Ok, so when you have finally secured an apartment (handed the 6 month security bond over with much bitterness on Friday afternoon - so pissed off with that, I imposed self-denial and went to bed early - well after a bubble bath, come on people - can’t let your standards drop completely) - the next issue is furniture.In a city this size it should be easy, but size has its downside … I spent more of today sitting in subway cars than in furniture stores (note to self: be very thankful you didnt rent in Upper West Side - the feefee-brigade in force would have done your mind in - eeeek - the dogs are even tinier than the rest of the city - its a strange thing).

The one store that was promising was Foremost Furniture (recommended by my boss - thankyou) - 5 floors of furniture in a warehouse style place (8 W30th @ 5th/Bdway). The deal seems to be they go out with a wholesale list of furniture to the manufacturers for you. Upside, prices are better; downside, 6-12 week lead time for delivery - not positive unless you wish to sleep on the floor for 6-12 weeks.

Hmmm … so after a few of these furniture events I needed a drink and food … stumbled into Pad Thai (114 8th Ave @ 16th, Chelsea).

Yum-ing-go’s very tasty duck spring rolls and steamed dumpings, washed down with a lime margarita (new Saturday shopping policy - margarita’s at 3pm in summer), and the sweetest smiling wait-boi from Sydney … sorry people, shallow moment (though he was very kind as well - one thing I do love about this city is that people will talk to you all the time, its kinda nice when you are new and feel a bit lost at times).

I will have you know I also read the following profound thing from Martin Buber’s I-Thou during this meal and drink:

So long as the heaven of Thou is spread out over me the winds of causality cower at my heels, and the whirlwind of fate stays its course.

Cute Australian wait-boi suggested catching the free pickup bus to Ikea for furniture … given the crazy price of furniture I have looked at so far, along with its generic gentrified air about it, I may well just do that. Ok, I tipped him for his trouble - well the margarita did.

Categories: Arrival