So I did it! Voyaged to Bushwick yesterday afternoon. An attempt to recreate the past! Perhaps. Emerged with a totally different perception--of myself! Of the neighborhood as well, but definitely of what that "voyage" means to me after four years and the isolation brought on by the pandemic and of course, the illness.
Spent the morning with chores. The "kicked off" around 2. 1 train to 14th; L to Jefferson---not a very long trip. L full of people going to Brooklyn. Got off at Jefferson---walked to Cobra Club. Found my bartender friend Olivia at the bar---not very crowded at 3:30. Nice to check in with her. We went through the list of old friends and acquaintences we knew over the last 8 or 9 years. Hung out a bit then left for my ultimate goal of the day. To see a movie at Syndicated Bar and movie theater---a venue of Bogart Street a little bit closer to Williamsburg. Syndicated had opened pre pandemic--it always seemed like it would be meaningful to watch a movie there---the movie that I wanted to see was Shiva Baby--an independant film showing at 6. Walked the half mile or so from Cobra to Syndicated---surrounded by mostly young couples moving back and forth. Got my ticket early with no problem---the cashier-bartender was very nice. Had some time to walk on Bogart. Saw Swallow, a coffee shop I used to visit a long time ago, and the Pine Box Rock Shop bar---visited several times pre pandemic to watch baseball or football. Nice, welcoming place. Harder to go into a bar now that I can't order alcohol. Not very crowded---I don't think they would mind if I ordered a sprite---but just observed--and returned to Syndicated.
Loved the movie space venue---enjoyed the movie--an independant film about a young woman about to graduate college at the crossroads of her life. Lots of Jewish bickering and semi-sterotypical "opinions" throughout the movie, but it all worked for me. One actress in a featured role had played Masha in a production of Three Sisters that I directed in the mid-eighties. Seats have lot of room---place half filled so it was almost a private showing---sightlines excellent. The bar at Syndicated was kind of crowded when the film ended so I did not stay around---time to return to the upperwest side? Possibly.
A short walk before hitting the L. Time to take stock. What was different then pre-pandemic cityboy? Who was this new person participating in the Saturday night rituals of the neighborhood. Walking the streets of Bushwick I feltisolated--like a strange visitor aware of his difference. Don't remember experiencing that before. Is it the time...? The vision I have of myself (my hair is gone)...how I cope with the issues of the illness---that now separate me from that much younger group. There is a surreal quality to this whole voyage. Can I do it again...? Do I want to...? Thought I might get off at Bedford and wander around a bit, but actually got off at 3rd Avenue and had a tuna sandwich at a low keyed diner on 17th street. (we are in Manhattan now) Needed a different venue. Then I returned home.
Tired today--should rest---maybe make it to Drama Book Shop or Library on 40th and 5th which is opened on Sunday. Have to be ready for tomorrow's session---will report soon.
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