29th december

Not so hungover on the 29th (although was a bit). Sat in Starbucks for an hour or so and read the first half of 'Girl, interrupted'. It is an easy and quick read. I couldn't find my 256mb flash card on my person - my hope was that I'd left it at the hostel, and after trying to walk around the upper westside taking pictures for a few minutes I found myself drawn back to the hostel to check. It was there, on my bed, having fallen out of trouser pocket. After that, walked around upper westside some more. I felt like eating some fruit for a change, and in the next block found a grocers. Unfortunately it was being picketed by protesters so no apple for me. I walked up past Colombia university, taking a picture of the restaurant from Seinfeld, then onto subway down to Wall Street (it exited into the lobby of a bank (?Chase) rather than the street). Walked up the eastern side of the island, where I found a collection of big old sailing ships, restored/preserved and placed on exhibit. Then further north to wander around Chinatown and Little Italy - found "la mela ristorante", which I had been instructed to go to by Julie in Chicago. I did not feel like Italian food, though, so did not eat there.

Back to hostel, chinese takeaway ($5.90) from a restaurant a couple of blocks up Amsterdam Ave from the hostel, sat in starbucks on broadway / 102nd street and finished 'Girl, interrupted' - could hardly stay awake, but the book was quite enthralling so I forced my way through to the end.

Back to hostel and asleep by 2300.