Okay, so people and animals: these seem to be the subjects I'm still terrible at getting into focus. This was the best photo I took of my most recent house-guest, the lovely Java. Or, I should say it was the better, since I only took two. In a period of 28 hours or so, I thought to pick up my camera only right at the very end, as she was leaving. And this photo does not do her justice. Forgetting about the camera was the least of it; I was, without a doubt, the most boring tour guide ever. She insists she had a good time (as did I), but she certainly didn't get to see New York. I met her bus near Penn Station, brought her back to the apartment, fully intending we would drop off her bag, then go see something, then we picked up the conversation we started via blog comments and emails. That was about 1:30pm. The next thing I knew, it was 9pm, all I'd offered Java was a glass of water, we'd never made it out of the house, not even to pick up the groceries I intended to use to cook dinner. She did get something of the New York experience though; we ordered take-out, and had it delivered to my fifth floor walk-up. "You order the best Chinese," she said.
We kept talking until 11pm, when I needed to check in with a West Coast friend, then we toddled to sleep around 1am. Over breakfast the next morning (I did finally make it to the grocery store), we agreed she should see Central Park at least, before we needed to get her back to her bus at 4:30. Then we returned to our conversation. Next thing we knew, it was 3:30, time to get to the bus station. Yup, Java came to New York, and saw... my apartment. Oh, she also got a glimpse of my neighborhood, and the subway, and midtown, but that was it. I really know how to show off this crazy, whacky town. I had a blast, though.
This blogging phenomenon continues to surprise and delight me. Java is now the third person I've met online who has gone on to appear in the real world too. I love email. I love blogs. Both have enriched my life immeasurably in the last few years. Nothing though, will ever replace the joy of a good long conversation. It's possible to take the verbal scenic route in a way that a computer screen can never equal. That may be one of the most banal observations ever made ("These findings, released today in DUH! Magazine..."), so I'll spare you the delights brought from being able to see, hear and touch someone who was previously characters from the ether... but suffice it to say, even when I know it will happen, the reality of it always manages to surprise me in delightful ways.
It was lovely having you here, Java.
9 comments:
Even if there wasn't a lot of sightseeing, it sounds like it was a good visit. And so you'll do more touristy things next time Java visits. In the meantime, you've built on a friendship, and that matters a lot more than sightseeing!
'What people really like to do is sit in rooms and talk.' (John Lennon)
You said that you'd like to see the T shirt that stopped traffic. I'd like to be in on a conversation that stopped New York City! I used to get take out at a restaurant on Broadway by the Beacon. Szechuan. That stuff was good enough to slow, if not stop, many a conversation.
Isn't your place on the Top Ten NYC Attractions list? Sounds like a great visit, though--I love conversations that get seriously out of hand.
Those are the best visits! However, if I ever come over to NYC from way over here, you'd better have a big tour planned! ;-)
I'm jealous that you've met Java in person. She is such a delight online that it is no surprise to me that she is a wonderful conversationalist in person.
I've met one of my fellow bloggers, Somewhere Joe, and he and I talked into the night. It was hard to leave. And I'd jump at the chance to do it again.
There is an ever-growing list of bloggers whom I'd like to meet, and some of them have no idea who I am. But you know you're one of them, right? Someday...
Yup... Java is the kindest, most loving person I have ever met. She's just a shining spirit.
'Twas truly a wonderful visit, my dear. I saw and did the thing I most wanted to do on that very short visit. I consider my time well spent. And I'd do it again in a heartbeat.
I think that is a nice picture of Java and there is nothing better than good conversation, craic, drink and good food. What could one need more than that? ( Well, maybe a few things, like sleep. I know where you thought I was going. Wants and needs are two different things.) ;)
Oh so very cool indeed! I don't know Java, but will pop by to read her blog and see for myself.
So glad you met, and had chinese takeout, yum!!!
Who needs a tour of NYC when you have the company of a fellow blogger?
xo
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