Fleet Week

Land ahoy!!!!!!!!

sounds familiar? what about this one, Men Ahoy!!!!!!

Now that sounds better especially this coming May 20th.

Why?

Well, in case you don't know. It's Fleet Week in NYC and I tell you, It's going to be raining (sea)MEN all over Manhattan island.

Every year since 1984, the city of New York celebrates this much awaited event where Gotham citizens get to enjoy a celebration of the sea services. Not to mention it is NYC unofficial Gay holiday, where thousands of proud and hot men from US Navy, Marines & U.S. Coast Guard ships come to shore.

This annual event provides the city a first look into military demonstrations, displays (oh, yes!) and public visitation of many of the participating ships. Sounds like fun? I tell you, it is and always is. In fact, it reminds me of my long time ago celebration of Fleet Week back in the dark ages (1993) where I had my fair share of booze, fun and uniform men. There I met Todd. I am not sure where he is from but he was tall, dirty blonde and totally eye-candy. 

We met somewhere near Washington square where I was coming from The Mercer Street residence. I saw him right away for obvious reasons and i flashed him a smile. He caught it and kept on looking back until he followed me and gather enough courage to ask me something really stupid - directions to Bleecker street which is just right around the corner. I knew right away that I have just caught a mighty fish! We got to talking and there he told me that it was his first trip to the city. Being a city slicker myself, I offered him some points on where to go and what to do. Then he asked me if I would like to give him a personal tour instead. In my mind, I was already celebrating and could see fireworks all over. I gladly said, yes.

Later that day, we met again and this time on Waverly Place, also right around the area of Washington square. I was standing at the corner of Ave of the Americas and Waverly Place fidgeting and thinking what if he forgets or simply put, a no show. Like what they say to all sailors: A Girl in every port. Well in my case, a young man. From a distance I saw him walking and waving with a big smile on his face. I suddenly got so nervous that I started puffing and puffing my cigarettes and completely forgot to throw it away. He walked up and was surprised to see me smoking. He then said, Oh I didn't know you smoke. Come on, give me a stick. I reached into my pockets and handed him a pack. Then he said, how am i suppose to light this? I started laughing and said, oh sorry, I am just admiring your uniform. Then he lit up and smiled back. 

We walked around a thousand blocks totally oblivious of really where to go. For some reason, I was parading him around NYU like i just won the lottery or was given a Rhodes scholarship and this sailor is going to sail with me to England! HAH! Then It hit me, this guy do want to see the city so I took him to Joe's pizza on Bleecker and 7th ave. It is a small place but they do serve the best pizza there is. We stayed inside and continued talking for I don't know how long. Time was really not a problem and we were enjoying every minute of it. Night fall, I have to run back home and change. I asked him to come with me and we can hit the bars after. Well, we stayed home longer than expected (*wink* *wink*) and it was already past 11pm when we finally made it to the bars. I called some friends and told them I am bringing someone to the bar and they should restrain themselves and be "nice". All the while they thought it was just "another" student from Wagner and they said alright. The minute we walked in, I saw their jaws dropped to the floor and soon after started waving at me and Todd to come over. A little introduction here and there and we sat. The guys were interviewing him incessantly. He was smiling at me and yet gripping my hand. It was my queue to excuse ourselves from the pack of wolves. We walked out of the bar and walked a little. I was so surprised when he kissed me on the lips right out there on the streets! It was like a David LaChapelle photo! We ended up being alone after that until the following morning.

The Fleet week came to an end and we said our goodbyes. It was one memorable experience for me and it will never be forgotten. What I liked about it was, we were living each moment as it is. No questions, no ifs, no buts. Just plain bliss as I showed him the city and enjoy each others company. Years have passed and I still remember him every now and then. Question's like whatever happened to my sailor? Where is he now? Should I contact Department of Defense? Is he married now? kids? But one thing is for sure. He had left me an indelible fixation to uniforms. 

So for you people out there. I say, in this lifetime, you should experience Fleet week at least once which ever possible way you can imagine and make it something to last you a lifetime.