffee and pastry were quite good and they were safely off the street.

With much regret there was a parting of the ways with this generous couple. Conversation had been non-stop; enjoyment ubiquitous with these two.

To help ease the nascent nostalgia Chris and Gini headed for Rick’s on the West Side for a martini. They were then able to say their farewell to him also as they would be leaving in the morning.

Monday morning breakfast at W Café was distracted by the large volume of police, barriers and crowds. Oh yeah…the Veteran’s Day Parade on Fifth Ave…whoops! Hastily  a retreat was beat and Plan A was executed. After bringing luggage, bags and traipsings to the condo lobby, Chris would head for the parking garage, get the car and meet Gini to load the luggage back at the apartment. Then hope for the best with the parade route as they had to get across town to the West Side to execute their escape from New York.

Fortune did smile as the parade had not yet reached 37^th street and traffic was allowed to flow across Fifth Ave. Whew!

As they left the city limits an iPhone alert indicated a text. Angela had sent regards along with a picture entitled “Before The Rain”:

Begging the literary flex of a Tony Manero-like quote: “Is my hair okay?”

Ciao belli.