Karl Stanton

My last weekend in NYC

Hi everyone! I’ve been super slack (again) at updating my blog, even though there’s so much to tell you all. I guess it’ll come out when I’m back in Australia and Stockholm, so for everyone else visiting my little slice of the internet, this is for you.

One week to go.

This is it. My last weekend in New York City for who knows how long, hopefully not too long. I love this damn city. The past few weeks have been hectic at work. I bought a pair of trainers and started running again. I can’t believe how good it feels to run after so long. I stopped running about 12 months ago when I began riding to and from work. Since moving to Stockholm, I’ve done little to no exercise, so running is where it’s at. My apartment has a gym on the 21st floor, and I feel sort of bad by saying this, but nothing beats running on a treadmill overlooking up town New York. Just gazing out the window, listening to Drum & Bass and running a few miles. It’s addictive, and I’m glad to be active again.

On Wednesday I went to Madison Square Garden to see the New York Knicks play the Orlando Magic. Mad game. Knicks lost, but there was one hell of a 4th Quater where the Knicks came back like 20 points. My new hero is Nate Robinson. Absolute glue of the team, smashed 30 points and he’s only 5 foot nothing. It was also pretty cool to see Spike Lee hustling the Magic from the sideline! Check it below.

That’s him in the brown coat.

This week we’re planning to go and see the New York Rangers play. I can’t wait to see my first real live NHL match. It’s a dream come true! I just wish I was saying this when Wayne Greztky, Mario Lemeuix and Pavel Bure were still in competition. They were my childhood idols. Photos to come.

Today was one of my last days to go walkabout, and I wanted a nice pair of sunglasses to replace the unreplaceable (still) Alexander McQueen sunglasses I had for many years, but stupidly left on the ground and walked away from like a naughty child. I’m happy with these for the mean time…!

I also managed to stumble into some strange Japanese store in SoHo and all of a sudden was meeting 2 week old babies and speaking terrible Japanese. The store keeper, who was cheekier than me, thought I was Japanese and spoke to me in Japanese, but I made it clear I had no clue what she was talking about. Turns out she has been in NYC for 35 years and was turning it on to get a sale. NEW YORK SHOPPING!

Tonight is Saturday, and my last Saturday night, so we’re going to hit the town and tear it up. My good friend Justin (the host with the most) is going to take us somewhere on the West Side to some little joints he knows. Locals only type deal. Speaking of local’s only, even though I’m far from a local, I’ve been spending most of my weekend evenings drinking at a little haunt on the LES. Great staff, excellent drinks and cheap like the budgie. No tourist priced majito’s here. In fact, I think I almost drank for free last night thanks to Alex the super awesome pommy bartender who kept me company while the rest of my apartment slept like babies. LIKE BABIES. When in Rome, sleep in Stockholm.

Work is great. I love the NY crew. F-i is all about family, and it’s a definite family vibe in this place, but I’m sure no one goes out after work, and like a true Aussie, I’m the one grabbing beers at 6pm and distributing them to the whole office, who in turn look at me like some crazed alcoholic, when in real essence, I’m not, I’m Australian, and Australian’s DRINK BEER AT 5PM ON FRIDAY!!

Anyway, I’ve got a big night ahead and an even bigger day tomorrow. Sorry my posts are lame. We’ll speak for real in a few weeks.

Love you all.