NYC wrap-up

I've got just about 50 minutes until I have to try and coerce my unwiedly bags through the front door and out on the street in order to hail a cab to the bus stop. If only I could take a photo of this endeavor. Often times I enjoy being alone (a way in which I am NOT Brasilian) - I go where I want, when I want; I see the movies I like; I eat where I want to eat; I buy the groceries I like; I don't have to worry about awkward lulls in conversation. But mornings like this, with two large suitcases - one with a broken handle, a backback that weights 30 lbs, a shoulder bag, and a purse.....a little help never hurts. Oh well, I'll make it there, red-faced and sweaty, and feel all the more independent for it (solo drive from DC to Boston will fall into this category as well).

I landed in NYC on Friday morning at 6am and have been here for just about 72 hours. In that time I have been the quinessential consumer. I bought a Lara Miller sweater (100% Bamboo, made in Chicago) at Kaight. I bought Toe Warmers "On The Go" snow boots (materials unknown, made in Canada), The 2008 Vegan Guide to NYC, and the Delancey Cleo Ro0s purse (materials and site of fabrication unknown) at Mooshoes. I bought a She-Bible dress (poly/cotton/viscose blend, made in San Fransciso) at Sodafine. **Sidenote - I've heard lots about how hip Williamsburg, Brooklyn is - and it is, a veritable vegan paradise** I also made some purchases at the Whole Foods in Bowery (huge, amazing). I bought Maggies Organic Brown textured tights (100% cotton, made in Peru), derma-e's vegetarian gel moisturizer (my dermatologist told me that cream based moisturizers keep pores open), and a Livity Rip-Tide winter vest that was half off (55% Hemp, 45% P.E.T, made in China)

I also ate, lots. I had a very peaceful diner at TienGarden for $20 with tip. With vegan guide in hand I couldn't resist hitting up more vegan restaurants. I tried out Foodswings (8 pc chicken nuggets, mac-n-cheese, pb chocolate moonpie), Caravan of Dreams (miso soup, salad, and mediterranean brunch), and Liquiteria (white bean and escarole soup, pumpkin spice bread, jumbo tofu dog with mustard). I struggled with what to order at Foodswings and Caravan. I was tempted to order nachos - my unsophisticated palates favorite. I resisted, just to be disappointed. At Foodswings I got greasy nuggets, mac-n-cheese that can't compare to Soul Veg, and a dry moonpie (I did eat all the pb frosting). At Caravans the small house salad that came with the entree was superb (usually I don't like salad but the greens were fresh, the tomatoes tasted good, and the dressing was lemony and crisp). The miso soup was sweet, in an off-putting way (much like the Australian sitting next to me in a REAL rabbit fur vest) and the brunch was okay for a grand total of $23. I revisited Atlas cafe where I specifically asked what peanut butter desserts they had - again, my poor beloved pb was only sold with overbearing chocolate in a brownie form. I couldn't even taste the peanut butter. When will people learn that peanut butter is a magnificent substance all on its own. I ended the night at Liquiteria where all the food was great, and it was my cheapest meal at under $12. I really loved the tofu dog and grainy mustard.

For culture I visited the New York Historical Society Museum. The exhibit on 9/11 was breathtaking. The staff was friendly, the exhibits well organized, the information digestable. I loved it. I also watched Persepolis - a WONDERFULLY animated film about a young girl growing up in Iran during the Islamic Revolution. I thought it was wickedly (Bostonian term) clever and brilliantly illustrated. The grandma's insight into men is priceless. I'll paraphrase...
"You'll meet a lot of jerks that will hurt you. If they do, it is because they are stupid. Forgive them and don't be bitter or resentful as a result". Isn't that genius!?!

NYC was just what I needed. Now I'm ready for a rockin' New Years Eve house crawl and a new Boston life.