Tuesday, July 28, 2009

NYC: A Functionally First Visit

Four days in New York City, not nearly enough. I just had my functionally first trip to the big apple, functionally because I went when I was about 12, all I remember is my brother ate Sbarros pizza for every meal and I climbed up Lady Liberty. This time around I managed to avoid most of the touristy stuff, and instead spent my time hanging out with friends in various parks: Bryant Park, Washington Park, and of course it goes without saying, Central Park.

Three highlights: 1) Biking through Central Park, Times Square, and all around the city. 2) Meandering across Brooklyn Bridge at 10:30 at night with a torrential downpour, blinding lightning, and intense thunder all around. And 3) Enjoying an afternoon nap in Central Park followed by an afternoon shower in Central Park.

I've always been fascinated with big cities, as long as I can remember. NY when I was 12, Chicago at 15, and then various European cities at 23. I still love them. I find it strange that I can sleep in a big city with sirens blaring outside just as easily as I can sleep in the desert or mountains of the West with the silence of crickets chirping. They both appeal to me and I love it, despite the dichotomy. I can't wait until my next NY adventure and for the first time am seriously considering looking for a job that takes me there....seriously.

2 comments:

heidikins said...

Mmmm, I love New York. Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge is, perhaps, one of my favorite NYC memories. :o)

And getting caught in a torrential downpour (in a white dress, no less), is the most memorable of my NYC moments.

xox

Unknown said...

Glad you finally got a chance to go there, after all these years of talking about it. I hope it was all you dreamed of, and more.