It is shocking to both Alexander and me that everything fits in the car. Now we just have to hope that it’ll all fit in his room.
Before taking off, I ask the doorman to take one last picture.
It’s a long drive, but we make good time and arrive in Ithaca in just under four hours. We are both famished, and decide to drive straight into town for something quick to eat. As soon as we exit the car, I am transported back to my college days in the early 70’s.
It’s a long drive, but we make good time and arrive in Ithaca in just under four hours. We are both famished, and decide to drive straight into town for something quick to eat. As soon as we exit the car, I am transported back to my college days in the early 70’s.
Ithaca Commons is filled with long-haired guys, and women with unshaven arm pits. It is a very crunchy place, where barefoot walkers can be seen everywhere. The shops cater to another era. Here’s a partial list of the stores we pass:
- Diaspora: Specializes in “African-African American” merchandise.
- Ithaca Hemp Company
- Headdies: Carries “American-made pipe art.”
- Jabberwork: Carries “an extensive assortment of beads.”
- The Bodhi Tree
- Tibet Store
- Home Green Home: “Offers a wide variety of healthy and eco-conscious home furnishings and lifestyle gear.”
- Angry Mom Records: “Specializes in new, used, rare & weird records & CDs.”
- Rumble Seat Music: Has one of the “largest selections of vintage guitars in the world.”
- Immaculate Conception Gifts
- Sew Green
- State Smoke Shop
I am not even tempted to spend money.
We have lunch at Greenstar’s Oasis Natural Grocery. Alexander chooses the sushi and I opt for a sandwich that looks like chicken salad although the sign next to it says it’s “non-chicken.” I have no idea what is in it, but it tastes great and is probably good for me.
A band plays in the middle of the Commons and people of all ages dance. A beautiful little blond boy sways to the music, along with his hippy-esque parents. We ask two long-haired unkempt looking guys for directions out of the parking lot. They look to be in their mid 40’s, and are smoking hand-rolled cigarettes of some kind. The directions they give us are incomprehensible.
Welcome to Ithaca.
No comments:
Post a Comment