Three days on the road is not unusual for me, however, this trip is different in that we have flown out of a mellow colored world to a world of white. Temperatures of 35 to -9. Bright summer cottons to thick dark woolens. The contrast couldn’t be more defined. I picture friends Jeanette and Garry who left the same day as us to go mid north and face flies, blue skies, red earth and temperatures in the 50's. Just days ago we were sitting having coffee on my porch swing, comfy wearing our shorts and sandals!!!!
New York was our destination Tuesday. What can I say, New York is an institution and after 36 hours traveling it was good to get out and walk the streets finally ending up at a Manhattan diner. Many of the diners are situated on corner blocks and they have an inner shell for the main part of the restaurant and diners sit in the windows on display for all to see. It's a prime position for people watching. In the corner of the window was a tall glass fitting which had the most amazing pies and cakes slowly revolving on pedestals to tempt the weak. I have given up asking for a small serve and inevitably only eat half the meal. Yesterday, Wednesday, we walked around the city. Even the strong wind and rain can't diminish the excitement of New York. The billboards beg you to view their wares. Bright lights accentuated by the reflection of rain demand your attention and there were so many things we would have loved to have seen. Opra Winfrey's stage play of the Color Purple. Lion King... So many others. There is a moving stream of people of every racial persuasion and dress - and bright yellow taxi's.
Heavy weather altered our travel plans and we arrived in a snowy Minneapolis late in the evening, tired but thrilled to be here. I think we will change plans and stay here in the cities for another night. I have about 8 hours of work to do on my manuscript and then I can relax, chat with friends and catch up on the past few months.
The traveler sees what he sees. The tourist sees what he has come to see. ~G.K. Chesterton
