I’m one of those guys who keeps secret hitten places around the city that are beautiful or good finds. I usually only share these places with out of town people and really close friends. They vary from beautful gardens, scenic views, perfect place to take a photo, nice places to think/get inspired, or quaint place to eat. One of these places is my beloved genuine French Crepe Cafe called “Le Gamin.” Uma first showed me this place shortly after I came back from my trip in Greece, where I had spent much time at the cafes in the Mediterranean Sea, island hopping for a week. What attacted me to Le Gamin, was its untained purity in that it wasn’t AMERICANIZED. It was pure and geniune–the way it should be. Crepes were traditional, lemonade was freshly squeezed where you needed at least 8 packets of sugar to get it at a palatable level. I came there to eat, chat with friends, or just relax. It was nicely hidden away from any commercial district, buried along a tiny block where then end of King Street starts from MacDougal. You’d never find it there unless someone showed you. I am usually there with Uma or Caroline, although I’ve been there twice with Tammy’s friend Susan. It was a beautiful day, you’d probably see me there with a “bananae et chocolat” crepe with a huge glass of freshly squeezed lemonade. I’d lay back in my wicker chair, lean the chair slightly back, and feel the cool breeze across my face as I smell the freshly melted chocolate from my crepe. On Tuesday night, I hung out with Caroline. We at dinner on my roof deck, relaxed on the hammock up there, and decided to drive down to Battery Park to get some fresh sea air (okay, maybe not THAT fresh). On our way down we were horrified to see this:

Our beloved cafe is out of business. My stomach weeps at this event. I have never been able to find a crepe shop that even came close to the quality of Le Gamin. To my beloved Le Gamin… I’ll never forget you… *sniff*

Anyways, Caroline and I went down to Battery park and looked around and sat by the water. Something about the park at night brings out a larger charm that you miss during the day. Funny thing is, only 3 years ago, you wouldn’t DARE go there at night. The place was known are a rough neighborhood at night. But thanks to Guiliani’s boys in blue, they totally cleaned up the place (not to mention post 9/11 police prescence). We followed the boardwalk up past Stuyvesant Park, and eventually hit this really high class area behind some luxury aparments that had pagodas, wooden bridges, and a great tower where I took a picture. I anticipated taking some nice night shots, so I brought my tripod and made sure my camera was set to nightmode. Amazingly, it took this spectacular picture. I’m still amazed at what my tiny little Canon S110 Digital ELPH can do:

It’s quite a beautiful spot. This one definitely goes on my secret location list, and it seemed that Caroline was nice enough to share this one with me (since it was her find on an excursion with Monica).

It’s Wednesday now, well actually early Thursday morning, and I’ve got to gripe. Uma calls me up around 10PM, and goes hey, lets go to a bar… I need a drink. I said, sure why not, I don’t have work tomorrow. She says she’ll call me when she gets down here. 11PM goes by… WTF? I call her cell… Voicemail… WTF! 11:30 and 11:45… Call her again… Voicemail… Midnight… Call her again… Voicemail… WTF?! Okay, I can understand if you change your mind, but at least call me to let me know… WTF. I friggin waited around for this girl. Grrrr… You know what its like to sit in Apple Bar for over 2 hours alone… Well, I didn’t stay that long… Left after the first 45 minutes past, and stayed at my apt. This is one of the few pet peeves I have… I only ask for common courtesy, especially from my best friend! Geez, and to think I was going to spend some time with her before she leaves for the Peace Corps. Grrr…