"Island in a sea of shit." That's how the hostel has been described. And it's true. Almost every night, hookers and speed freaks; sirens and stretchers. At least that's how it used to be. I don't see how people can continue to talk trash about the East Village when we've been doing everything we can to clean that place up.
8 months ago you would probably be robbed at gunpoint walking the block from the train to the hostel. Now? I listen to my iPod walking there at night with no one around. I would never have dreamed of having something in my ears before.
There used to be a dozen meth dealers/addicts in the park there. I was chased numerous times. Threatened at knife & gunpoint. It was a scary place. Now? I could sit down and kick it if I was so inclined. Hell, we even moved the needle deposit box (albeit it was maybe 20 feet).
I'm starting to notice the charm of the neighbourhood. The St. Louis has aged well (I'm young, but my mother has photographs). There are some real characters around and the place is surprisingly clean.
I'll take some pictures when it warms up a bit. It really is quite nice... I swear. I don't know where the crack heads went, but I haven't seen one person pass out on the front steps in the past six months. Hell, the last person to threaten to shit on the lawn was an Aussie.
Today will be full of cleaning and baking. Flower shopping and errand running (picking up a free bike in the ghetto that is Marlborough. There's a scary neighbourhood for you). I might hang some pictures if I can pick up some frames today.
There's a sale on at Bistro Distro. Check it out, Troy seems like a great guy. I just spent $100 myself. I think I used to spend $100/mo there.
8 months ago you would probably be robbed at gunpoint walking the block from the train to the hostel. Now? I listen to my iPod walking there at night with no one around. I would never have dreamed of having something in my ears before.
There used to be a dozen meth dealers/addicts in the park there. I was chased numerous times. Threatened at knife & gunpoint. It was a scary place. Now? I could sit down and kick it if I was so inclined. Hell, we even moved the needle deposit box (albeit it was maybe 20 feet).
I'm starting to notice the charm of the neighbourhood. The St. Louis has aged well (I'm young, but my mother has photographs). There are some real characters around and the place is surprisingly clean.
I'll take some pictures when it warms up a bit. It really is quite nice... I swear. I don't know where the crack heads went, but I haven't seen one person pass out on the front steps in the past six months. Hell, the last person to threaten to shit on the lawn was an Aussie.
Today will be full of cleaning and baking. Flower shopping and errand running (picking up a free bike in the ghetto that is Marlborough. There's a scary neighbourhood for you). I might hang some pictures if I can pick up some frames today.
There's a sale on at Bistro Distro. Check it out, Troy seems like a great guy. I just spent $100 myself. I think I used to spend $100/mo there.