"To lose the earth you know, for greater knowing; to lose the life you have, for greater life; to leave the friends you loved, for greater loving; to find a land more kind than home, more large than earth"
Thomas Wolfe

Sunday, August 22, 2010

Montevideo Coffee Shop

As we anxiously await a closing on San Salvador, we must ponder our options. What is the correct posture between patiently waiting for the 'right' time and seizing the moment?
In one way, there isn't a moment to spare regarding our new business. We need to begin this part of our journey and start earning as soon as possible. 
On the other hand, I can't escape the feeling that we'll be spending the money too fast. Like kids who can't hold on to their earnings for even a day.
Since we've been planning this business for nearly forever and have been sizing up the market almost since we got here, I would say we have put in the time. 
It's such a plunge, any amount of time would probably feel rushed. 
Here's our latest, best hope.....
 Keep up with the process on Coffee Shop blog.
Cheers

Friday, August 6, 2010

New York state of mind

A bit more of my trip to the States:
W.10th Street











Although it was surreal to be plucked from the daily routine of life in Montevideo, I couldn't help but be awestruck by how beautiful NYC can be. 
It's not hard to see how America developed it's sense of superiority, magnificent accomplishments abound. You can almost overlook the wretched excess and oppression that created it. 






Farmers Market


Bonneville beauty


























 
The Boivin's
I had a few chances to connect with friends and family during my stay. The trip to the Hamptons was great, but in some cases a visit was bestowed upon me.
My brother-in-law Gabriel and his wife Rebecca came down from Westchester to visit. This was kind enough, but they also brought a huge cache of gifts for Luca and Vincent.  We had a great night of catching up with a side of reminiscence about the neighborhood. They had both lived in Greenwich Village many, many, many years ago (kidding) and met while working together at the West Village landmark; Chumley's, just two blocks from Holly's place. I was treated to a nice dinner, gellato and sincere well wishes on my travels and group back home.



 
Grant Neale
My long time friend, Grant also took me out on the town. He's a fellow carpenter and talented actor somehow still managing to do both, successfully! He's been a friend to Holly for years and also stopped by to check on her recovery. I'll probably see him on TV before I see him in Uruguay. Well......?

Yes, he looks a little like Roman Polanski. He's performing a one man show about the very same. Topical, nutty.



Our dear friend Samantha was on the must-see list. I had a couple of nice visits to our old neighborhood in Park Slope to see her and her son Aidan.  Not enough time, I need more time for crying out loud! Well, they are likely candidates to visit us (again) and as always, we all hope for another visit to the US soon.
Aidan 

The days passed quickly and as always, there's not enough time to do all you'd like. Still, it was amazing and refreshing. I stocked up on design ideas and the sheer magnitude of incredible business ventures gave me an inspirational boost to take home.



The 'Friends' building was in our neighborhood.




Subway tile art, wow!
 


Bagels with the works at Murray's


























Thanks for reading.
Peace