"Start spreading the news, I'm leaving today . . . " New York, New York is always a song of fascination, especially from the golden voice of Frank Sinatra. It belongs to the past, the good old days.
F is an old pal. He is going to pursue his postdoctoral research in Columbia University. The Big Apple, and the Ivy League. He would soon be a New Yorker, in the top echelon. Knowing someone like F would make others' eyes glitter at once and hearts sour while taking a second thought.
A de facto intellectual who would fiercely contests the label, F carries the right ingredient to be a New Yorker. F is an earnest man. He candidly admitted that he had no planning for his future, including his unbearably long-life relationship with L. It was nice to hear some rare truths, when we are nowadays so numb to cheap and fake gibberish like "in five years, I would love to be the section manager and double my salary". In contrast, F's wardrobe is quite different from the Ivy League. He is all-the-way T-shirt, jeans plus sneakers. I guess he at least has to buy a pair of penny loafer, in order to be a true Columbian.
We shared similar taste on music. We went for Suede's concert in Form Five (or Four?). Sadly, the guitarist was Oakes. I would still like to see Butler's playing The Asphalt World. We learnt to play guitar. Thanks to the lousy tutor, we played clumsily then. We shared some similar views on religion. Nevertheless, I wonder how he could tolerate those preachings. We like watching football. F is a fan of the Reds, whilst my favourite team is their archrival. I particularly enjoy watching the Red Devils crushing them in the Anfield. Though Anfield will be no more Anfield.
We rarely met in recent years, my reason was sheer laziness. So, while getting his phone call, I was a bit surprise. We had lunch. Paying attention to F's taste, and also nostalgia, I suggested to go to McDonald. We went Dutch. The food was off topic, and we did some very nice chattings. I found no change of him at all, except the receding hairline, albeit slightly. And our next gathering is indefinite.
"If I can make it there. I'll make it anywhere. It's up to you, New York, New York . . ."
and we went to see Primal Scream together with F!
回覆刪除planetso