Is it OK to meet a stranger in a city you've just started to live in? He's an interesting stranger, I've written about him before. I like the fact that instead of inviting me for a cheap coffee on campus, he invited me to an art gallery - that's something I wasn't expecting. No man has ever invited me to an art gallery on a first date before. Americans here have invited me to:

1. motor shows

2. thai restaurants

3. sushi restaurants

4. the A-coffee shop

5. parties

6. the beach

7. jogging

8. group-study in the College library

9. the College cinema

10. the famous College classroom where people have sex. Usually with reservation.

Maybe he is old fashioned, maybe he is just going along some old friend's advice, but the truth is that I have found his proposal very original and that is why I have accepted going out with him. In my country, most first date proposals are either to the cinema (in a dark corner in the back where you can make out) or to the restaurant (where you can have an interview-type of chat), but never to an art gallery. How impressive.

In a city where you don't know that many people, is it Ok to go out with someone you've barely met? He might be a total creep and the truth is that I do not find him attractive at all - but frankly speaking, I've never been to the Art Institute and I would really like to go. And maybe, while desciphering American paintings, I will also get to descipher him and see if he's really into art or just trying to cheaply impress me. Plus, I like his accent. That's probably the only thing I like about him now.

On July 24, 2010, at 04:22 PM, Leyla wrote:

Hey,
Yes, let's meet up next week, I am done with finals on Wednesday.
Leyla

On July 24, 2010, at 05:37 PM, William wrote:

Awesome. How about Friday evening? Thursday's out, but apart from that I'm pretty flexible.By the way my phone number is *** 799 055*. Good luck and look forward to seeing you,

William

On July 24, 2010, at 06:47 PM, Leyla wrote:

Hey,
Friday evening is fine. This is a little weird though.
Anyway, my nr is ***-230-437*.
Where should we meet?
Leyla

On July 24, 2010, at 06:57 PM, William wrote

Hi Leyla, It is quite sudden -- under the circumstances it had to be. Maybe it would be more relaxed to meet earlier? We could get a coffee in BonJour or Peninsula, say at 5. William

On July 24, 2010, at 07:05 PM, Leyla wrote:

I am working till 6 on Friday and I'll be back to campus around 7. I think BonJour is closed then, should we try A L’Italia instead (around 7.30) ?

On July 24, 2010, at 07:17 PM, William wrote:

Do you want to meet in the Loop (if that's where you're working)? The Art Inst. is open late for example. Otherwise A L’Italia sounds good.

William

On July 24, 2010, at 07:55 PM, Leyla wrote:

Ok, going downtown sounds good. 6 pm at the Art Institute? Leyla

On July 24, 2010, at 08:17 PM, William wrote:

It's a deal. William