september 2024 - Wanderlogue

09.2024

It’s back to school fr this fall. Plunged back to reality after a dream in Africa. Trying to stretch Labor Day Weekend as much as possible. Three flights over two days and then straight back into the office. And class. And then back to JFK for the fourth trip across the country in 5 months. This time to Portland, which was actually a lovely reprieve from the final days of summer in NYC.

The month was bookended by travel, the final days of one trip, to a faraway land that felt so different. And then the start of another trip, a shorter one to a familiar place, a return of sorts to a former self, before New York, before work. A refusal to accept that a summer of play was coming to an end, as if ignoring the responsibilities of fall could make it all go away. But at least it did somewhat delay its toll.

finally sunny in cape town

In the final days in Cape Town, it was finally sunny. Brilliantly sunny. Moving from the waterfront into the city center, from a large group to more freeform solo, I relished in the opportunity to feel closer, more immersed in a city I had already spent a week in. As the winter days of the southern hemisphere wore down, the city opened up. My final full day in Cape Town was the first day the Table Mountain cable car opened for the season. It was crowded, but none of that mattered once we were met with the 360 views. I went from the top of the mountain midday to the beach of Camps Bay to stare into the sunset.

I probably ate more hotel breakfasts in South Africa than I have my whole life. Every one multi-course. Delicious. But for someone who usually skips breakfast, a lot. I found myself looking forward to my less glamorous eating routine back home.

current obsessions

Didn’t really set out to shop on this trip to Cape Town, but eventually the shopping did happen. Some compulsive buys on the final days, and an irresponsible level of airport shopping. Local gin, Amarula. Rooibos everything. Everything.

culture fix

Catching up on the 2024 film slate on long haul flights and comfort TV at home, and lots of assigned readings for homework.

Low stakes action, exactly what I want to turn my jet lagged brain off

Something about children’s movies that I just crave on an airplane

Unexpectedly so fun, I love a low stress indie film

Tough read in this political climate but so, so important

NEW FIND

— DYAD

A fun, playful local bag brand discovered in Cape Town. With fun shapes and colorways. Wasn’t planning on buying a bag on this trip but alas.

— RANGER

A chocolate shop that happened to by next door from the hotel in Portland. With gastronomic collaborations with local restaurants like Kann. And just overall really quality chocolate with packaging that feels very craft PNW.

sitting in parks

Tis the season to sit in parks. I mean, sure that’s what summer is for, but now that the humidity has started to lift, it is peak park season. And so I read exclusively outside. Picking up a coffee and finding a shady spot to lay down a blanket. Picking up a sandwich and finding a bench to read. The peacefulness of Morningside Park, a quiet corner in the northern parts of Central Park. A little nook in Prospect Park.

good bites

Eating around town. Far uptown with the students at Hungarian Pastry Shop between classes. Readings in tow. A weekend lunch at Leland on a perfect 75 and sunny day. Should really come here more. Trying out the newly opened Nin Hao, a contemporary take on southern Chinese food and a welcome to the neighborhood. And a reunion and plotting futures over ramen in LES.