That Other Borough

Now playing: Slayer - Human Disease
via FoxyTunes So it was a busy weekend in that other borough (aka Manhattan). It is a well known fact that life in The Borough is deeply and directly connected to life in that other borough. I don't usually drop names, in fact I usually prefer to keep it all pretty anonymous - but I don't think MetalJohn would disapprove of being featured for the wild and wacky in the city posting.

It was a very metal birthday for John. Since it was across from Stuy town - I did manage to invite some of my local yokels to come by for a drink (or 5) and it was good. The bar is what used to b a neighborhood pharmacy, then turned into a bar (aptly names Barmacy) now converted into a tiki hut in Alphabet City called Otto's Shrunken Head. Other than some Hawaiian and Hawaiina decor and some rather festive drinks on the menu - its pretty much still basically a bar with a back room (really tiny) for bands and some games. It has a comfortable feel and still retains some of the downtown vibe.

John enjoyed my gift of old Iron Maiden LP's from the back of my closet and I played some pinball which I have been yearning to do for some while now. The flash of the lights, the sharp skills commingled with cunning reflexes. That's what I miss most about hanging out in bars, aside from the loose men and free drinks.

Now as if one big party night in the city wasn't enough, last night was the monthly meeting (read: drinking) of native new yorkers that I always enjoy. This month my cohort was going to be in full effect - it wasn't as huge a turnout as I had thought might happen (based solely on emails and the sheer number of people forwarded the info) but it was a solid group of people that I was really psyched to see.

I still find it amazing that people who maybe I haven't seen in many, many a moon, after a few minutes -the time seems to melt away - and for bad or good - I am stripped of everything except me. I am 14 again. I smile and hug everyone as much as possible. Of course it was like 85 degrees and 100% humidity at 11pm and with all the alcohol consumption after hugging so many people my shirt smelled like a gym towel by the time I got home. That 3 am shower felt good too.

Limited by the amount of time an evening can hold, by the time you've finished having a long conversation with one person - someone else has left and you can only hope they'll show up next month so you can catch up with them.