A close friend invited me to spend a weekend in NYC. Imagine how many people travel long distances to visit this city. I could stay with her, she said. For me, it would be a short train ride. Of course, I said yes, I’ll be there.
On the eve of 2000 (all of all years!), I was in Times Square counting down to welcome the new year, standing among policemen on horses, bikes, and cars with all the drains sealed shut and trash cans removed from the public. I was cold all night, worried about bathrooms, and had to stay in the same block to avoid losing my place for the countdown. The sea of people, estimated to be around one million, overwhelmed me. I felt the Big Apple was too big, and I was more of a Bostonian.
The warm sun and light breeze touched my face when I got off the subway at West 96 Street and Broadway. My friend, a new New Yorker, and I wandered along Broadway, Amersterdam, and Columbus, noting unique cafes and restaurants we might want to try. Central Park was also within walking distance and a treat. At night, we listened to Jazzmeia Horn at a Jazz Club nearby. Jazzmeia told stories of her family that made her write and sing these songs. Her strong and thick voice lighted up the room, and her laugh was contagious. We had a fabulous night.
We still had time after dinner, so we went out to find a cute bar to hang out at. My friend happily told us we had hundreds of options. If we don’t like the one in front of us, we keep looking. She said she made a pact with her husband to avoid going to these same restaurants. This was the beauty of being in Manhattan.
My interaction with NYC changed this time. Being in NYC as a New Yorker rather than a tourist meant we didn’t rush to make reservations at highly-rated places downtown and midtown. Instead, we walked to nearby hidden Upper West Side neighborhood gems. Some areas reminded my friend of Paris or other large European metropolitan cities.
Having always loved public transportation, I found NY Penn Station manageable this time. The internet made checking for a schedule easy. Traveling alone, I had control over my schedule and was not stressed about taking a later train.
I was pleasantly surprised at how much I liked being in New York, specifically the Upper West Side of Manhattan. Perhaps now that I know better how to get to see the city, part of me can be a New Yorker. I look forward to visiting again.