“What I would like you to tell me is something that makes me travel. I like to travel and I’m running out of time these days. »
This email from Alain Granger made me smile. I appreciate when readers clearly state their needs and that was good, I was just planning a short stay in New York.
It’s a tradition with us. Every winter my lover and I spend a few days there. We flee the cold, as it is often warmer there than in Montreal. We eat a lot; we walk even more; we observe the fauna; petting dogs…
OK, is pets dogs.
I like this city because unlike here, pitous are everywhere. Better still, the masters often invite me to pet therapy when they see the tenderness in my eyes. (My lover says they just let me pet their dog because I scare them, but I’d rather believe they’re supporting my wholesome passion.)
In short, we stroll knowing that we are very lucky to have the luxury of strolling in such a city.
So it was with Alain Granger in mind that I made my trip to New York this year. What could I possibly bring back to take you on a trip?
I took notes. I deliver them to you in bursts.
PHOTO DANIEL BARRY, ARCHIVES THE NEW YORK TIMES
A rat on the New York subway train
First, I saw my first rats. I know they are one with the city, but I had never seen these beasts before. While waiting for the metro to go to a basketball game, I saw a plump rat on the train to my left. I looked away… To immediately see another one on the train on the right.
I was surrounded.
The problem is real. Richard Hétu wrote last January: “New York’s rat population, estimated at around two million, or one for every four humans, has not increased, but the pandemic has encouraged rodents to go out more and venture where we saw them less, or not. »
A new position has even been opened within the public administration: director of rodent control.
New York Mayor Eric Adams has said he wants to “fight crime, fight inequality and fight rats”. Big mandate, same.
Speaking of Eric Adams, his citizens snubbed him over the holidays. As New York City grappled with a major winter storm and with no sign of the chosen one, organizations circulated posters saying he was “missing” online.
« Have you seen this mayor ? »
I love New Yorkers’ sense of humor.
PHOTO HANS PENNINK, ARCHIVES ASSOCIATED PRESS
New York Mayor Eric Adams
I did not find Eric Adams during my journey. On the other hand, I came across a nice man, while I was reading on a park bench. He asked me where I was from. He added that he had never visited Montreal, but had been to Toronto before.
” How was it ?
— Very flat. »
I love the honesty of New Yorkers.
Interesting fact: the terraces were open. It was between 0 and 10°C, depending on the day, but the outdoor spaces were heated and often quite busy. I actually ate a psychedelic-themed meal in a little hut in the courtyard of our hotel.
PHOTO ANDRES KUDACKI, ARCHIVES ASSOCIATED PRESS
In the heart of January, the terraces were open in New York.
It reminded me of home. We obviously experience more extreme cold and snow accumulation than New York, but I briefly dreamed of warm terraces to enjoy in the fall and spring.
I don’t know if the costs would be worth it here. Or even if the municipal regulations would allow such freedom. But what I do know is that the pandemic has spawned flexibility in New York. It was granted 10 times more terrace permits in 2021. It was first a temporary measure to support restaurateurs, while the reception halls were closed, but the popularity of the initiative has made permanent.
I wonder if we could not be inspired by it.
It’s a bit of the beauty of traveling, isn’t it? Seeking what we could improve at home and getting bored of what we do better than elsewhere (nothing will ever beat the atmosphere of Montreal parks on a July evening).
The big discovery of my journey, now: the Sweet Pickle Books bookstore, where they sell used books and pickles. Two of my passions united; it’s genius. You will tell me that frankly, there is much better to discover in New York with all these museums and these shows… To which I will answer: they sell spicy pickles!
Otherwise, I noticed a trend in several markets and restaurants: brain food. In terms of marketing, several establishments are betting on a healthy food offer that would apparently help us age in good health. I don’t know how many superfood salads you have to eat in a lifetime to hopefully curb dementia, but I found the promise appealing…
In the clothing department? Trousers are still often worn without stockings. The New York ankle seems impervious to the winter breeze, lucky one. At the opposite end of the spectrum, the trend in SoHo is to wear our bottoms over our leggings.
It’s all or nothing, I think.
In a rush, to finish: there was still so much garbage in the street. A man mimed murdering me with a gun as I walked. Fortunately, I was too busy talking (probably about a dog) to my partner to see him. Customer service was warm as always (perhaps because of my fondness-inducing accent). And the energy was the same as every time…
Effervescent, in a hurry, too much.
What to leave believing that everything is possible.
Even face the rest of the winter.
