Ground Zero is just a construction site, one with a melancholic air. Completely banal without remembering the story behind it, this land marks one of the most iconic events in recent American history. As with the Kennedy assassination it will be studied for many years to come. Conspiracy theories have and will continue to flourish. Some people will become obsessed by a desire for more knowledge on the subject. They will read every book. Watch the footage from every angle. Tell anyone and everyone their views on the subject. But not me. I only gave it a few minutes of thought. Does that do an injustice to the dead and their suffering families? Perhaps.
Far more fascinating was Ed and my search for Woody Allen. Or more specifically, the bridge from the final scene in Woody Allen's Manhattan. I do like his films but I have not seen this one. Ed has seen it and insists we go. But he doesn't know which bridge it is. The iphone finally shows its real value. The Queensboro bridge. Also, John's Pizzeria also had a scene shot there, but that doesn't satisfy Ed. So we decide to walk there if it is a reasonable walking distance from Brooklyn bridge, where we happen to be. The iphone claims it is a two hour walk, but it doesn't look that far on the map. Couple that with our distrust of apple products and we decide it's probably not that far.
So we walk. Ed's shoes have been ready to fall apart since the beginning of the trip. But I finally deal them the finishing blow as my uncoordinated foot taps the back of his sole, ripping the whole thing off. Now the sensible thing here is to give up on walking and go get a taxi. But, the walkway along the waterside by the bridges isn't so simple. We have to walk about another hour before there is anyway for us to exit. It was probably only a thirty minute walk, but Ed was severely limping as a result of walking in one and a half shoes.
Finally we get to experience the joy of a Kmart. A glorious store with the low prices that bulk buying and cheap child labour make easy. Eventually we get to Queensboro bridge, I don't even remember how: possibly a taxi, maybe the metro, maybe we just kept walking.
Ed spots the place where the final scene takes place. It was right under the bridge. So we spend a good fifteen minutes trying to find ways to get exactly under the bridge. Although, having read part of the plot while working out which bridge to go to I understand it is a film about a relationship. Standard Woody Allen. What Ed intends to experience with me under the bridge is a slight concern. It does look like a nice spot though. Right by the water. Eventually we give up looking for a way in and move on.
We have a dinner fit for a king at subway. Then return to our building to prepare for our first ever greyhound bus journey. Exciting stuff.
