Paul's Thoughts on Things

As a result of the inordinately large Manhattan cocktail at The Stonewall Inn the evening before, I was feeling a little “fragile”. Thus, the morning was even lazier than usual. This did not matter, and the design of my long stay here does allow for such times. I did not have any engagements until later […]

I had a light breakfast, and dropped off some washing at “Gentle Wash” on Avenue A. On my way to the “6” train I spotted a location where I may have more sunglasses success.  It was a fairly iffy-looking store selling many things but I was indeed successful. Eyes less strained, I caught the train, ostensibly […]

I was advised to skip breakfast. This advice was taken so a lazy morning was had. The advice came from Gary, the curator of the 9/11 Museum Workshop I had visited with Nancy, and Gil a few days before. The reason for this advice was due to prevalence of Japanese food that was likely to […]

A late breakfast/brunch was had in “Washington Square Diner”. A classic combination of waffles, syrup, bacon, and coffee was well received after the revels of the night before. While I was eating, a man came in to beg from the patrons, and was quickly ushered out by then waiting staff. I did note that they […]

I was awake early. Very early. The reason – I was due to appear on Romesh Ranganathan’s BBC Radio 2 show, which goes out at 10.00am BST. This had been planned for a few weeks. It happened as a result of a message I’d sent to the show on the subject of accordions. A lovely […]

I slept very well indeed. As a side note, I have taken to sleeping with earplugs here. I have a simple choice. I could boil alive in the oppressive overnight heat in relative silence. Alternatively, I could try to induce the services of “The Sandman” in a reasonable temperature while enduring a noise somewhat akin […]

I boiled my egg this morning. The apartment was suffering from the lack of an egg-cup but I improvised with a measuring spoon, and felt proud of my ingenuity. I was not due to my initial destination until 12.30pm EDT so I made my slow way west across town, stopping in Washington Square and not […]

Buying bread here became a problem. It is often highly sugared, and not up to the standard I am used to.  The solution was n obvious one – there must be a sourdough bakery nearby. “Google Maps” was, as ever my friend. A quick search revealed “Librae Bakery” a block and a half away. A brief […]

I slept until just before 10.00am EDT. That is the equivalent of 3.00pm BST, and is perhaps an indication of how exhausted I’ve allowed myself to get. The earplugs, and eye mask helped significantly. These allowed me to keep the air conditioning running so the apartment remained at a bearable temperature. After a shower (and […]