I was more nervous than excited on the day of my flight. Having gone through hard-hitting personal problems that I will not share here, I promised myself that once those issues are dealt with I will reward myself with a trip to New York City. Problem is, I booked the trip so long ago that I broke connection with the anticipation of it. Life went on like it always did and I treated preparation for the trip as a burdensome task as well.

Things started to change and feel real once I checked into SFO. No more checklists, PowerPoint presentations or agendas. No more cumbersome bags. Just me and a flight to New York City!

My first vivid memory of New York is the explosion of ice cold rain and wind that slapped me hard across the face as I made my way out of JFK airport. The crisp, cool air laden with thick drops of water jerked me awake to remind me that I finally made it! Razor sharp awareness created by the weather centered me, as well as brought me to feel the present moment very keenly.  It allowed me to gaze with wonder at the magic of what I saw: a sea of bright yellow cabs parked, waiting for direction – each flashing a bright orange licence plate – coupled with the gloomy, grey background of stormy weather. Despite the grey backdrop, the City was bursting with energy even at 6:45 in the morning as each cab driver jockeyed for business. The energetic hustle and bustle taken together with the grey backdrop and refreshing air is a picture perfect moment forever etched in my memory.

I finally made it to the ultimate concrete jungle (cue: Jay Z). Now all I had to do was get to Brooklyn.

****

While on the way to my friend’s apartment, where I’d be staying for the duration of my trip, I took in all the sights the City had to offer. Having had no sleep since 5:30a of the morning prior, my eyes were burning and ready to rest. After reaching her and getting the sleepy pleasantries out of the way, I took a hot shower and plopped myself onto the cozy sofa-bed arranged for me.

A lengthy nap later, I was ready to head out and have my first brunch in New York.

 ****

As we made our way to brunch at a charming spot called Banter, we were asked to wait outside for a couple minutes as our table was cleared up by staff. The staff comprised of friendly Australians (that accent!). While waiting to be seated, I noticed a a familiar, pointy-tipped, sleek building off in the distance.

“Is that the Empire State Building?” I asked.

“Yea,” my friend answered nonchalantly as she turned her head to the building. She quickly laughed at her careless, unimpressed response. Funny how quickly humans adjust to the magical surroundings around them – the same surroundings that a person like me traveled 3000 miles to see!

The rest of the day was spent on acclimating myself to my new surroundings, understanding the subway routes, buying tickets and strategizing what to see when. I got my first glimpse of this lively City today and I wasn’t going to waste even a minute getting acquainted.

From today’s excursions the only art I’m focusing on is the yummy meal I had at brunch. Check out how beautifully the plate was arranged, almost as if on the verge of becoming a Jackson Pollock piece…