Spring break was, in the words of Carrie Bradshaw, fabulous, just fabulous. From the east coast to the west, I enjoyed sunshine, coffee shops, good meals, good people and a reminder that my family, as it extends and the barriers are thin, is a group of people that are truly amazing.
Rather than painting a picture of the NYC sights that not only secured my dream to move there but enhanced my extreme fascination with the city, I think I'll highlight the moments that aren't found in your Lonely Planet travel books.
- Day 3 in Manhattan: Rain puddles yet enjoyable temperatures started my first day as a lone traveler. I'll admit I feared this day- the day where Hannah was gone and my expertise guide Jhani was at school. I had to put on my confident face and take on New York. (Lesson one: always bring your i-pod on the subway if traveling alone. As much of a norm as staring has become on public transportation, it's easier to secretly gaze when you have Passion Pit in your ears.) Mid afternoon, I arrived downtown, 48th street, and headed straight to Bryant Park. Much needed espresso and I was suddenly in deep conversation with my journal. When the wet seats soaked into my jeans, I headed up one block to the heavenly, magical New York Public Library. Before I entered the drop dead gorgeous monument, a stranger approached me. He talked fast (his first New Yorker trait) and was going on about directions to a near by shop. The confusion lay straight on my face- what was this man talking about? Finally he slowed down... "wait, do you not live here?" I smiled and told him “no, not yet” and then headed up the stairs, past the Lion statues and into the literary castle. Before I could catch my breath I realized I, a native Northern Californian who barely can spell the names of big cities, was mistaken as a New Yorker. The dream was one step closer.
- The Subway: In general, this was something I actually got used to. The hustle and bustle is some what comforting. The people entering and exiting the subways could be some of the greatest characters in the city. I wanted to ask hundreds of questions- what was that man doing with 5 multi-colored hula-hoops? How did the hipster couple cuddling in their flannel meet? How did that bicycle fit through the restricting entry gates that even my suitcase felt claustrophobic being lugged through? How can this city be lonely when there are so many stories being told?
- Washington Square Park: New York City may not have a beach but those who gather in the square seem to not let that hinder a Sunday afternoon. Lounge chairs, bucket hats, live music, struggling comedians, drinks and sunshine were all in clear view. We parked it in the grass, stretched out our sore legs and developed a nice base tan. Who says you need water for the relaxing, at home beach scene?
- Brooklyn: If you want my address for the fall, all I can tell you is Brooklyn, New York. I once read that Brooklyn is one of Manhattan’s 3 ugly step sisters and I can’t tell you how wrong that Upper East Side writer is. First off there are no such things as ugly sisters and Brooklyn is far from being associated with Queens and the Bronx (the other sisters). Brooklyn is full of bicycles, flannel, coffee, live music, starving artists and a bunch of 20-somethings trying to make it in the world. If you know me then you are aware of my coffee addiction, the overflow of flannel in my closet and my dream to write. I may be afraid of bicycles and the only non-musically talented person in my family but hey I fit the other criteria.
Overall, New York was an amazing experience. I can’t wait to go back, to move in and let the city overtake me. Flying home was also such a treat- actually it was my favorite visit home. Laid by the penguin pool, hung out with my dad, cooked a delicious meal with the family and got to see my two best friends in CA. I’m not sure if it gets any better.
5 weeks left. The excitement for the future is over consuming the fear of graduation. And that’s the way it should be.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Brothers in Boulder
Spring is starting to bloom. It was a beautiful weekend in Boulder filled with sunshine, jean shorts, a sunglass tan and vagabonds traveling east. My older brother Taylor and his band Weekend are on their first tour. Traveling from Santa Cruz to the midwest and ending at the 'South by Southwest' festival in Austin, Denver was just a 48 hour stop.
Friday night, after basking in the sun and nannying, I picked the boys up and brought them into the Boulder bubble. With a standard trip the Walrus and a ride on the drunk bus, Taylor, Shaun and Kevin saw an insight to a typical night of debauchery. The bars closed before our adrenaline rush ceased so we returned home for dance parties; hours later we all fell asleep in my room, scattered across the floor in sleeping bags, as Serendipity reeled from the VHS player. When we woke up, the sun was beaming and the Rio rooftop and their strawberry margaritas were calling our name. The boys were shocked at our neighbors 'frattin' with their shirts off and throwing around the football. I guess somethings become so typical but to an outsider, Boulder was existing in its own reality.
We drove into Denver as the sun was setting on paradise. The rest of the bands Weekend is on tour with were recording and jamming when we got to the house. Suddenly I was out of my element. Coming from the familiar with sunshine and confidence, I was suddenly the odd man out. I felt like a poser in my Chuck Taylors, I couldn't help move any of the equipment because there were a thousand chords and being the only girl in a group of 15 rockstars, I was by far the weakest member and in no shape to haul around speakers. As time passed, the bands began to pump themselves up; they piled into the tour bus but Taylor and I drove separately to the venue. He clearly knew I was struggling and it didn't stop there. Entering the half art gallery half cement stage, I stood out worse than I thought. After sound checks and the opening band, I chickened out. I drove off and returned to the land of Boulder.
The more I thought about it I realized how much I idolize Taylor. Hours before he had entered Boulder not knowing what to expect. Driving cross country, in a tour bus, surrounded by the unknown and living off peanut butter sandwiches, he was ready for anything. He ventured to the Walrus and even though it scared him- he stayed. He soaked it all in and didn't run the other way. He poked fun at the social life but embraced it. Fast forward and we switch roles. I'm suddenly the scared one and what do I do... I run. I guess I've become so comfortable here- it's the familiar and the predictability provides comfort.
I have always seen Taylor as a role model. Whether it's his complete unique style, personality, or willingness to give everyone the benefit of the doubt, Taylor really lives life. He's not afraid to try anything and takes whatever comes his way.
To bring it full circle, I've started accepting that I will be leaving Boulder relatively soon. I will be breaking the comfort barrier and traveling into the unknown. I've said before to not be afraid and all I can do is try. I leave for my spring break in NYC this Friday and maybe this weekend with Taylor was just what I needed. I needed to see that my Boulder life won't last forever and it will take time but I will adjust to a new environment. Thankfully I have my big brother to guide me this way.
Friday night, after basking in the sun and nannying, I picked the boys up and brought them into the Boulder bubble. With a standard trip the Walrus and a ride on the drunk bus, Taylor, Shaun and Kevin saw an insight to a typical night of debauchery. The bars closed before our adrenaline rush ceased so we returned home for dance parties; hours later we all fell asleep in my room, scattered across the floor in sleeping bags, as Serendipity reeled from the VHS player. When we woke up, the sun was beaming and the Rio rooftop and their strawberry margaritas were calling our name. The boys were shocked at our neighbors 'frattin' with their shirts off and throwing around the football. I guess somethings become so typical but to an outsider, Boulder was existing in its own reality.
We drove into Denver as the sun was setting on paradise. The rest of the bands Weekend is on tour with were recording and jamming when we got to the house. Suddenly I was out of my element. Coming from the familiar with sunshine and confidence, I was suddenly the odd man out. I felt like a poser in my Chuck Taylors, I couldn't help move any of the equipment because there were a thousand chords and being the only girl in a group of 15 rockstars, I was by far the weakest member and in no shape to haul around speakers. As time passed, the bands began to pump themselves up; they piled into the tour bus but Taylor and I drove separately to the venue. He clearly knew I was struggling and it didn't stop there. Entering the half art gallery half cement stage, I stood out worse than I thought. After sound checks and the opening band, I chickened out. I drove off and returned to the land of Boulder.
The more I thought about it I realized how much I idolize Taylor. Hours before he had entered Boulder not knowing what to expect. Driving cross country, in a tour bus, surrounded by the unknown and living off peanut butter sandwiches, he was ready for anything. He ventured to the Walrus and even though it scared him- he stayed. He soaked it all in and didn't run the other way. He poked fun at the social life but embraced it. Fast forward and we switch roles. I'm suddenly the scared one and what do I do... I run. I guess I've become so comfortable here- it's the familiar and the predictability provides comfort.
I have always seen Taylor as a role model. Whether it's his complete unique style, personality, or willingness to give everyone the benefit of the doubt, Taylor really lives life. He's not afraid to try anything and takes whatever comes his way.
To bring it full circle, I've started accepting that I will be leaving Boulder relatively soon. I will be breaking the comfort barrier and traveling into the unknown. I've said before to not be afraid and all I can do is try. I leave for my spring break in NYC this Friday and maybe this weekend with Taylor was just what I needed. I needed to see that my Boulder life won't last forever and it will take time but I will adjust to a new environment. Thankfully I have my big brother to guide me this way.
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