Day 5

This, being my last day in NYC, was a slower-paced, reflective day. While I was fairly aggressive in packing my days full, today was a lot more sitting, reflecting and talking to people.

It began with a hearty meal of: papaya juice and hotdogs. Thank goodness I finally found this place! The verdict? Mmm…salty hotdogs with sweet papaya juice = culinary goodness.



Next was a visit to the Greenmarket Farmer’s Market at Union Square. A few days a week, farmers and local merchants gather together to sell their products at Union Square. Typical of most farmer’s markets, it featured art, honey and jams, wines, fruit & veggies, as well as hand-knitted hats and clothing. It was sunny today, so I also spent some time on a bench reading, and people watching. It was great.



Following this was my ongoing effort to locate John Mayer. Knowing that he resided in Soho (or at least had an apartment there!), I took the subway in that direction crossing my fingers that I might….just might spot the guitar extraordinaire, and have him serenade me. Instead, I spent the rest of the day walking down Canal Street, known for its “I [heart] NY” paraphernalia, and any other souvenir crap and fake rolex watches offered by shady men in a back alley. The surrounding area also houses some historical sites and art museums, but I really just absorbed walking thru the streets and interacting with the street vendors. I got into one fascinating conversation with a storeowner who told me that his rent for the business was $30,000 a month!! I couldn’t believe it. Thankfully, he said, he does have regular business from tourists, and has been in NYC for 22 years, after leaving Bangladesh. After asking where I worked, and a little bit more of my life back home, he rewarded me with a free NYPD shot glass, lol. I was very appreciative of the gesture, and thanked him kindly for the discount of no tax and the free shot glass.

I ate dinner at a delicious restaurant on my own while continuing to read my book, and arrived home in Livingston just in time to play a round of the Bean Game, and call it a night.

I was tired. I was so happy. I am so thankful.

dL