So - I'm living in Manhattan - holy crap! Going out today, it just seems so surreal. The city so intimidated me before I got here. Now, it feels like just a big city - and very navigatable! But it's also THE city. Will it let me in past the hard exterior - the wall it puts up? I don't quite trust it yet. Don't get me wrong - I feel totally safe everywhere I go, but I'm not yet familiar enough with the city to tell it my secrets. I think once it shares some of its secrets, I'll share some of myself :-).
It's so weird up and moving to a city you don't know at all! For some reason I really want to seem or be like a resident (even though I'm not speaking a different language and I don't look Jewish and I don't have a dog in tow!). I've been just walking the city to get a feel for it - I vehemently don't want to be a tourist here. I'm not sure why. But it's hard to feel like a local right away. And I'm sure I'll get the bug to see the touristy things soon.
But enough esoteric stuff. My first day was awesome! Forget what I said about not being able to be healthy. I walked out my front door today, and right there was a farmer's market with fresh vegies and fruits - score! That made me happy. Then I went running around Central Park which I LOVE! Holy crap! I was going to do the inner 4 mile loop, but somehow I missed the turn and ended up going around the whole park - 6 miles. But I was happy to see it (and I walked some - I wish my knee was better!). The park is magical - there is everything in there literally. Tons of exercising (even people on weird new gizmos), ponds, children's playgrounds, trails, stages, fields - everything. Even tennis courts :-). So surreal to me that this is everyday to everyone else - that people raise kids in the middle of the city. I accidentally went the wrong way around the running road - clockwise instead of counter. Whoops - I hope that's why I got a lot of looks. But the park is going to be a great resource. I already looked up the website and the park's weekly activities :-).
So this afternoon I went sojourning again. I'm definitely logging a lot of miles. I walked to the upper east side (after my slice of broccoli pizza - yum). I walked mostly down Lexington. Nice to walk everywhere - and have tons of little pastry shops, coffee shops, tailors, fruit stands, etc. at your disposal. Everything seems so accessible. Finally made it back home, tired from walking but happy. I bought a weekly periodical that's supposed to have the goings on in it.
So tonight I had my first subway ride - and on an express which is so awesome. Very fast! I went down to Union Square to meet a friend for dinner - Tara for those at my brother's wedding! Funny how she happened to be in the city this weekend! Was glad to have a friend to see, and we had some nice dinner sitting outside - nice area and good people watching. I love just hearing people playing the drums on some corner. The area down there seems more hip and happening - lot of restaurants and bars. We ate some nice dinner at a place called "Coffee Shop" - I know, but it's really a restaurant/bar. Then I had a mango mojito and she had a blueberry one. Interesting. We met up with some of her friends at a Brewery, but they wanted to head home. I went home around midnight feeling like it was an early night - weird. There's so many people out here still! I have to remember the bar they recommended to me - 230 5th. - it's supposed to have a cool rooftop.
So a very successful first day filled with firsts. Everything seems doable in this city - shopping, getting everywhere, eating anything - but I hope someday it doesn't seem so surreal. Am I dreaming?
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Friday, June 22, 2007
First Impressions
I made it to Manhattan! Now I'm officially a resident :-). Yippee!
So it was a bit frustrating getting here - my flight was 3 hours late leaving from Chicago, then we were in the air for an extra hour in a holding pattern above New York because of a storm rolling in! We finally landed, and I lugged all my luggage to the cab. I couldn't open my eyes wide enough as my eyes glued themselves to the window. It was great to see Manhattan from afar, then go over the bridge and drive through it, even if it was raining. We drove through Central Park! Then a friend in the building met me to give me the 2 minute tour and my keys. The apartment is beautiful - just like in the pictures! Wood floors, nice couch, 2 TVs, big bedroom, a/c, nice view of the park and even a bridge in the distance. We got it all :-). Yes, the kitchen is tiny, but it's all good. The building is pretty plain and they are doing construction around the front of the building and in the lobby so it's not terribly exciting. But the apartment is great.
So after I got a little settled, I set out (around 9:30 finally) to get dinner - I was starved! I walked to a big, safe, well-lit street (Broadway). And I walked up and down Broadway for awhile - fabulous! It's nice that so many people are out at any time of day, and there's a beat to the city. But you are right, Aunt Carolyn - it's a lot smellier than Chicago and less clean. Smells alone are crazy. And I've found it's good to put on an aura of toughness and a bit of skepticism. Maybe that's my natural reaction to a new place anyway :-). But people are pretty nice. I stopped in at a little counter place and ordered a gyro - pretty good, but not the best. But I was really glad to eat. I have a feeling I should've stopped at one of the dozen pizza places instead - they advertised "hot and crusty". But tons of restaurants of all kinds of food were open (even if shops weren't). It was fun just to walk the beat and stare at things. And God, can a person eat healthy here? Every other place sells pastries or ice cream or bagels or pizza or something! Crazy! And I love that flower shops and little markets exist with their produce enticing you just sitting out in front! On the way home I stopped at one to get some fruit and cereal for breakfast - very fun. And I found a lot of grocery stores I can go to. Otherwise I just walked a lot: 97 up to 113 (close to Columbia), then down all the way to 85 then back to 97 again. And Subways and Starbucks are mighty plentiful! By the way - I think I might've walked by the Seinfield Restaurant - it looked mighty familiar anyway :-).
So I'm back in my place, finally having figured out the internet (nice they didn't tell me the name of the network). And I'm totally excited to be here still! My plan is to run tomorrow in Central Park - wish me luck! Then more exploring and the like... So much to see and walk here! Maybe someday I'll feel like I know the place, or a part of it!
So it was a bit frustrating getting here - my flight was 3 hours late leaving from Chicago, then we were in the air for an extra hour in a holding pattern above New York because of a storm rolling in! We finally landed, and I lugged all my luggage to the cab. I couldn't open my eyes wide enough as my eyes glued themselves to the window. It was great to see Manhattan from afar, then go over the bridge and drive through it, even if it was raining. We drove through Central Park! Then a friend in the building met me to give me the 2 minute tour and my keys. The apartment is beautiful - just like in the pictures! Wood floors, nice couch, 2 TVs, big bedroom, a/c, nice view of the park and even a bridge in the distance. We got it all :-). Yes, the kitchen is tiny, but it's all good. The building is pretty plain and they are doing construction around the front of the building and in the lobby so it's not terribly exciting. But the apartment is great.
So after I got a little settled, I set out (around 9:30 finally) to get dinner - I was starved! I walked to a big, safe, well-lit street (Broadway). And I walked up and down Broadway for awhile - fabulous! It's nice that so many people are out at any time of day, and there's a beat to the city. But you are right, Aunt Carolyn - it's a lot smellier than Chicago and less clean. Smells alone are crazy. And I've found it's good to put on an aura of toughness and a bit of skepticism. Maybe that's my natural reaction to a new place anyway :-). But people are pretty nice. I stopped in at a little counter place and ordered a gyro - pretty good, but not the best. But I was really glad to eat. I have a feeling I should've stopped at one of the dozen pizza places instead - they advertised "hot and crusty". But tons of restaurants of all kinds of food were open (even if shops weren't). It was fun just to walk the beat and stare at things. And God, can a person eat healthy here? Every other place sells pastries or ice cream or bagels or pizza or something! Crazy! And I love that flower shops and little markets exist with their produce enticing you just sitting out in front! On the way home I stopped at one to get some fruit and cereal for breakfast - very fun. And I found a lot of grocery stores I can go to. Otherwise I just walked a lot: 97 up to 113 (close to Columbia), then down all the way to 85 then back to 97 again. And Subways and Starbucks are mighty plentiful! By the way - I think I might've walked by the Seinfield Restaurant - it looked mighty familiar anyway :-).
So I'm back in my place, finally having figured out the internet (nice they didn't tell me the name of the network). And I'm totally excited to be here still! My plan is to run tomorrow in Central Park - wish me luck! Then more exploring and the like... So much to see and walk here! Maybe someday I'll feel like I know the place, or a part of it!
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Pre-Manhattan
This is a new blog for me dedicated to my life adventures. We'll start with my Summer 2007 adventures while living in Manhattan. But as I'm not there quite yet, this is my pre-Manhattan post :-).
I'm so excited to leave for Manhattan! I've been living out of suitcases for 3 weeks so unpacking will just be lovely. I was in Jamaica for a week at The Rockhouse for my brother's wedding. First - the Rockhouse was awesome! It was so beautiful and relaxing with cliff jumping, snorkeling, and beautiful clear ocean water to experience daily. I loved it. And of course there was wonderful food including lots of fish, conch (like snail), calaloo (cooked green vegies), and jerk chicken of course :-). And we especially liked the tropical rum drinks with real fruit blended in - papaya, and coconut - yum pina colada! Since I had just gotten scuba certified, of course Naveen and I had to try out the Jamaican waters and boy was it beautiful! Saw tons of fish of all colors and rays and crabs and the like. A very easy first experience :-). Otherwise we enjoyed the wonderful company of Toni and Matt's family and friends - what a treat (especially with the cousins)! The wedding itself was magical, even with the rain. Toni and Matt were beautiful dressed and the ceremony with lots of expressed love made me cry! I was so happy to be a part of it and read a poem which went well. And Naveen and I got to sit at the big kids table (although Toni said it was definitely the kids table) with Matt and Toni which was an honor. And of course we partied Jamaica-style with lots of "No worries" and rum and dancing. So fun! And Matt and Toni seemed so happy and in love - a great wedding.
Then Naveen and I whisked away to chilly San Diego which was slightly less relaxing than "No Problem Mon" Jamaica. We went to our conference there and tried to stay warm in the 60 degree weather :-). But the conference, although tiring, went very well and we did a lot of good networking with important computer scientists.
Friday June 15th I flew back to homebase Austin (ah, I love Austin). I had my whirlwind 2 days (less than 40 hours) there visiting with people, mailing myself boxes, and repacking. Then I flew to Chicago on June 17th. I know, I know - it's even hard for ME to keep track of where I am! I counted - I'm sleeping in 9 different beds this month (and repacking my suitcase with each change!). Also I'm going on as many different legs of plane flights in just 3 weeks! But Chicago - I met Naveen and we drove to his family's to celebrate Father's Day leisurely with them. They were excited to see my Jamaica pictures. Then Monday hung out with nephew Michael (9 years old) until we had to drive into the city to meet friends for a fabulous dinner. We are staying with Aunt Carolyn in the city for a couple of nights - including one with a gourmet meal cooked by Aunt Carolyn. One more night with Naveen's parents, then Thursday I am officially flying to Manhattan and can call myself a resident!! I'm nervous and excited and I want to jump out of my skin with anticipation :-).
So, I will post more when I get to Manhattan - first impressions and how wonderful my 1 bedroom apartment is. Stay tuned for more of Jenn's adventures!
I'm so excited to leave for Manhattan! I've been living out of suitcases for 3 weeks so unpacking will just be lovely. I was in Jamaica for a week at The Rockhouse for my brother's wedding. First - the Rockhouse was awesome! It was so beautiful and relaxing with cliff jumping, snorkeling, and beautiful clear ocean water to experience daily. I loved it. And of course there was wonderful food including lots of fish, conch (like snail), calaloo (cooked green vegies), and jerk chicken of course :-). And we especially liked the tropical rum drinks with real fruit blended in - papaya, and coconut - yum pina colada! Since I had just gotten scuba certified, of course Naveen and I had to try out the Jamaican waters and boy was it beautiful! Saw tons of fish of all colors and rays and crabs and the like. A very easy first experience :-). Otherwise we enjoyed the wonderful company of Toni and Matt's family and friends - what a treat (especially with the cousins)! The wedding itself was magical, even with the rain. Toni and Matt were beautiful dressed and the ceremony with lots of expressed love made me cry! I was so happy to be a part of it and read a poem which went well. And Naveen and I got to sit at the big kids table (although Toni said it was definitely the kids table) with Matt and Toni which was an honor. And of course we partied Jamaica-style with lots of "No worries" and rum and dancing. So fun! And Matt and Toni seemed so happy and in love - a great wedding.
Then Naveen and I whisked away to chilly San Diego which was slightly less relaxing than "No Problem Mon" Jamaica. We went to our conference there and tried to stay warm in the 60 degree weather :-). But the conference, although tiring, went very well and we did a lot of good networking with important computer scientists.
Friday June 15th I flew back to homebase Austin (ah, I love Austin). I had my whirlwind 2 days (less than 40 hours) there visiting with people, mailing myself boxes, and repacking. Then I flew to Chicago on June 17th. I know, I know - it's even hard for ME to keep track of where I am! I counted - I'm sleeping in 9 different beds this month (and repacking my suitcase with each change!). Also I'm going on as many different legs of plane flights in just 3 weeks! But Chicago - I met Naveen and we drove to his family's to celebrate Father's Day leisurely with them. They were excited to see my Jamaica pictures. Then Monday hung out with nephew Michael (9 years old) until we had to drive into the city to meet friends for a fabulous dinner. We are staying with Aunt Carolyn in the city for a couple of nights - including one with a gourmet meal cooked by Aunt Carolyn. One more night with Naveen's parents, then Thursday I am officially flying to Manhattan and can call myself a resident!! I'm nervous and excited and I want to jump out of my skin with anticipation :-).
So, I will post more when I get to Manhattan - first impressions and how wonderful my 1 bedroom apartment is. Stay tuned for more of Jenn's adventures!
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