NYC Trip Report

On Monday, Frank came to Albany to stay with us. He rattled off suggestions for fun things to do and listened to Dave's responses. Some ideas got a shrug, some a smile, some a chuckle. But when Frank suggested a trip to New York City, Dave went wild with screechy laughter.

We started surfing the internets, looking for inspiration to make the drive. After finding that most of Dave's favorite bands are touring in Europe or on the west coast, we paged through the online Village Voice. Superdrag, a band Frank had been trying to turn us on to, was scheduled to play in Chelsea on Friday night!

Friday afternoon Adam, Frank, Dave, and I crammed into my Civic and headed south. After a smooth ride, we parked the car on 9th Ave. We stepped out of the garage onto the crowded avenue and Dave promptly stopped beside a flower pot in front of a classy French restaurant.

These days Dave is short on both discretion and modesty. He is absolutely in-the-moment and completely impulsive about meeting his immediate needs. Knowing this and having just finished an almost three hour car ride, Frank, Adam, and I knew exactly what was happening. As if rehearsed, we surrounded Dave to create a shield from the restaurant window and passers-by as he emptied his bladder in the flowers.

After the pit stop, we dropped off our bags at the Belvedere Hotel on W. 48th and our NYC adventure began.

We took the N down to E. 8th. Dave was psyched to be in the East Village, always one of his favorite spots. His eyes were wide and smile was huge as we wandered along looking for dinner.

We settled in for sushi on Avenue A and stuffed ourselves with Japanese beer and a colorful platter of sashimi and rolls.

After dinner, we headed to the Highline Ballroom on E. 16th to buy tickets and find out when Superdrag would go on. With tickets in hand and two hours to kill, we set back out in the drizzle to find a neighborhood bar. We scoured blocks rejecting what few bars we found for being too crowded or too swank. We almost settled on a coffee/pastry shop when we caught sight of an orange neon sign that simply said "BAR".

The place was dark and inviting. There was an indie rock jukebox and good beer tap. It was exactly what we had been searching for. Dave sat smiling and answered with laughter and nods when we asked him how he was doing. The bartender watched us curiously, and asked Dave if he was OK a couple of times. Dave answered with a far away gaze and half smile.

Finally, the bartender leaned in close to Dave and asked, "What are you on, man?" When Dave only screeched and laughed in answer, the bartender looked inquisitively at Frank and me. "C'mon," he said, "I gotta know. What is this guy on?!"

As I told Dave's story and explained that we are making the best of our situation with happy adventures, Dave smiled and nodded. Dave's newest friend shook his hand and presented him with a shot of whiskey. This night was like any other I have spent with Dave in NYC. He was making new friends, and impressing and intriguing the strangers around him.

Lauren met up with us at the bar and we headed back to the Highline where Superdrag had started their set. Dave beelined for the cushy V.I.P. couch and sat like he was in the living room at home. We ordered the drink minimum to keep the comfy seats while Frank rocked out.

After the show, the drizzle turned to steady rain and Dave's pace slowed. He and I took a cab back to the Belvedere while Adam and Frank went with Lauren to eat what might have been the best burgers in Manhattan at the Corner Bistro.

Saturday, we ate a greasy spoon breakfast around the corner from the Belvedere before heading back down to the Village. We stopped in St. Mark's comics and some record stores. Dave was at home people watching and strolling on St. Mark's Pl.

For our NYC finale, we headed to the Indian restaurants on E. 6th where Dave has always insisted we eat when visiting New York. The crew followed Dave to his choice restaurant and enjoyed an awesome meal.

It was the usual New York City adventure: complete with aimless wandering, rock n' roll, beer, and Indian food. Dave loved it and New York loved him right back.