After landing at JFK and waiting for my luggage, there was an internal sense of relief: I’ve made it. I’m here. The sense of urgency hit me almost immediately, though. Get my bags, get a taxi, and go! After getting my bags and carting them to the exit, I could feel the excitement mounting. No sooner than the doors open did a little of that excitement disapate. The wave of humid air hitting my face was my wake-up call. Toto, I don’t think we’re in California anymore.
I’ve only been here a little over a week and already I’ve made some significant observations:
1. New York is old. I was not prepared for my new apartment to look like Rockefeller built it with his bare hands. Definitely wasn’t a fan of part of my ceiling deciding to fall on top of my bed, nor the four mouse traps in my kitchen. Nevertheless, once making two Target and Home Depot trips each, it’s starting to come together.
2. Carbs are much better here. Bagels, pizza, and pasta will be the death of me.
3. Some people here are a bit rough around the edges; something I was not entirely prepared for. I’ve meet tons of friendly faces who make me feel warm and fuzzy on the inside. Conversely, I’ve also been met with indifference, the cold shoulder, and people being unhelpful. Be it the cold winter months or what have you, some New Yorkers have a certain “je ne sais quoi.” I’m thinking it’s not so much a bad thing, but something I just have to get used to.
4. ATM cards are not useful here. Cash is king.
5. Though it can be pouring rain outside, it can still be very hot. Boo.
6. The state of New York should have it’s own reality show called “Subway Idol.” I have a feeling it would have more epsiodes of tryouts and only a couple of the Top 10. So much talent here, but so many more other “unique” individuals.
7. California is expensive. New York definitely takes the cake, frosting, and fruit-filled center.
8. Despite being an urban environment, nature does exist here. And by nature, I mean mosquitoes, cockroaches, and rats – HUGE rats.
9. and finally, what I was paying for car insurance that is no longer needed will now go to comfortable walking shoes. Lots of them.
After getting the tourist bug out of my system, I’m ready to explore this microcosm of the world a bit more closely. There’s a million and one things to do here and only so much time in the day to do them. Time flies by here like nobody’s business.
My adventure has just begun and it’s going to be a good one; I can feel it. Just remember to ask me again when I see little white specks falling from the sky.
