Saturday was my first full day of adventuring. I felt ready to explore. Although it was chilly, the sun was shining. I packed up my backpack and headed out for a meal at the Peacefood Cafe.
There are 2 locations of this exclusively vegan cafe-one on 11th St., the other on Amsterdam. I chose the 11th St. location. I took the train to Union Square and could tell right away that I liked this neighborhood. It seemed like there was more room to breathe after being in Times Square for work every day. It was calmer and quieter, but still active. I easily found Peacefood Cafe. It was nicely decorated and welcoming. I love going to restaurants where I have so many choices, it is difficult to choose, but this usually only happens when I visit Chicago. The vegan scene in Southwest Michigan is certainly lacking.
Furthermore, dining alone meant I didn’t have to feel bad for accompanying omnivores who would not share my enthusiasm for the entirely plant-based menu. I had books for company, and that was fine. I started with the soup of the day, a celery root soup that warmed me up. Torn between an entree of vegan pizza or a sandwich, I opted for the sandwich. It was everything my ideal sandwich should be: crunchy toasty bread, yummy veggies, and creamy condiments to marry it all together. Needless to say, I was happy with my order.
Here is Peacefood’s menu for those of you are interested:
http://www.peacefoodcafe.com/menu/
I stashed a raspberry jam spelt bar in my backpack for later and set off for my next destination: the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building at 5th Ave. and 42nd St. It is the central location of the New York Public Library.
Even though navigation predicted a 30 minute walk from my whereabouts to NYPL, I had read that walking the city was the best way to see it, and I was in a new area so I was up for it. I passed NYU and Washington Square Park on the way.
As is becoming my new normal, I got lost…and on top of that my phone died. I did not panic, because I knew that I could find a taxi and get home no matter what. Nonetheless, I continued to wander. I found Avenue A, and then hit upon the legendary Strand bookstore, which I remembered from a guidebook. They had a big sale of $1 books displayed along the sidewalk. The interior of the store bustled with bibliophiles. However, I was not deterred from my purpose. Also, it’s already going to be a logistical matter leaving the city with more than I came with. I stopped inside just long enough to ask directions from a local and then left. Perhaps I will return there another, less hectic, time.
As I continued, I walked past, and then turned back around to enter, a nifty thrift store called Cure. I knew I was already going to miss the NYPL tour so I figured I’d take my time and stop in. It was a neat little place and if I hadn’t been on a mission I’m sure I would have spent more time and money there. Still, I found a few small presents for people, got better directions from the shopkeeper, and went on my merry way.
I got on the train the shopkeeper had recommended and sped off to Grand Central Station. All the confidence I’d gained navigating the subway stations evaporated as I got wholly turned around in the colossal Grand Central, which hosts Amtrak, the MTA, and probably other modes of transportation. It’s a beautiful place but it’s hard to pull over and admire it while people jet about in all directions.
I exited and found Library Way. Embossed metal plates with different literary quotes lead you towards your goal. I didn’t snap any photos of course, but you can likely find them online.
Once I’d hopped up the stairs and passed bag inspection, I was free to roam the library. It was, of course, crowded. It’s all marble and wood, completely breathtaking. I was there to do more than sight-see though, so I found the Rose Main Reading Room, once more proffered my backpack to the security guards, and found an empty spot to study at.
Although the room was full of people, everyone was quiet and respectful. I stayed for a couple of hours. Here is a photo of the Rose Main Reading Room that I found online.
I just had time to visit the gift shop and spend a shameful amount of money before closing time. But I’m sure I’ll be back. I returned to Grand Central Station to take the train that would get me to my bus home. The train I boarded must have been an express train. It flew right past the stop I intended to get off at. That was okay, it was simple enough to get back on the other way. But it was while I waited for the next train that I saw it out of the corner of my eye-a flicker of movement on the track, and a spindly tail that could mean only one thing: I’d spotted my first subway rat!
I kept my eyes peeled and saw two more rats. They didn’t seem any larger than normal rats. I was gleeful to see them and couldn’t wait to tell Dani; I think rat sightings are a quintessential New York experience, and I wanted to have that. I am shocked that I didn’t encounter them earlier. Later on I watched this informational video about the city rats. And if the rats gross you out, as they probably should, you can skip right over it.
Oh great, you’re still here and I didn’t lose you! Once my bus, my knight in shining armor on its trusty steed really, dropped me off me at home, I was worn out and ready to be at my apartment for the rest of the night. I made some dinner, talked to some of the folks back home, and slept in on Sunday.
Sunday was a mellow yet productive day for me. I cleaned a bit, did laundry, studied, went for a walk along the East River, cooked, chatted with one of my roommates, wrote postcards, and wrote this blog post. I feel refreshed and ready for my second week of work. I don’t have any major plans for the week, but Saturday I’m going to The Schomburg Center’s Annual Black Comic Book Festival! Follow the link for the event listing. I expect it to be a fantastic cultural celebration. https://www.nypl.org/node/381901
In the meantime, I’ll leave you with another view looking across the East River. Have a great week everybody!
Elyse in NYC 