Support

A mention of current US politics seems no longer unavoidable these days. On the subway, on Facebook, in the media, this election seems to represent much more than the last few in the hearts and minds of people in the States and even many abroad. I have watched the two Presidential debates, like many of you, and I will vote.

A few days ago, this latest frenzy landed on my block. Chico painted a huge mural, almost half a city block long. The main message urges people to vote period. Interesting though, Obama is depicted with people carrying signs that read, "yes we can!" in English and Spanish, an American flag behind him. Meanwhile, McCain is on the left, arms wrapped around the globe, flanked by a soldier, backed by the night sky. One could argue that these are depictions of the priorities of both. But to me, it seems obvious who Chico wishes to endorse. Obama triumphant, smiling, McCain almost stricken.

Regardless, I am thankful that this type of expression is still commissioned in the neighborhood.

Green-ville

This morning my Dad and I visited a building in Battery Park City known as "America's first environmentally responsible residential tower." We viewed the basement first, how the building recycles its water (sewage and all). My Dad and his colleague filled a bucket at a sampling spout but I couldn't muster the gall to take a sip.

We headed up to the roof after that--a view that must lend gorgeous sunsets over the Hudson. And into a model apartment, the floors made of recyclables, the lights also energy-saving, all the materials in the apartment are environmentally friendly, green. For a new building, I don't know why any company, municipality wouldn't go this route. Retro-fitting prewar buildings in the city, however, seems a far more daunting task.

Once outside, we walked through the all-organic garden and grounds. It's a beautiful community. A one-bedroom starts at about $3500. Lately, I've worried that the paint chipping in my apartment may be lead-based and hazardous. Wouldn't it be great if green could become the default?

Avenue Q & the joint

My Dad's here for a night and a day. What a fun guy.

Last night we went to Avenue Q. Has anyone heard about it? It won a Tony a few years back. Well, it's puppets. Which I knew. Actors walk the puppets around--puppeteers--speaking on behalf of the puppet characters. At first it's hard to concentrate on a puppet. You end up just watching the actor. But minutes in, without your acknowledgment or any notice, your focus has already shifted to the puppet. And, in certain instances, they make sarcastic jokes, poke fun at current events, politicians. There is even a love scene.

While people doing it can be uncomfortable enough to have to view with your father at your side, puppets going at it is somehow worse. The impression being that puppets teach you how to read, play jacks, make you laugh. They exist in a child's world. In your childhood. So it's more excruciating, shocking, almost offensive to watch them engage in a little sexual healing. Right next to your Dad. Oh well. This is New York City. And anything goes.

Before the show we went to Burger Joint. This is the closest I can get you to the place. It's tucked in a tiny room in the lobby of Le Parker Meridien. We snuck in the side door to go better unnoticed. The only sign for the joint is a glowing neon burger hidden down a hallway. Once inside, you'd never know you were in a hotel. Bar stools, graffiti on the walls. I order "the works" and a beer. We perched on bar stools and ate elbow to elbow in the packed, wood-paneled room. Pretty delicious. And authentic.

To sleep is to dream

I awoke this morning to something new. A chill in the air that made me want to stay put. To snuggle into the covers and relax. To wrap up in a cocoon. A feeling of comfort and excitement for what the winter is to hold. Having such little winter in Atlanta, I fell in love with New York's the first I spent here. And today, it was a rekindling of that New York City spirit. Anything is possible, your dreams all possible.

On a plane

Have I mentioned that I love traveling? It doesn't matter where, just take me away. I've been looking back on photos I've taken and think I'm going to do an airplane series. Maybe in Japan?? Turns out I take more photos in flight than on the ground. And maybe, just maybe it'll be interesting for people other than me.

Random notes from Playa del Carmen

We are staying at a resort, all-inclusive, quite nice for my usual standards for travel housing, amenities. And here are a few tidbits from the first few days.

1. There are ashtrays on the toilet paper roll holders just in case you have to use both hands.
2. Take a gypsy cab from the airport and pay half price.
3. Never take the elevators. That's where the mosquitoes lay in wait.
4. Enano is the word midget in Spanish.

More later.

More travel

We touched down in the Cancun airport today, headed south to Playa del Carmen. In a taxi cab, our driver asked if we wanted to stop at the 7-11 for some beer. Ha. As though that were even a question. And how funny. Who'd have expected a 7-11 on the side of the road?

I love traveling. It doesn't matter where, when. Just absorb me in something new and different.