The day started as usual, watching morning TV, writing, and looking for interesting events or places in the City. Bingo–the deli by SoHo where the waiter heard “I want what she had!” in the  1977 movie, When Harry Met Sally,

Maps revealed it was 4.6 walking miles. I chose my best comfy shoes.

I planned my walking tour:  head down Broadway to Richard Rogers Theater on 46th to ask how to be placed on the lottery for Hamilton tickets; to East Houston (pronounced like a house) to lunch at KATZ Delicatessen, a first; return via Max Brenner’s on Broadway close to Union Square Park, for the best chocolate martini in my world; lastly, go to the Workshop Theater on 36th, between 8th and 9th for The Astonishing Times of Timothy Cratchit, a first.

Everything went as planned, other than the three times I asked for directions. I don’t eat meat, so my only choice for lunch at the Jewish Deli was a potato knish. I was astounded by the amount of meat on the sandwiches which men, and women alike, ate entirely. A man said, while chewing, “This is the best food anywhere!”

I didn’t resist a take-out, homemade, fruit strudel from a little bakery, and I enjoyed unique window shopping on the Bowery, especially spotting Republican and Democrat coffee mugs. On sale of course, and what everyone needs.

The martini did not disappoint, nor did the Workshop Theater’s cast of Timothy Cratchit. It was as entertaining as any Broadway production. The talent I’ve seen keeps me in awe.

Yes, it rained, so I bought another umbrella. By the time I arrived back to 57th street I was more than tired, and my comfy shoes were not only wet, but my feet hurt. Ten miles is starting to feel normal.

Wednesday, I stayed close to home and saw the movie, Jackie. Lowe’s Theater on Broadway was beautiful, but the DVD in the three-quarter full theater had technical problems. Observing people in the theater who resembled Sniff, Surry, Hem and Haw in Who Moved MY Cheese was humorous.

The movie left me melancholy. Natalie Portman nailed it, but I regressed to being a junior in high school sitting in science class; when I heard the news from the school intercom.  A Jackie quote caught my thoughts: “There are two kinds of women, those who want power in the world, and those who want power in bed.” Hmm.

After dinner at Il Violino on Columbus and 68th, I went to New Dance: Edition 2016 at Juilliard’s Peter Jay Sharp Theater, a first. There were four groups of dancers; first-year students, second year, etc.  Ballet and modern combined in each segment. Juilliard has approximately 900 students from 39 countries. I sat by a student from Poland who was in “vocal arts, opera.” I felt emerged with the prestigious, intellectual, and talented; similar to when I walked the streets of Oxford.

On my way home I stopped by the market, and a man shaking his cup stood by the door, as usual.  I’ve never given him money, but I decided to buy him coffee, a roast beef sandwich, and a banana.

When I offered it to him, he softly said, “Um, I don’t… um, need this. I don’t… um…not what I want, um… I guess… um, I could take the sandwich.” He then looked into my eyes and said, “Thank you, ma’am.”

He didn’t want the coffee loaded with sugar and cream. I asked another man who was trash dumping if he would like some coffee, and he said, “No, thanks.”

I forgot; we can’t assume to know what others want or need. Silly me.

Two Months of Firsts – #10

Posted on December 8, 2016