Gallimaufry!

gallimaufry (gal-li-maw'-free) n. a hodgepodge, jumble; a mixture of diverse things [From French galimafrée "a stew, hash, ragout," from galer "to make merry" + mafrer "to eat heartily."] No one word adequately describes the mish-mash of experiences I have had in a mere 48 hrs. But maybe this 'weird' word come close. Hilary (my air bnb host) rents an artists 'loft' on 31st St and it's a gallimaufry of art (mash-ups of hot glue, silicone and clear-green glass and red paintings), plants, piles of books, chests, flowers and plants, food and merry bohemian chit-chat. My 'room' is a closet sized 'nook' that is three times as high as it is wide. I awoke (at midday) to the smashing of drums, sirens, exuberant cheers and whistles- at the corner of my street. Park avenue was alive with Mexican Independance day celebrations. 'The mexicans know how to party', said my husky voiced New York host. I say, they certainly know how to 'make merry' - no need for coffee, as the costumes, percussion, and jubilance awoke the senses that I'd been trying to subdue on the long flight here. 30 hours on planes and in grubby airports without sleep requires a certain amount of sensory shut-down. Ever slept, face down on a Haagan Das cafe table? Sensory shut-down is not an option in NY. Ambulance and fire-engine sirens, horns, and screeching subway trains become a 'background hum' after a while. The city reaches out to me at night, and it's hard to refuse the prmise of 'something exciting happening' if I step outside. Even the lift to my 9th story accommodation is a sensory experience - each time I pass through the dirty green marble foyer, and step into the 60s faux wood, laminate and steel interior, I feel like I am in a Mad Men episode. I just need DonDraper to complete the picture... I'm in Union square now. I have already shopped for shoes and have a long list of 'must haves'. I'm on mymown, so theree's no waiting for anyone or pleasing others, so I can do whatever I desire in the moment. I have my subway pass and I am heading off, camera, mobile and adventurous spirit on board. And as I step back out onto the street, I must remember to look left first, not right. I'm too early on my journey to be hit by a New York Taxi just yet...