Dream Like New York
When traveling, there are two things I diligently try bringing to pass. The first is saving every possible dollar on my flight, even flying out and in at odd hours and days just to save $50. The cost of such savings usually falls to my parents who so faithfully drive me to Charlotte or Atlanta, where flights are cheaper. Mom and Dad – thanks. :)
The second is trying to always fly through New York, and if possible, stay there for a few days (where, inevitably, I spend the money I saved on the flight). In case you haven’t talked with me for more than ten minutes, I love New York and aspire to live there.
So, on my journey to South Africa, I accomplished both. <pats self on back> I saved several hundred dollars flying out of Charlotte and into NYC on Sunday morning at 6 (you’d be surprised how many people actually fly places Sunday mornings at 6), and I stayed in NYC for two days.
And indeed was it an excellent stay. I had flash backs to the spectacular time in 2010 I was there with DuBose, Anne Marie, and Meg. See the ball drop in New Years? Check. The others further discovered New York is not their city. In fact, I think DuBose thoroughly hates it.
But this time, though solo, was just as exciting. I had dinner with Katharine Bierce, a friend and co-volunteer from Acumen Fund and a fellow StartingBloc Fellow from Boston ’11. Most unique and spectacular, though, was my afternoon with Laure – she’s a good friend from my time in Hong Kong who’s from France but interning in Manhattan this summer. Small world, no? Ok, it was New York, so maybe not.
The city, this time though, was different in two ways. First, I started thinking about what life there would be like as instead of just hoping to live there one day. I began looking at buildings and thought of rent checks and utility bills. I saw office buildings and wondered about paychecks and my likelihood of getting a job there.
That was depressing, so I went on to the second difference: starting to live the New Yorker’s life and not the tourist’s (well, sorta). I avoided the touristy places and jaywalked like the natives do.
Most favorite, though, was running in Central Park at sunset (looks like this guy’s picture). The view of the city behind Kennedy Reserve Lake is spectacular. I took a few pictures on my phone and texted the beauty to friends; they didn’t quite appreciate it. They texted back an “um” and a gorgeous picture of the sun setting over the mountains. Oh well.
Of course, two days is not nearly enough time so I’m looking forward to my next two in August, on my way back.
