summer in the city

Today I had my first craving for something Japanese since leaving Japan. Specifically for iced green tea, which I drank by the litre in Japan, especially in the summertime. I now agree with the Japanese that iced green tea is the most refreshing and hydrating summer beverage - an idea that I used to scoff at a few years ago. They've warped my mind! Ah! I even found myself drawn to the Asian market in Korea town on 32nd St. to buy some. Mmmmmm.

In other news my brother and I hosted a fun pool party up at our country house, complete with mojitos and BBQ. It was a nice end to the summer.

I've also been going out a lot (since I'm unemployed and get to sleep in till noon). Some highlights were 2 visits to the roofdeck of the club BED (which I've wanted to go to since seeing it on SATC)and seeing Sting in another club. So hot!

For the past 9 years the end of summer has meant leaving NY to go off to boarding school in CT, college in Chicago, or Japan. Now for the first time, I'll just stay here. It's a strange feeling. But I'm very excited to enjoy some nice fall weather in NY and watch the leaves change in Central Park.

The first stage of my new life is now complete!

My two new roommates and I signed a 2-year lease yesterday on our new apartment! It's a gorgeous brand-new apt in a high-rise building way downtown in the Financial District. Near Wall Street, South Street Seaport and lots of subway lines. It's gonna be awesome! We don't move in till mid-October, so till then I'm shacking up with the rents on the Upper East Side. I now have till October to find a decent job so I can afford the rent for my fabulous new apartment.

The flight was fine. Miko was such a good girl! I'm so proud of her. No meowing or potty for about 18 hours. Everyone at the airport and on the plane thought she was very cute and sweet, which of course she is. I think she's enjoying being an American kitty and I'm sure she'll love the new apt too!

It's so good to be home!! It just feels so NORMAL. It feels like Japan didn't even happen. When I say out loud "I just moved back from Japan last Tueday" it sounds so strange, even to myself.