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.
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