Reflecting Pool

Manhattan, New York

From 9/11 Memorial

I knew sooner or later that someone would come to visit me in New York who wanted to go to the 9/11 Memorial at Ground Zero, but I was in no hurry. I'm still furious about how all the goodwill the United States had in the aftermath of the attack was squandered, only for the tragedy to then be appropriated as an excuse to do terrible things in the world.

But I have to admit that it's a impressive, beautiful site. When the construction is finished and the square is open on all sides, it will be a beautiful place to, say, take a lunch break from your job in finance. It's crowded now, a pilgrimage site of sorts, but I can anticipate a time when it will just be a quiet oasis of trees, water and white noise in the bustle of downtown.

From 9/11 Memorial

Marina and the Diamonds

Manhattan, New York, USA

From Marina and the Diamonds

When my cousin Peter said last week that he was coming to New York for a concert and could he spend the night at my place, I said, "Of course!" It wasn't until he called as he was leaving Boston this morning that he said, "I told you I have an extra ticket for you, right?" No, but at least I had time for my beauty regime before he arrived. Good thing, too, because Weber Hall was packed with the uber-fashion conscious.

The opening act, Ms Mr, was hard to hear, but pretty good. Very similar to Florence and the Machine, we decided.

I think I'd heard the name Marina and the Diamonds before, but I don't think I'd heard her music until tonight. She's been opening for Coldplay all over Europe, where the Welsh singer is much more widely known, but she was popular enough here in the States that she needed to schedule a second show in New York after the first one sold out. And the lady sure knows how to put on a show!

From Marina and the Diamonds