Mid-morning and we’re sitting in the cafe of the Barnes and Noble bookstore at 82nd and Broadway in Manhattan.
I’m on my second single expresso, Meredith is making her cappuccino last.
(We’ll be here later this afternoon for the Pop-Up event at 5pm.)
“Green tea, right?” says the manager to a new arrival, clearly a regular.
He is a jovial cove who runs a friendly coffee bar.
He knows his regulars but serves everyone with the same in-the-moment civility. It makes for a feeling of community–however fleeting–and reminds me of a library in the “old days”–but without the “shhh!” factor!
The tables of coffee lounge/bar are filling up–with mostly single occupation–as people stop by for a mid-morning morale booster.
“Sir, you just dropped your wallet–I didn’t want you to..!”
“Thank you so much!” I say to the young woman and we have a moment of unspoken understanding of what it might mean to mislay your wallet in the city.
Everyone is reading or working a computer–with one exception.
We’ve noticed that coffee lounges that offer wi-fi serve some as make-do offices.
The woman behind me chats on her mobile, connecting with a world elsewhere–breaking out of the floating “fraternity” and distracting me, unaccountably, in a way that the nearby conversation doesn’t.
I move to another table and re-establish contact with my temporary ever-changing safe haven.
I was in the ladies room at the movie theatre recently and not only did a woman answer her phone but she had the entire conversation on speaker!
Sounds like the beginning of an interesting novel or script . . .
Welcome, Welcome,
We hope your visit will be good and prosperous.
ellen and esther
Navigating the world “Elsewhere” is an adventure we all deal with.
Quiet “cars” on the train to Philadelphia are a blessing. I once was
travelling on a train from Manchester to Widnes ( UK ) when this guy
“I hesitate to use “gentleman” conversed with a client very loudly and
gave out his ‘phone number. The devil in me wanted to jot it down
and call him around 3am in the morning – I didn’t !!! I’m a Lancashire
lass and wouldn’t dream of letting my county down !! One of these days
Robin I hope to visit you in France ( maybe take a class ) with my friend
I made in Colorado when Poldark was a big hit (in the 70s.) and brought us together.
It’s a small world !
Yes, you’re right. I ‘ve noticed the same with students at the university at Christmas. Instead of mixing and talking with the others, many were sitting at the Christmas meal texting and looking at their mobile phones!
Is the art of conversation and communication dead?
Having a be in? Enjoy your work Robin, thanks for sharing your gifts, Would love to meet you and Meredith, but can’t make it down from Woodstock NY today. Congratulations on having good taste in Music and Food!
with best wishes,
a Fan
So sorry not to make down to NY to see you today! I have my old box set of Poldark books from tahe 70’s I was going to bring! It’s not that far from Cape Cod but just not able to do it. I hope you have a wonderful trip to the States and I look forward to you posts, thank you for those. Any chance of your “She Loves Me” being available on DVD? It’s one of my favorite shows and yours is great. Thanks again for all your work and I love your recipes.
As a native New Yorker transported many years ago to DC, I think New Yorkers are pretty caring people.
Unfortunate about the woman chatting loudly on her phone, but that’s the way it goes sometimes. Hope you had a relaxing morning!
Meredith.. Re dress rental, I found this listing online
:Ilus
248 Elizabeth St.
New York, NY 10012
646-454-1678
ilus-nyc.com
Head to NoLita for this luxury boutique that allows you to rent special occasion pieces as you please. From Badgley Mischka cocktail dresses to Marc Bouwer gowns, there’s a dress for every event. Take advantage of being able to try on your dresses before buying, and take a peek at the accessories to ensure your look is complete. Just be careful – if you damage the dress, you’ll have to buy it at full price.
Don’t know if you’ve got time, or if they’re what you want… But thought I’d give it a shot!
Great to meet you both, Robin and Meredith. Enjoy your stay!
Nancy Nichols
Thanks Nancy–so kind of you to investigate.
We leave in a couple of hours–so we’ll have to cobble something in Washington.
Lovely to meet you too.
Hope your Board meeting was bearable!
Oh, thanks! Just had such a fine time–you guys are wonderful! Can’t wait to try some new recipes on my family! As to Meredith’s dress, I searched online and found a spot called Secondi, at 1702 Conn. Ave. NW, near the DuPont Circle metro station. 202-667-1122. Maybe they’ll have some finery?
Best,
Nancy N
Hi, Robin & Meredith,
It turns out we had NO SCHOOL yesterday! But the roads weren’t so great; had to drive a few miles into town for a snow-blower part & saw TWO cars off the road, side by side. Decided a trip to New York would’ve been a little sketchy. Hope you’re having fun! Be safe!
Cheers & hugs,
Dianne & Gene
Too far–thanks for even thinking of coming. We had a good turn out and enjoyed it immensely.
Onwards today!
Welcome back to the states.
Get ready for some cold weather (again) in DC.
Hello,
I just wanted to say Thank You! for the phone message yesterday!! My Mum met you in DC, and she had you give me a call. Unfortunately, I was out and didn’t know my phone rang. Wish I could have spoken to you! Maybe next time you’re in the states, or if I happen to go back overseas we can meet in person. I hope you had a lovely time in DC.
Thank you again for the message. It was a lovely surprise when I checked my phone. You made my day!
Safe travels,
Katy England
Thanks Katy–glad you got the message and sorry you couldn’t be there in person.
A la prochaine fois!
Hi Robin, I wish I was in New York too, first on my list.
Yes, you are quite right that mobil phone makes one feel like: “I don’t want to hear your personal conversation”. In Holland you have got silent places in the train, where this is not allowed.
Enjoy, all the good things!
Must have been very exciting in DC today – a momentous day!
Dear Robin:
Enjoyed your piece about B & N In NYC. Please give notice whenever you are in the States as I travel around a bit, with bases in NY and Florida, and would love to attend a book-signing of yours!
Your fan, Kathryn Malone Rizzo
Thanks Katherine–we try to give enough notice of these pop-ups for people to plan ahead.