Tuesday

Ah, yet another wonderful day in New York City. Today was the day when I finally was going to see Columbia University. And I almost didn't.
I walked from the hotel on 45th street (east) to 116th street (west), going thru Central Park, it was wonderful.The weather was at it best, 25 degrees and cloudy. Once I got off 5th Avenue the tourists were lost. I love the feeling of blending in, to be able to pretend belonging here. Today at least 4 people asked me for directions. Loving every second (and yes, I could help).

Walking up Amsterdam Avenue I came to St John The Divine's Church. On an earlier sightseeing I was told this church was more beatiful that St Patrick's (the church no-one miss on their visits to NYC). Apparantly no-one visit St John's. I don't know why (apart from Amsterdam Avenue not being a street mentioned in large print in most guide books), cause it was absolutely stunning. An enormous cathedral, lacking the murals and icons so popular in catholic churches. St John's is a master piece on it's own.
But what made it so special, that I would mention it here, is the altar of aids victims (with a rainbow banner) and the Poet's Corner. The Poet's Corner includes Walt Whitman, the guy who's books once were banned and burned.
St John's felt like a haven of peace.
I loved it. And I never loved churches.

From St John's to Columbia. Of course I arrived past office hours (I didn't know normal office hours applied here in NYC, but now I found THE place where it does) so I didn't get on a tour. But I got the mug from the bookstore. However, what's worth mentioning is that Manhattan is big and today I think I for the first time I realized just how big it is. The University took up one block. Just one block, but it was enormous - and the courtyard was huge - and I never knew it was there, before this trip.

On my way back I stopped for ice-tea at Starbuck's and dinner at Nanoosh - great food, totally recommend it. Funnily enough I wasn't the only one having dinner on my own. For a second I thought they'd pair us off together, but fortunately they didn't (I wanted to read my book!!).

It felt like an early night, but it's passed midnight already... Better hit my book again!