Hey World,
It's me. Back from my adventure in New York City. A few weeks prior to my trip I read on a life hack website that traveling solo in your 20's is something to try at least once. This was officially the first time I would travel without anyone else and as I made my way to my destination I decided to embrace this hack and make the best out of it.
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| Times Square taken from the Red Stairs. |
I knew two things then:
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| C&S reunited |
1) I would meet up with my best friend of 11 years, C.
2) I would have a boat load of time on my hands since he would be working for a portion of the time I was there.
I figured that since I was a Bahamian and a woman, I would only need to be pointed in the nearest direction of shops and I could go wild for hours. This, unfortunately, was easier said than done. The first night C, gave me a crash course in everything about getting around the city (Uptown, down town, midtown, Streets, West, East and the Subway) but in traditional Shandia fashion, I stored all of that away in my memory bank deep, deep, deep underneath my overwhelming excitement of being in his presence and in such a lively city.
At first glance it looked like a place crawling with people, entertainers and billboards but after a few moments it's as if the current of the city infiltrates your awareness and lights seem brighter, sounds louder and smells more appetising and sometimes absolutely PUTRID. The massive amount of people from all different backgrounds pool in the city bringing a uniqueness to the whole scene. It was absolutely amazing.
Initially, I had a few reservations (upon my family's advice) about how to respond to persons in the city. I had to be cold, not smile and definitely NEVER speak to strangers unless I have to. Well, lets just say that did not hold firm for very long. New Yorkers are actually more nice than I originally imagined and just as detached as I believed. I saw a young lady fall down near Madison Square Park and no one turn to help her up. This may have been partially due to the fact that everyone old enough to walk wears headphones and probably never heard the poor girl going timber.
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| Empire State Building amidst the concrete jungle |
On the opposite end of the spectrum, I met a few New Yorkers that spoke to me quite easily whether it was while I was shopping, waiting in the subway or grabbing a quick bite at Starbucks. They readily helped me with directions to my destination or gave me a quick laugh. So, take that family! Not everyone in New York wants to steal my purse, soul or both.
Getting around in NYC....this is completely different than getting around Florida. (which is like a second home to most Bahamians.) There is the enigma known as the Subway. I pride myself on my sense of direction but there are so many different trains and platforms. I was completely out of my element. Let me just take the time out right now to say "PRAISE YE GOOGLE MAP GODS!!". Without you I would never have made it around town. I would probably sit on the curb outside C's work until he got off. The subway experience was a bit jarring but not as different as catching the bus in The Bahamas I suppose. With an influx of people, there's always the possibility of seeing something out of the ordinary. I saw beatboxers, recorder players, acrobats and the occasional bum taking the time to urinate against the subway wall. At the end of the day I wouldn't change any of it.
The weather is NY is slightly different than in Nassau, but upon the advice of C, I should be able to wear the same things I do in Nassau. THAT. WAS. A. LIE.
I left a 84-86F hometown and entered a 55F one. I was convinced C hated me at that point when I walked out of his apartment in a crop top and leather skirt upon his encouragement. What made me feel even more ridiculous was the fact that people were walking around in T-Shirts. What was up with these people? Do they know that 55 degree weather IS winter in The Bahamas? So of course, I'm there in my peacoat and long jeans in typical Nassuvian fashion. In the end, I did make it to Central park and to the Museum Mile to The Metropolitan Museum of Art which is the largest art museum in America. Such rich history from all around the world there. It was so big, I didn't even get to see it all. So it's definitely on my list of things to see then I go back.
At the end of my trip I can say that New York has made me a little bit meaner and nicer at the same time. It's taught me that I can do more than I thought by myself. Traveling by myself made the trip about seeing and doing as opposed to taking photos of me doing things. I was able to live in the moment and with a newfound sense of independence. I would definitely travel alone again. Spending time with yourself is refreshing and really puts life all into perspective. So thanks NYC for giving me a new sense of me. I hope to return very soon.
Until Next time,
Me.
P.S. Enjoy these Extras from the trip!!
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| Panoramic Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir |
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| Roses in Central Park |
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| Tickets to The Met |
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| The Metropolitan Museum of Art |
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| Panoramic image of Times Square Hustle and Bustle |
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| Chicago On broadway! |
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| Bye Bye NYC! Until Next Time! |
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| Leaving NYC |
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| Home Sweet Home |
