I love it here. I love everything about it-the crisp air that fills my lungs with each breath, the motherly structures that envelop me everywhere I go, the fascinating people I come across at every turn. It’s all I could ever ask for, honestly.
Just the other day I found myself wandering about not really going anywhere, not really looking for anything. I was just there in its midst, taking it all in, absorbing every ounce of the city block by block. There were little family owned restaurants that had been there for generations, pets that look like their owners, chic exclusive boutiques, glossy window displays, cake shops, apartment complexes, Laundromats, trees, birds, cars, people. Things. Everywhere. All around me. The city was my universe. Every corner I turned led to another section of the grid that was just as interesting and unique as the last.
I eventually made it to the oasis of New York-Central Park. Not that the city itself is a desert; Central Park is just a bit of a culture shock when you’ve seen nothing but steel and concrete for 20 blocks. I found a patch of grass to lie down in and shut out the world for a moment. I awoke in a haze and surveyed my surroundings. I saw a small dog chasing something, a couple completely captivated by each other’s company, a baby who had barely begun to walk, an artist absorbed in the ambience... So many different people converging on this one insignificant hill in this enormous piece of landscape.
I realized how many small encounters happen by coincidence in this city. You never know who you’re going to run into from one minute to the next. New York, like I said, is it’s own little universe. You never know who will show up in your corner of it. I find that not knowing is exhilarating. It keeps you on your toes, and that’s why I love it here.
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ReplyDeleteAdri, your post really struck a chord with me. Walking around yesterday I happened to run into an old friend I hadn't see in a really long time. I was so shocked and amazed. It was such a surprise. It was really cool sitting down and reading your post and hearing my own thoughts through your words. I really connected with what you wrote. Kudos.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this entry, because I can completely relate to your lovely words. You summed up all these feelings and your love for the city in a paragraph, and I could feel your passion for the world around you, as well as the joy you feel at being here. I agree, it is so incredible to just sit somewhere and watch what is going on around you, especially in a place as diverse, busy, and unique as New York. The city is such a bustling place full of incredible people and things to explore!
ReplyDeleteThis post was so true to my own experiences. I loved it! Everyday is like that for me. I loved how you really captured the feeling of vastness and diversity that city has. Instead of going to a specific place to write on your blog you simply walked down the street and took it all in. And central park is also a perfect place to observe because it's where everyone goes to find themselves again, away from the city. great writing! :)
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