Crown of the Metropolis

We're back from New York and it all feels so empty. I'm facing packing up and moving out of Fremont but I really just want to go back to New York. Usually, after a week spent there, I start to get claustrophic and dying for home. I think the difference this time was hanging out in the East Village. Before, we always hung out on the West or Mid-town areas of Manhattan. Sure, we ventured into the Village and into SoHo occassionally but mostly we were up amongst the crowds and the gigantic highrises. I didn't even go above Union Square this time out.

Using Whole Foods on Houston (an amazing place with plenty of room for gatherings) as a central meeting spot all week, I found that Manhattan has enough space and parks to make me (finally) feel comfortable. Plus, New York had blazing hot weather all week and nothing beats hanging out in the city at three in the morning in shorts and a t-shirt. Jmz, Victor, and I all agreed that this was the life and that we need to return as soon as possible, assuming the weather is nice.

Another underrated thing about this trip was that the city seemed empty. The clubs and bars we ended up at each evening were relatively uncrowded (people go out of town on Memorial Day apparently). New York is death for big groups, as any gathering over six people can be a hassle. But, for the most part, we got along and around fine with a dozen or more people at a time. Usually it's a crazy mess trying to sit down to eat anywhere, find a place to go out, etc. This trip, every location that was chosen by our New York chaperons turned out to be perfect for setting, mood, and density.

Oh and did I mention how much I like Brooklyn? I think I did. Anyway, many thoughts, many adventures, I'll blog it out later. Many of the "regulars" weren't around but there's no way I'm letting another three years pass before I return to Manhattan so we'll gonna do this again, real soon. Here's some pictures from the trip. Thanks all!

New York 2007 Pictures
Jmz' Group Shot
Vloh's Photos
Jon's Flickr
Jon's Moblog