Transit and Tootings
Friday March 23, 2007
Bittersweet leaving Blacksburg, standing in front of a more than coffee joint in a silent circle, smiles and encouraging glance say farewell. The bus will take me on my NYC way. Blacksburg is exactly like Eugene, small and dependant on the university….where bikes, adventure, books, radio, and staple grub is what to do. Shooting the shit is that to do, the bus ride went by quick and upon pulling into the DC area my nerves started to get rallied by a girl sitting in front of me, “Aren’t you nervous riding alone?” was her reply to my inquiry about what metro line to take to Union Station. Cake, I made it to good old Union Station just fine. Met up with Reggae Dave, beer belly and grin, welcomed me warmly. Chatting and smiles like no time had passed. Got my hands on some whisky and cracked it opened on the train in the dinner car. While in line I overheard a conversation that pertained to my being a daughter. A seated gentleman who was instigating the conversation had noticed my perked up ears and welcomed me to their table. The whisky was an even bigger ice breaker and I was then proclaimed a regular commuter. Harold, Tom, and Jamal take the train Daily. They know each other, others, and all the workers on the line, we chummed it up and then the last stop rolled around, FINIALLY NEW YORK CITY….
Bustle and hustle, people b-lining around. Signs led me to the open street. Friday night put people jammed onto 57th and Park. Energy all around. Hailed a cab and arrived at our spot. Dylan and I found our way to a notable bar a block away, The Beauty Bar. Décor is everything. Although the bar itself is a bit dank, the DJ brightened up the dingy old hair dyers and glitter cut outs with some good old golden oldies. A great dancer attracted himself to me and we literally tore up the back end dance floor. Swing moves and all, we had a circle form for us. He had some accent and smelled way to much of aftershave, yet was a warm welcome to the city the never sleeps.
