Comedy Tour Journal #2

NYC changed me

I landed in NYC for the first stop on my tour. Felt like cities are minimum security prisons with shopping malls attached with occasional conjugal visits. Stayed in a shared apt with strangers in Sunnyside Queens to get my bearings. Ate Nepalese food two nights in a row. Went to my friend Jeff’s, made a short film with him and a crew of good natured dudes while I complained rightfully and annoyingly about getting seared by the sun on my sweaty face. Sunburned I trekked through Greenpoint for Aloe gel at a subterranean Whole Foods passing people younger than I’ll ever be again trickling by in the energy of what belongs to them now. Jeff and I watched boring NBA and chatted all the way to the subway the next day. Had pao de quiejo bread and met nice people at O cafe. Kept finding people to talk to. The city started to sink in that it was an opportunity to talk to people. That ideas can multiply faster in a city. The thrill of that rushing back. Worked hard as hell to promote my show. A nice woman walked by me pushing a stroller as I ate a bagel and said she got a babysitter and was coming that night. The audience at Rodney’s turned out to be great for the slow season. The heat and humidity steaming. I lived in LA my whole life but have more friends in NYC? Plenty came to the show. My old friend Pedro now a new father opened for me. The last person in line at the merch table to buy my poetry shook my hand and told me Trump bombed Iran. Said he teaches my work to his college kids. I’ve been hearing that a lot lately. As someone who didnt go its heartening. Stayed with my old coworker Derek and his boyfriend Marcus and their dog Bo. Such kind hosts and friends. Last night there went to KGB Bar listened to my friends Yasha and Evgenia talk about the death of journalism and the internets grip on our psyches. Much needed, wandered washington square park alone after sweating. Met up with my friend David and his two kids and dog Dolly who can hop fences like its no thing. David says ppl there might not seem friendly but have each others backs. Help carry strollers up subway steps. I loved that. It all used to be one Central Park but cities are miracles too