A Tale of Two Cities

It was the best of times, it was the best of times. This weekend I had the perfect setting in two visibly different locales. Saturday I spent the day in Manhattan with an out-of-city guest. We took in brunch at one of my favorite spots in the West Village and was pleasantly surprised to find out about a secluded garden eating area. The meal was scrumptious, the conversation fluid, and the glimmer of sunshine through the trees was very nostalgic. Even the disturbance of a solitary leaf in my water didn't detract from the morning pleasantries. Rife with anticipation, we exploit our student ID's to view Mary Poppins the musical. Who knew that a spoonful of sugar makes the medicine go down better? I'm guessing diabetics. As we make way into the evening we take in one of the most recognizable deli's on the Lower East Side, Katz. We finished off the night enjoying the various sounds of a new music competition. My favorite part was the initial hesitancy moving from couch to front and center. It was reminiscent of the first steps into the ocean. Icicle waves subtly crash at the ankles, then mid-thigh as you backtrack. Finally an unexpected wall finishes you off, but you're happy... The evening was clear and comfortable. 1 am came exceedingly too fast. I never want to leave this city.

Fast foward 24 hours. 10 unique individuals take cars, subways, and trains up to New Canaan, CT. The introduction of fully grown trees and winding roads had Manhattan far from our thought processes. The euphoric feeling behind the grilling of burgers and kabobs is only synonymous with vacation and relaxation. Speaking of the ocean, the on site pool brought in those same initial occurances, but the unexpected wall usually was substituted with a generous thrust from behind. Here one also eliminates all sense of shyness and perceived self-image as we all parade our winter attempts at fitness mastery. The sturdy hammock, the soft blades of grass between our toes, the heightened maschismo in sports, the lazy music, the satisfying food and rare mix of company was perfect. I didn't want to leave.

How does one decide on a place to live, when God has blessed us with so many contrasting views of perfection?