In Village

I was off to New York last weekend. Every time I visit this city, it is as if I discover a new part of me. For one I realize that there is something common about big cities. New York, Paris, and Calcutta. In some sense they are similar in their own ways - like they belong to the one and exclusive metro club, the people's equivalent the billionaire club. Just like it does not matter which nationality you belong to. If you are billionaire you are more likely to do some common things - own your own jet, own a villa in French riveria, and probably shop at Asprey. Same goes with cities. A city like New York albeit located in US is more similar to Paris, and more importantly, the place I grew up - Calcutta. The fact that it is in America pales into a background. Compare New York with Indianapolis and also with Paris and you will understand what I mean.

Yesterday, I was up in the East Village - strolled along the sidewalks gazing at those artists and peddlers. I always love to hang out in this area. I love it better than Midtown. Not so many touristy but rather much of local artisty is present. Here I can treat myself to beautiful art and browze through DVDs of Goddard. Stop by Strand Book Store which by far is my all time favorite. An Italian lunch in Little Italy, and then stroll back to Union square to watch a group 100 people chanting "On Namah Shivayam" at a "Art of Living" session. While this is going on a black man walks around - shouting and yelling his frustrations - "The Indians are taking over, and I dont get to talk about my Christ." No matter how thin you slice it there will always be two sides. This is what I remembered

I have been taking it slow these days. I leave for san Francisco day after tomorrow. As I keep playing corners with Washington DC and San Francisco during weekdays and New York during weekends, I feel I am lucky. I feel I am having some of the best days in my life.