New York: Part I
New York, arguably, but let’s just not waste time, because it’s facts, is the best city in the world. It’s fast paced nature will keep you reeling, on your toes, or leave you behind. Admittedly, nine out of ten times you can bet I prefer a more laid back nature, it’s my Houston state of mind, I’m used to things being slowed way down and kicking my feet up. That being said, you’d think my southern heart would have some conflicting feelings about New York. NOPE! As soon as I step out into the city, and breathe in its cool air, I quickly adjust. The city swallows you whole, it cares not whether you were ready for the sensory overload of honking, throngs of yelling and instant lack of personal space. My first time in the city was this past March, originally we had a week, but as our luck would have it a massive snow storm blew in the day of our departure. We were literally on our way to the airport, when my phone went off with an alert: flight cancelled. My heart sank to my butthole. After countless hours on the phone with customer services going back and fourth, and making sure we were able to get a flight out the following day. (No direct flights, that, apparently would be way too convenient) Between those 36 hours we contemplated multiple times if we should take this as sign? Maybe… Is it possible… we just weren’t meant to go? I shut that down rather quickly and followed the smallest glimpse of hope we had and held on to it. For, there is no fiercer force than a girl who is determined to go on vacation, by any means necessary, we agreed, just get there! Two flights, an hour long uber ride, a hop, skip and a jump later, we finally arrived in Midtown, and at our destination! We sluggishly made our way to our room, plopped on to our beds, and enjoyed it for all of 3 minutes before we decided to get up and moving. The city was calling.
It was and still is my favorite trip to date. From the aromatic Chelsea Market trip, to our strolls down to the New York Public Library, twice, and our freezing cold night at The Empire State Building where the only thing that kept us warm was the incredible view. It was a week filled with my people, divine eats and city views that held you in your place. I truly can not, as much as I’ve tried, really explain the feeling of being in the city. I mean, you’re in the epicenter of everything. What ever it is you find yourself doing, is THE thing to be doing. That trip made realize where I am, is where I’m suppose to be. It’s so cliché, I know, but it’s true. In life you have those moments when something finally clicks into place. For me it wasn’t this big movie moment where it happened suddenly, instead it was this little fire that had unknowingly, little by little, started to build up inside me. So, in a city of 8.6 million, I was unapologetic about being myself, who’s preferences on what to see and do heavily relied on where and what I wanted to eat, and luckily I’ve got friends who fully trust me with all their guts.
Talk soon,
Mel
