New York: March 2018
Made my way back to my favorite city earlier this year. March, to be exact. And I went back to see if I was just as in love with it as when I attempted to move there two years ago.
...I definitely, beyond a shadow of a doubt, was. Am. Will be.
Is that the right grammar yet?
I flew in at 3:45 am. Having the pilot we had, he was probably thrilled that we made up an hour. I was not. I slept the whole flight, woke up ready to conquer the world & my favorite city, and discovered that it was just a touch too early to do that...oh well. I grabbed coffee and a bagel with cream cheese and lox to wake and fill me up almost as much as to warm my fingers.
I rode the subway from JFK with all of the travelers. I encountered the coldest temperatures I've ever known (flew in literally a day after the worst snowstorm of the year), and absolutely loved it. Spotted all of the city people going to work, bundled up in layers and scarfs. Warded off one or two creepers who wanted to know exactly what street I lived on (hahaha NOPE) by switching cars at the last second as we stopped (I felt like quite the New Yorker).
Stepped out of the subway into Brooklyn, where I was staying, and felt the sting of snow on my face because #stoppress it was snowing sideways. I didn't live there, so I was probably the only person who appreciated it, but I trundled along in my rubber snow boots (I came prepared) at barely six o' clock in the morning, holding my umbrella in front of me (very New-Yorkerish) and pulling my teeny suitcase behind me. I only slipped once.
Clarke & Sharon welcomed me. We ate a ton of bread & butter & good food & drank lots of steaming hot coffee. Clarke & I ran to the market & cut through back alley ways to avoid traffic & crazy pedestrians who never cross quite when they're supposed to (guilty). Such New Yorkers.
We found ourselves in a little plant shop, and let me tell you: it was the most interesting view; the jungle inside, green leaves just curling around the windows, and the scape of the city skyline just outside. Then we went to Sey Coffee, a coffee & plant shop. More plants. More coffee. Of course yes please.
One day - perhaps the second or third? - we went to Greenpoint and had the most delicious little lunch at a Jewish deli. The food was to die for, the robins' egg blue building was cramped, and it was full of communing, hungry people. I was in my element. Then Sharon & I selfied in the slightly ironic brick surf shop nearby.
I struck out on my own and took that cliche, very non-New-Yorker picture.
I popped into ByChloe, the best little vegan place you'll ever find. Of course they opened up a sweet shop next door and it was just too adorable. Highly recommend the taco salad & cinnamon cookies.
Met up with one of my life-long people, Zeke, and we went exploring to Battery Park, the World Trade Center, Freedom Park, Wall Street, alllll the historical spots (be still my heart), and on the Staten Island Ferry. Which, given the amount of times I've actually been to New York but have never done, was quite the incredibly exhilarating experience.
Perks of being tall / having tall friends: no random people or camera's in the photo.
Maple begged me not to go.
But I ended up having to, and flew back to the west coast four short days after arriving in my favorite city. Well worth it. Always. Ready to strike back out there again shortly. Where are your favorite spots?
MUCH LOVE,
sierra m.