New York City

In New York City, the people are not at all rude.  The boys wear skinny jeans and the girls wear braids. The city blocks are only a few feet long, and before you know it, you have walked from 40th street all the way to Central Park in less than half an hour. Contrary to what you may have once or twice been told, rats do not infest the city.  The only thing that does infest the city is the constant sound of rubber over gravel, which in itself is a pretty pleasant sound when you're walking down Madison Avenue by yourself at 2am.

In New York City, the buildings are older than you are, especially the gorgeous Art Deco ones like the old GE building.  You can be on your way to Starbucks and as you turn a corner, you find yourself face to face with one of these giants and instantly you are reminded that your body is just flesh and bone, and these giants will outlive you.  It is a great idea to get purposely lost, use these buildings as your guide, and make your way around the city with no specific plans. It will not disappoint you.

In New York City, the subway is not scary. Regardless of the time of night, Grand Central Station's heart is beating, balanced and in tune to the subway's steady breathing. Together they are a thing of irresistible beauty with its own heart and soul. I was fortunate enough to be a part of this living, breathing thing for a couple of days, and since leaving, I feel that some part of me is missing...left there only to wait for the rest of me to return so we can once again be whole.

-M.

At the New York Public Library, the lions keep guard over the books, even after midnight.

Chrysler Building

The Subway

Grand Central Station

Grand Central Station

Grand Central Station

Life of Pi

I read Yann Martel's Life of Pi almost ten years ago.  I loved it so much I constantly think about it and recommend it to everyone who asks for reading suggestions.  Those who have taken my advice have loved it as well.

There was talk of a film adaptation for a long time but the problem was in directing: no one wanted the job (which would be daunting, as 90% of the book takes place at sea). Finally, after much speculation of Jean-Pierre Jeunet (!!!) heading the film, it was Ang Lee who got the job and things finally started happening.  Film production had been on hold for a long, long time but finally, the film is in post-production and due for release this December!!!

If you have no idea what the book is about, here is a quick summary:
Indian boy named Pi, after a horrific boat accident, winds up stranded on a life boat with a tiger named Richard Parker.  An incredible bond is developed between tiger and boy, out of mutual respect. Pi's story is not only intense, but also incredibly beautiful as he struggles with his own understanding of life and the philosophies of religion: he is raised a Hindu, but strongly wants to belong to many different religions and beliefs all at the same time.

It is beautifully written by Martel, so much so that it remains one of my favorites after so many years...and will continue to be for many more to come.

This is the FIRST PEEK at Pi and Richard Parker on film! I am majorly nerding out over this!

Go read it.  Now.