Thursday, April 16, 2015

Made For New York

Honestly, sitting in my bed back in my Georgia town and trying to sum up those five days in one simple blog post is almost equivalent to impossible. When picking up a southern girl, and dropping her in the middle of New York City, you would automatically assume disaster; however, for me, 
it was the complete opposite. 
I discovered something new to love with everything in me. 
During the first few days leading up to this trip, I started becoming scared. Of course, I was excited beyond belief, but I also felt afraid. I was afraid that I would get there and hate it. Or that I would be frightened by the harsh noises, attitudes of “New Yorkers”, and all the hostility that the 
quick pace environment brings. 
But, I couldn’t have been more wrong. Yes, that place is like constantly living in the fast lane. There’s no time to pause, or hardly take a breath. People are always moving, rushing, and the busy lifestyle consumes your every move. But, that is what is so beautiful about it. As soon as I stepped foot off the plane, the continuous, obnoxious honks and loud, fast zooms of cars and taxis became like music to my ears, I didn’t meet or talk to one single “rude” person, and there is absolutely zero hostility to be felt throughout the entire place. Like I had originally thought, New York City is encapsulated by passion, love, and endurance to turn dreams into reality. What New York City has to offer a person is truly unlike anything in the world. You can’t get it anywhere else. I joked before I left that I was going to come back completely changed, and in a sense, I do feel changed. Like Mr. O’neil said, there's something about it that just makes you feel alive, and whole. The part of me that longed so deeply for the city has been filled now that I have experienced something so incredible. I met people who have inspired me to not stop until I’ve reached my goals and fulfill the plan that has been set for my life because it’s not impossible. I’m thrilled to have been chosen as one to have this passion instilled in my heart, and I can not wait to see where it takes me. Now that all the fear, doubt, and negative feelings towards city life have been deemed completely false, I’m even more ready to take this on headfirst. 
(or heart first, whichever you prefer.) 
I know what I'm about to say is totally unoriginal and clichéd, but it’s never been as true as it is right now… 
I love NYC.

Day Five:

Originally, there wasn't supposed to be a "Day 5" because we were supposed to just wake up, and go straight to the airport. But, before we went to sleep the night before, we realized that we hadn't seen the Met Steps. There's no way I could leave without seeing something so significant.
 We were needing to be at the airport at 8:30am, and the Metropolitan Museum is all the way across town. This meant we got a 5:30am wake-up call. We packed up still half asleep, braved the freezing cold (because the sun was barely even out yet), caught the train, and walked for 20 minutes carrying all of our luggage, just to cross this last thing off the bucket list. When we finally made it, my first glance at the building washed away every ounce of the second thoughts I started having about trudging all the way across the city just for this moment. I forgot how early it was, how cold my fingers were, how utterly exhausted I was, and everything in me became filled with joy. Needless to say, I couldn't have asked for a more perfect ending to such a perfect trip than watching the sunrise from the Met Steps.


We somehow (by the grace of God & a little help from a homeless lady on the street corner) found our way from the Met, to the subway, then to the bus stop where the bus would pick us up and take us to the airport.
It was exhilarating trying to navigate our way through the crowds walking beside us at a million miles per hour. 
The fast pace keeps my adrenaline going.
It's a great feeling.

We waited at the bus stop in Queens, which was our first time there. Even though we didn't have time to walk around and explore, I can mark it off my list of places I went and add it to my list of places I want to visit again.


As I sat in the LaGuardia Airport, all I could think was if a genie were to appear out of my coffee cup right now to grant me one single wish, there is absolutely no doubt in my mind what it would be... 
...to stay here forever.
After having made my "New York City Bucket List" and achieving all the things on the list, you could say I'm now probably the happiest girl 
in the entire world. 


Adios, New York City. 
I'll be back soon, I promise.






Day Four:

We began the day with the most perfect stroll through Central Park, which I have decided is beautiful behind belief no matter what the season. I have also claimed it as my 'happy place' (a.k.a. my favorite place in the world). Just like everything else, it was even more spectacular in person.
                                                                                      
We had lunch at a wonderful Italian shop where I finally got the 
New York style pizza, which was amazing.

You just can't go to New York City without shopping! The rest of the day was spent shop, shop, shopping in SoHo, Manhattan where I was completely in my element. 
We stopped for a photo op outside the
Rockefeller Center.
This is when I decided Sunday's are for Subways and Shopping in SoHo.
                                      
              
                    Ladurée in SoHo had 
                  the best Macarons 
                (or Macaroonies, 
                  what I like to call  
              them) that I've 
         ever tasted.
                     Raspberry is my fav. 




Once we finally made it home in the freezing wind, we stayed in for 
homemade enchiladas and all the good Sunday night TV shows. 
There's just something about NYC that makes everything you do, so much more fun. Like simply watching TV, turns into 'OMG. This is awesome.' just because you're watching with a view that takes your breath away every time you glance at it.

Day Three:

I've heard when in rains in NYC, it pours, and that's exactly what happened. However, I was completely determined not to let the rain ruin the whole day. 

We had lunch at J. G. Melon on the Upper East Side. Best turkey burger I've ever had.

Next stop, Grand Central Station


Chills crawled up my arms as we hopped off the subway and entered this delightfully famous place. I walked to the middle, twirled around in a circle, and wished desperately that I could walk through this place every day.
It was just as glorious as I had hoped it would be.
We got cupcakes from a delicious bakery and
ate them while in Grand Central Station.
Being in such a wonderful place while eating something
so enjoyable was truly the icing on the cake :-)


We called it a day, and went back to the apartment and got ready for the big dinner party that night. 

Truthfully, I was a little intimidated when getting ready for the dinner. I had been told that we would be eating with the owner of a very large corporate furniture business. Like Pat around the prestigious Blake Thomson, I aimed at getting dolled up hoping to find acceptance through the clothes and jewelry I adorned myself with. 
The people at the dinner ended up being completely accepting, humble, and encouraging. Unlike Pat's relationship with Blake, I wasn't let down by the actions of these high society individuals.

Thankfully, it stopped raining a little, and we made our way to Manhattan for an incredible Mediterranean dinner with a few of the most amazing people I've ever met. 

(Obviously the food was delicious, too.)

All throughout the night, I attached myself to my "Notes" app on my cell phone, and I jotted down things they said and advice they gave me. To be where they are is my dream, I soaked up every piece of that night in an effort to never forget it.

This is William. 
Somehow 9/11 became the  topic of conversation for a few minutes. He had a lot to say about it, but what I got the most out of that conversation was when he said, "I got off the train, and I was like 'Oh my god, what are they doing in the city'. It was a good 'America's not invincible' moment." It's hard to believe that a place that seems so intimidating, powerful, and unbreakable was hit so devastatingly. But, thankfully, as a country we support each other, and we've come back stronger from such a horrific event, and New York City is still perfect.

The host of the night, Bob O'neil, is very successful in the furniture business with the Aaron's. He has a place in New York City, and just got an apartment in Paris, but he said the city is still his favorite place. He and his wife are always traveling, but he said, "As soon as we come through the tunnels, we're finally alive again." I don't think he could've described the feeling any better--finally alive again. He's spot on with that one. All of the suggestions on how to obtain my goals in journalism and the advice on how to survive the city that I captured from conversations I had on this night will be at the top of my list of 'Things I Learned in NYC', and will be applied to every aspect of my life as soon as this plane lands.


Our hosts for the week were Phil (23) and Derreck (20). We stayed at their place in 18C in BKLYN AIR in downtown Brooklyn. They are two Georgia boys who had ambition and courage enough to risk everything, and leave the south to pursue their dreams in New York City. One day, with only a little money and a packed suitcase, they left their Georgia town not even knowing where they were going to sleep that night. Now, not even a full year later, they both have permanent jobs in the city, a luxury apartment, and are achieving their dreams one day at a time. 

Just as in The Girls in 3-B, same sex relationships flow just as freely in New York City as they do in Chicago. These two are engaged and just as happy as any couple I've ever spent time around (if not happier.) Barby discovered her femininity within her relationship with Ilene. 
Watching a person struggle to find themselves, and then finally seeing them satisfied when they rest in the arms of another person is a beautiful thing. 
Whether that person is wired exactly the same way as them, or completely different. 
I was inspired by these two, the risks they have taken, and the goals they have accomplished. I'm excited to see where life takes them in the future.

             
We ended the night after spending a little time on the 14th floor of the Library Hotel at Bookmarks on Madison Ave (such an amazing place!)



Day Two:




My view while I sip my morning coffee. 
I could really get used to this.

We get ready, find our way on the subway, and tour a little around the 9/11 memorial and the One World Trade Center.

     


We got lost for a few blocks, but finally found the American Express Tower, where we had lunch at Hudson Eats. I got an amazing Thai noodle bowl at Num Pang Sandwich Shop.

We picked up a cupcake at Sprinkles there too. 
The cupcake was amazing, but this view behind it is what made it a million times better. 
Kellie and I then went to find the Statue of Liberty. We found this wonderful, secluded section of benches right beside the water directly in the sunshine where we chilled out for about an hour. 
It was beautiful, warm, and peaceful. 
Who knew you could find a tiny spot in such an enormous place where not a single other person is in sight? 
I think we just got lucky on that one.
There she is off in the distance...

We got a hotdog and hot chocolate at a street cart, and shared it sitting on a bench on the corner of Wall Street.
 The Financial District, where 134 billion dollars is traded daily. 
Woah.

Definitely not like anything I've ever done before, but so much fun. We somehow navigated the subway train and found our way back to downtown Brooklyn to the apartment.

We got ready and went to dinner at New Topaz.
           (Thai for two meals that day, but I was completely 
               alright with that because both were 
                  exceptionally delicious)

I wanted to see Times Square at night, so we made our way from Midtown Center to Times Square. As we approached the street, I began experiencing the symptoms of falling in love; my heart sped up in my chest, butterflies swirled in my stomach, and gallons of excitement rushed through the veins in my entire body. We turned the corner and the lights hit my face, and I swear it was that moment that it happened... 
I fell in love.

I can say in all honesty that I've never in my life experienced anything like that before.


If it hadn't have been so late, I would've begged to simply sit on the curb and stare, because there was so much on that one street to see and feel. I could spend my whole life there, and be completely content.

Day two was incredibly relaxing and beautiful.


The First 6 Hours



After our drive through the city to Brooklyn, we get to the apartment that we are staying, I see the room number, and I decide that I will spend my time in NYC as "The Girl in 18C" being as determined to discover myself as Annice, Pat, and Barby were in Chicago in their apartment in 3-B. 

Before I can begin to recap the first six hours, I have a short story I must tell.
Last week, I was re-reading (for about the 30th time) my favorite book of poetry titled "Chasers of the Light" by Tyler Knott Gregson. I found the book in Anthropologie in Atlanta. I couldn't get the thought of it out of my head, so I picked it up about a week later at a local book store in Augusta. Ever since then, I've been addicted to it. I was re-reading it in an attempt to mimic his poetry style to become a better poet myself. Upon reading, I came across a particular line in one of his poems that spoke so highly to me, it said, “I need a word for the way that feels, for all the combinations of all the letters don’t seem to say it properly.”
And this is what I wrote using his idea: 

Words are my favorite things in all of this world.
I search far and wide, but nothing fulfills my soul the way words do.
The curved shapes, edges, and spines drip inspiration into my veins.
They’re the only thing I understand one hundred percent of the time.
But, when I try to find the ones to use to describe you,
it becomes impossible.
For you, I would need to invent an entirely new language,
because the words I have, will never do you justice.

I wrote this before truly experiencing the feelings I have right now sitting by a window peering out at the pitch black night lightened by the glorious bright lights. But, I knew even a week ago what this feeling would encompass, and now, considering the fact that there truly is no words to describe the actual feelings I'm feeling at this very moment, here goes nothing...

First and foremost, I want to say, the genuine aura that this place radiates is truly visionary. What exactly do I mean? Everywhere you turn, there is something new and absolutely incredible to experience. With 27,000 people per square mile and over 30 million residents, you're bound to see every kind of person this world holds. It's beautiful. I'm walking down the street feeling like I'm in a dream. The fast pace of it all keeps my heart racing at the exact same speed. The whoosh of the taxis speeding past me, the cold wind whipping wild through my hair, and the sights and sounds of it all bringing my adrenaline to a peak and stirring the passion inside me faster and faster. I love it all. Every second I've spent here so far has been filled with moments of pure, wholesome joy. I just sent a text to my Mom saying, "Mom, I don't think I've ever been this happy in my entire life." And that most definitely is the truest statement I have ever testified to. This place is magical. It's legendary. It's inspirational. 
It's perfect...

Posing like a true tourist because I
loved my first subway ride.
2nd Avenue was our destination of
choice for tonight.
Taqueria on the Lower East Side = best Mexican food
& best atmosphere. A+ in my book.  
America's Next Top Model.
Tory Burch & my new favorite quote.
"People who don't have time to read the
Wall Street Journal, make time to read
the Wall Street Journal."
Wall Street Journal, here I come!





I cozied up with this little pup, Pandora, to get a good night's rest for the adventures that tomorrow would hold.  
                               
                                                            
Wait, but, how am I supposed to fall asleep when 
I see this each time I roll over?
Ah, the city lights no longer illuminate my dreams, 
but they serve as my night light.

Goodnight.
Thank you, Lord, for New York City. 


Airplanes and Taxis


     

In these moments, all I could think was, "Just get me there."


Below are the 3 most vital Airplane Essentials according to my personal opinion.
:-)
1. iPad Mini complete with NYC skyline + keyboard
+ headphones + Tory Burch case = must have.
2. Starbucks coffee & Biscoff cookies.
3. New York City as your destination.
My first sight of the city from my airplane window seat. My heart was pounding rapidly in my chest. I couldn't wait to get lost in that glorious concrete jungle.

                          
                                                                            Finally.

After exiting the plane, we retrieved our bags from baggage claim and waited outside for our Uber to show up. In the 20 minutes that I stood outside the airport doors in the freezing cold, with the taxis whizzing by and laying on their horns, with a perfect view of the skyscrapers, I realized that I was already in love with this city.  

Our first taxi ride that drove us from the airport all the way to downtown Brooklyn confirmed my newly formed obsession. My eyes were glued to the window and my jaw locked open in awe of each wonder we passed.

I couldn't wait to get to Brooklyn, drop off our bags, and begin exploring!