Friday 19 th Museum of Arts and Design

I had a very nice morning pastry and decent cup of coffee at Bouchon Bakery – same family as Per Se – apparently one of the top NY restaurants -  almost overlooking Central Park in the Time Warner centre at Columbus Circle.  Then I went to the Museum of Arts and Design over the road. It ‘explores the intersection of art, craft and design today..’ The first gallery was called ‘Against the Grain: Wood in Contemporary Art, Craft and Design.’ . There were some amazing pieces.  One of my favourites was a rocking chair that looked like a recumbant bicycle ( without the flag on a stick)  made of  bubinga wood.  I donot think I can put photos here. Pity. The second gallery was called ‘Playing with Fire’.  There were large bowls, small bowls, combinations of things with a message. My favourite was a bright 2 dimensional piece by Lino Tagliapietra  called Central Park. It is on his website.  There was another gallery of jewellery, most of which was big, far bigger than a normal person would wear.

My next task was to pick up my Tshirt and bib number for the 9/11 Memorial Fun Run / Walk on Sunday that I have entered. I had wanted to do the run but did not get my entry in in time and so am doing the walk. This is better because logistically I was not sure how to manage the run with clothing. They are not having a bag drop.   Anyway, I looked up the address, caught the train and got out at the wrong stop. I had not wanted to walk any more than I had to today. Ah well, it was only 10 blocks.  I chatted to a few people in the queue for the 10 minutes or so I had to wait. I was expecting longer.  The store Brookes Brothers was giving 10% off to participants today only. All I could see from the concierge’s desk, where the collection point was , was fancy men’s clothes and a big display of models dressed in the super elegant evening clothes of the Great Gatsby era. I asked the doorman  if the store sold women’s clothes. Yes, he said, but not quite like those, pointing to the beeded brocaded slinky numbers.  Oh, said I, I thought I’d like a new little black dress’. He grinned at me, and proceeded to describe in great detail  all the dresses.  Upstairs in the women’s clothes I found that they had a buy 2 and get a third free promotion. An hour or so later I was paying at the till for a pair of shoes, black pants and shirt.  I said  ‘that doesnot sound enough’, having done a quick sum in my head. What I did not know was that they were also giving 20% off for some charity promotion. She said ‘ Because you have saved $x today, would you like to make  donation?” I think , in retrospect , I was meant to donate the 20% to the charity Make a Wish.  I did make a donation but not 20%. The whole process was very tiring. I am not good at ‘shopping’. 

I looked at my map to see if I recognised any food places nearby. Sure enough, Grand Central Station and its oyster bar were only a few blocks away.  So I went and had some oysters and manhattan chowder. Delicious.

There is a place described in my ‘Peaceful Places’ not far. I found it and sat for a bit, In a plaza between 2 streets is a 4m plexiglass tunnel with water cascading over it. It is quite calming.  

There are 3 banks near me. Last year 1 found 1 of the 3 did not charge me a fee. This year I walked past the first 2 to the one that did not charge me last year and found that my card would not work.  The guy said it was too scratched. Hmm, I thought , it is hardly used. Stupidly I walked further away, rather than going back. The next bank charged me.  Next time I want money I will look at the start of the day rather than end.