Nearly just as fun to behold, at least to me, are the city's countless bars and bookstores. You see, I have this thing about drinking and reading. Not that I always engage in these activities at the same time, though they can complement each other nicely.
This past week I was too busy to spend quality time imbibing but did manage to squeeze in stopovers at two absolutely wonderful book shops. One was Capitol Hill Books, a cramped two-story hive of used volumes overseen by a crusty old-timer, Jim Toole, who barks to everyone who pops in, "Fiction upstairs, non-fiction down." He's quite a character, this guy, and makes no bones about used bookstores being a dying breed. "I know it's just a matter of time before they push me out and make this another Starbucks, so that we can have more crap on every corner of this city," Toole said in an interview with a local publication.
anywhere. It's as if I selected each and every title, at least the ones shelved in my favorite sections (essays, travel narrative and writing reference). I love this place, even though I bump up the median age the moment I step in. Everyone looks 25 and lacks the wear and tear of the weary.