Yep, the march rocked, and I would love to post all about it, but my mind is stuck underground. We took a bus from DC that got us into NY about 10. We prepped for the ride by spending the afternoon in a bar, knitting and drinking. 4 hours on a gently rocking bus, alcohol slowing down all my mental processes, just about knocked me out. I was as dopey as could be.
Then we passed through the Holland Tunnel. And suddenly I was wide awake and wired. I know I should keep my cool in a new city, try to pretend like I'm not a big yahoo, but I was grinning and craning my neck like crazy. Still, I wasn't really excited until we got onto the subway.
New York has got to be the most mythologized city of American pop culture. Books, movies, television, music, every medium for vicarious living has been pushing me towards this city since I was a kid. The subway entrances are possibly more familiar than BART to me, simply because I've seen so many different characters running down those steps.
Then we came to the platform. Shady characters lurked behind pillars, and I had visions of scottish men wielding swords running into the dark tunnels. We had to run for the train, and we made it on just in time, as a voice said "Stand clear of the closing doors", not quite Soul Coughing's "won't you please stand clear of the closing doors", but close enough for me. The train was not full, but not nearly as empty as it was when Spike fought an epic battle there.
I could go on for days. It's the holy land all over again, where one site lays claim to multiple visions, events, religious extravaganzas. On this one rock, Jesus spit, Mohammed tripped, and Moses juggled. Luckily no one is waging war over their claim on the subways. Can't you just see Buffyites trying to stake the followers of the Scot with the Big Sword? Mayhem, it would be.
There was a crack in the plaster through which you could see brick, and a whole to god knows what through that, that led all the way up to the grime encrusted mosaic at the top. I desperately wanted to take a picture.
I didn't, of course. That's the other curse of New York. I have a desperate urge not to be taken as a tourist, I have to be as cool as Susan while wandering Battery Park. But I can't get rid of my grin...
bethany, the trick to not looking like a tourist in new york is keep your head down and move fast. tourists, no matter how cool, look up to the sky and of course get in the way. ha!
Posted by: maryse | April 27, 2004 at 10:07 AM
I can't picture you without a grin, so keep smiling, sweetie. It's such a swell city, and it could use a few more smiling folks. Have fun!
Posted by: maggi | April 27, 2004 at 11:34 AM
Rock on, Bethany! Thanks for marching, from a lady who would've loved to have been there.
Posted by: alison | April 27, 2004 at 10:13 PM
I found you via Wendy, and I love your blog (cripes that sounds trite, but I do mean it wholeheartedly). Are you thinking of heading into New England? Spring is just hitting up here and it's beautiful -- write if you do think of coming north with the birds. As an ex-Southerner, I like to show off that it's just as nice up here (and we have fewer big bugs!).
Enjoy New York! (I work in publishing, so that's sort of my second working home these days.)
Posted by: Nancy | April 27, 2004 at 10:14 PM
Hee! I get such a kick out of the idea of you three tag-team blogging. :)
Posted by: Ann | April 28, 2004 at 01:12 AM
Oh Bethany I would take as many pics as possible. And get Stripes in as many pics as you can. Everyone will think you are some fab photographer. :) Have a great time and I hope to meet/see you in MD.
Posted by: Kathleen | April 28, 2004 at 05:01 AM
New York rocks! I'm so jealous. Have a tequila shot for me!
Posted by: kara | April 28, 2004 at 06:40 PM
Reading the latest entry made me think that you've really found a place that gives it all back to you. Be wild, but stop drinking and knitting - trust me, they really don't mix. When you sober up, you see that you've been knitting something that looks like swiss cheese!
Posted by: Theresa | April 28, 2004 at 07:25 PM
Hey Bethany I am friends with Kira from SF. I have been following your adventures for the last 10 months and am very jealous and proud of you. I wanted to tell you if you ever make it to Boston please give me a call or email me because there is always a warm bed for you to stay at my place. contact me whenever you get here. 617-645-9140 noahmarin@onebox.com
Posted by: Noah Marin | April 30, 2004 at 08:17 AM