I (DON'T) Love New York

I went to New York City this past weekend to meet up with college friends whom I haven't seen in years. M. and I.,from Sydney and Toronto respectively, were in town for a wedding and D. came up from DC while I went down from Boston. I haven't been with a group of McGill friends since a few year's ago when I went to a wedding in Jersey. It was really nice to see everyone and it really felt like we picked up right where we left off. We were talking about how we were really each other's families for 4 years in Montreal so it's really easy to get right back into the swing of things as if we weren't separated for 6 years. It's nice to feel that kind of comfort and closeness with people.

As wonderful as it was to have quality time with my friends, I just couldn't help but be homesick not even two hours after arriving in the city. For as long as I can remember, I have never liked NYC. It could be because I was somewhat traumatized as a child walking on the streets of Rockefeller Center and getting trampled by crazy New Yorkers. It's like the Running of the Bulls with the locals as the killer animals. I've been back there many times and never really enjoy myself. I always thought the city was too crowded and that the pace was way too fast for my liking.

I stayed in the West Village this time and I liked this area more than any other I've visited in NY. It has a nice neighborhood feel and it's not overly crowded or fast. Everyone seems to have a dog and there are restaurants everywhere you look. If I HAD to ever move to NYC, this would be where I would look (that is, if I had the money to afford it!) I saw two apartments while I was there. One was a friend's studio, which was nice, but it was tiny. Another was D.'s cousin's where I stayed for the weekend. A married couple, their two teenage children, and a 45 lb. pit bull lived in an apartment about the size of my bedroom here in Boston. I couldn't believe how tight it was. I'm majorly claustrophobic so needless to say, I felt a bit cramped. D.'s family was great and I was very appreciative to them for taking me in, but I would and could never live like that for more than a couple of days.

We spent Sunday walking around and browsing the boutiques. If I had the money, I would be so fashionable because the clothes I saw were so stylish. However, I don't have the money so I was only able to window shop. I saw a bikini top for $100. That's not even including the bottom! I realized that if I ever lived in NYC, I wouldn't be able to afford a roof over my head or clothes on my back. I'd be a naked bum. Great huh?

I was so excited when I was finally reunited with him and my babies. I was in heaven when I didn't start sweating right away after taking a shower and that I didn't have to change my clothes in a bathroom the size of a phone booth. The central air was a godsend and having more than 300 square feet of space to relax in was unbelievable. The grass and trees were a breath of fresh air as were the empty streets and silent sidewalks. NYC is definitely the city that never sleeps. I was still walking around at 4:00 AM on Saturday morning and had I not had a watch on, I would've sworn it was 9:00 PM. The streets, restaurants, and bars were bustling with activity. I can't handle that. I need my peace and quiet.

Things I took away from my visit:

1) There's such a thing as "too much" to do in a city
2) I really don't need to live near bars that open past 2:00 AM
3) New Yorkers would be able to live in a cubicle and be totally fine with it as long as it was located in the right neighborhood
4) I need homecooked food at least every other day
5) I can only visit NYC once every few years
6) I am a true Bostonian at heart and plan to stay that way


M., I., and D., it was great to see you. Next time, can we meet up on a tropical island or something? It's much more my pace!!!