My First Weeks In The City - Alexandra Schwartz

What could be better than waking up to the sound of a cement drill on the pavement outside? For me, nothing.  It may not sound enticing or charming to others, but anything that comes along with living in the city is perfect.  Whether it is unfriendly traffic, early morning bus rides, or walking forty blocks, life in Manhattan is just what I want.  So what if the only Trader Joe's is downtown in Union Square? That just means I will have another adventure to pursue. 

Its not that I am naive, or that I live in a charmed world (although sometimes I like to think I do).  I just finally feel right in my surroundings.  I feel like I found my groove, my drumbeat to follow, and heck, why not be happy? Each moment I have spent in the city has found a way to be positive and exciting, and I know it will continue to be that way.  So, let the exploring begin.

Thus far in my New York experience, I have come upon several places that I know I will return to.  The first is Central Park.  Everyone's favorite, I realize, but what is there not to love? Here we are in this massive city surrounded by concrete and glass, and suddenly smack in the middle is a breath of fresh air. A haven of green.  A park with endless possibilities.  On my first excursion to Central Park, I explored the well-worn paths that it contains.  Twisting and turning through the park I found many wonders.  As a little girl my grandparents took me  to see the statue of Balto, the rescue dog from Alaska, and it is a memory that has been put on a pedestal in my mind.  Low and behold, the first treasure I found when exploring Central Park was this statue.  Although it seemed much smaller than I recalled, and much less impressive, it still held the wonder and warm feelings that I remembered form when I was a little girl.  I also found the Central Park Zoo, which my roommates and I explored together.  Its been a while since I have been to a zoo, and the air buzzed with innocence and excitement.  I felt like a kid again, taking pictures of the seals and standing on tiptoes to see the polar bears eat their lunch. Although it is not the most extensive zoo, I spent a few lovely hours in complete contentment. 

I wasn't able to cover the whole park, but I plan to someday.  It is a place of relaxation in a very high strung city, and I cannot imagine myself keeping my distance.  In the words of Arnold Schwarzenegger, "I'll be back."

Another special place I found was the Farmer's Market downtown at Union Square.  I eat a lot of fruits and vegetables, and one of the biggest dilemmas I have had since moving to the city has been finding affordable, edible produce. My parents suggested I try this Farmer's Market, and once I was there I knew my problems were solved.  Every weekend down at Union Square there is a charming Farmer's Market where all different kinds of people gather with their produce, art, baked goods, and much more.  Not only is it a great and affordable place to shop, but it is also a pleasure to be in the midst of this market.  The atmosphere is fresh and diverse.  Last week I spent an afternoon at the market, and had to drag myself away.  The rows and rows of different vegetables are beautiful.  It is like a scene out of a painting: each radish is plump and red, the carrots are huge, the smell of bread or honey or flowers is around each corner, and  the people weave in and out of each stand buying or selling.  It is beautiful and exciting, stimulating and ravishing.  It is something I would recommend for anyone and everyone.  

I am so excited to continue on my journey in life and in the city! I feel so lucky to have these opportunities at my fingertips each and every day.  I find myself often walking around with a huge smile on my face.  Although I feel silly, I cannot manage to wipe it off.  I am just so happy to be here, life feels perfect.  Maybe I do live in a charmed world.  I guess its just the way you look at it.  With that being said, the Farmer's Market began several hours ago and there is a bookstore in the neighborhood I have been meaning to check out.  What am I doing on the computer?