good morning new york, once again
Thursday,April 10, 2008 at 12:02 pm (Barnard Year 2 Semester 1, Barnard Year 2 Semester 2)
as i sit here, 7:42 a.m, exhausted but ready to get through another day, today seems much like a day over a year and a half ago. That day, i wrote a post called good morning new york, on an early crisp fall morning, just at the outset of this crazy journey.
Its hard to believe i’m here already, moving into reflection rather then wondering mode, looking back rather than looking forward. Its spring, crisp and clean as well, and ironically, the type of day when you look forward, into the heat of the summer, forgetting the long cold months that lay behind you. finally.
I guess i’m doing both. I am so excited for what lies ahead, both what i know and have planned for, and what i haven’t. I feel more confident in the twenties ideal i’ve been dreaming of than i have in the last few months, and its going to be a very. good. summer.
But over these two years, New York has treated me well. Last night, i was walking up broadway in a misty spring rain, and the newly bloomed flowers on the trees were all lit up by the wet lights. I wish I was cam jansen, so I could just “click” and preserve that sensory treat forever– it’s one of my favorites.
The self-discovery and self-education that this city has afforded has been intense and incredible. I have learned about poverty, wealth, hope and despair, culture and politics. I have sat next to every type of person, thought every type of thought, and experienced the highs and lows of feeling totally powerful and totally meaningless. I’ve covered a lot of ground.
And, I still haven’t ridden all the subway lines, been to all the neighborhoods, seen all the museums, or even been to many broadway shows. I’ve yet to try and get into a club, or drink whiskey in a bar, or stay out all night long or find a jazz show in a smoky room somewhere deep in the west village. The images I had of me here have come to life in some cases, stayed dormant and fantasical in others.
But somehow, leaving here doesn’t quite feel like i’m going for good. Will I be back one day, to stay? Maybe. But more importantly, a big chunk of me has been planted here, and this city has really gotten under my skin. Since i’ve never been in the business of having just one, New York is a new place to call home. And for that I’m happy.
Good morning, New York.
