today......

in the past twenty four hours, I have been to Williamsburg, and Harlem.
1. Williamsburg:  saw The Beckett Cycle at Soundscape Festival at Brick theater. Beckett always hard to watch and deal with---really distances the viewer, you have to love words. First piece fun but over excessive. Second and third, Eh Joe, and Act Without words part 2, difficult but thinking about it, fascinating. Done with a great deal of commitment. Second part had two mixed media pieces, a little foggy, the fifth piece Act Without Words, 1 also had a strong commitment from its performers, especially the male one. Wasn't sure what to do afterwards, late, became very hungry, did not want to return to city still hungry, pizza place on Bedford much too crowded, finally had a bagel with a few pieces of American Cheese on it at the bagel store near North 6th street. Filled me up, Spyten Duyvil not too crowded, but did not want to go in, not sure why, sometimes I just stay away from places where I am not known.
Today, Harlem, a story in itself. Began tutoring Noagh, a really  nice young man entering sixth grade.
Harlem has really been transformed---sense of unreality as I sit in the coffee place on 129th off Lenox. Ask myself, "how does this gentrification effect me?" Probably would have to answer that question on several levels, on one hand, I enjoy moving around the neighborhood, feeling safe, not isolated, marvelous brownstones to observe--really beautiful architecture most of which is restored. Nice to have places to go into where I can read.
Other level---gentrification means a higher standard of living is necessary to maintain one's lifestyle.As someone on a "tight" income (at least that is what I like to call it) the gentrification brings up prices which have a direct effect on me. So am I a beneficiary of gentrification or a "victim"? Who is to say...?
Tonight, final hangout with faculty of Friends, if I can find out where the faculty will be partying, after the dinner. No such luck yet. Next two days, plenty of theater to commit too...we shall see....