(Photo: Susan Keyloun)
Earlier today we gathered New Yorkers’ memories of their random encounters with the late, great Lou Reed. This one, from our contributor Susan Keyloun, might just be the most unexpected encounter of them all.
As a native New Yorker, I tend to leave touristy things to the tourists. I have never taken a carriage ride through Central Park and I avoid Times Square. But when I was invited to the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show last year, I accepted – – not a tourist destination per se, but not necessarily a place where you’ll find mobs of New Yorkers either. I could spend my time people-watching which was good enough for me.
And people-watch I did! An abundance of attendees sported colorful sequined outfits, pastel terri-cloth, scrunchies and beehive hair. I’m not poking fun, but I now knew where all the stirrup pants went to die. These folks are dedicated to their dogs, not their clothes. And that’s a great thing.
Which is why I noticed a slim, older couple take seats two rows in front of me. They were both dressed in dark colors. He sported artfully disheveled hair, a black leather bomber jacket, a hoodie and work boots. She wore a long skirt and jacket. They started eating dry cereal out of a Ziploc bag. Dark clothes? snacks brought from home like I do when I’m at the movies? These looked like New Yorkers! When I realized who this famous couple was, I asked them to sign my Kennel Club program, which they did. We chatted briefly about their favorite breeds and then I walked back to my seat. I could never have predicted a day at the dog show could be a walk on the wild side.