I've been in NY for six days now. All is going pretty well, despite some spectacular examples of incompetence and obtuse thinking. It's already apparent that the bureaucracy of the US is going to be a constant source of bewilderment and irritation. Perhaps even worse, however, is the rudeness and general lack of manners I've encountered. Until yesterday I was here with Chloe and in just a few days we saw instances of impoliteness (to put it mildly) that almost defied belief. But, on the other hand, we met many nice people too, including the woman at FAO Schwarz who gave us a free chocolate brownie and directions to a nearby store, and the man comically who told us to "get a room" when I was tickling Chloe (or "Chole", as she was dubbed at one point). Anyway, all of this led me at one point to storm into Low Library (not actually a library for those who aren't familiar with Columbia's campus) shouting "Americans need to learn some manners!!!", drawing glares from the two middle-aged Americans sitting inside.
Tomorrow I move into my new apartment, or at least pick up the key (the Columbia Housing people win the award for rudest and most idiotic people encountered thus far, by the way). Soon thereafter I can stop living out of suitcases and start to get my life into some semblance of order. I have to complete my MA dissertation within the month and classes begin here on September 4th so it's important I get things sorted out asap.
Some good things over the past few days: dinner with Susie and Jeremy; dinner with Tom; the pleasant weather; West Ham winning; pizza; the grocery store just by my apartment; the Labyrinth Books loyalty card ($10 voucher for every $100 spent); the Sunday market by Columbia; the many free gigs and films on offer; the budget lovingly prepared for me by Chloe; the Chinese "take-out" that fed me for three days; Michael; free headphones at the Apple Store; spending time with Chloe.
The next post should include some photos and info on my new apartment. Hopefully it will be a little more coherent too. I hope everyone is good and well. Bye for now!
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2 comments:
Ha ha! It's good to know that your scholarly allegiance with America has not cowed your innate rage at all things indecorous. Remember during our trip to NY where a small man, inexplicably, tried to start a fight with you? And of course the initially generous but quickly unreasonable hotelier! "I am sick and tired of this bathroom guy!!"
I DO remember that! Hilarious. He barged into me and then, in some kind of psychopathic rage, turned around and was like, "You gotta problem buddy!? Huh?!" We just kinda laughed and ignored him. The best thing to do with angry short men.
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