6 things I've learned in my 2 weeks in NYC

So, I've officially been in New York for 2 weeks and 2 days. Never having resided here before, here are some things I am noticing at this point in time:

1. Water will randomly drip on you at random moments when you're walking. You look up after it happens and see blue sky. Do not be alarmed! It is just air conditioning units that are incredibly high up. (Kinda nasty, but I've come to accept this)


2. Don't wait for the crosswalk to change to go, or you will look like a noob. I knew this going into living here, but I am actually starting to master the art of crossing the street now! (Though I had an experience the other night where my best friend claims I almost died, I was fine!)


3. There are a lot of idiots out there, and you happen to encounter them all on your walk to work. Seriously, don't stop walking in the middle of the sidewalk. New Yorkers are supposed to all be fast movers and ahead of the curve on getting to places quickly, but not everyone here is lucky enough to have that skill.


4. Common courtesy goes a long way. There have been a few times where I've held the door for someone and given the person a nice, "there ya go!" in the process - and they actually break out of their New York City shell of concentration and smile back. It's a great to be nice to people and have that niceness reciprocated!


5. In a city with so many people, it's hard to believe that you can feel very alone at times. This is why you should never lose contact with your friends. NYC may be the biggest city in the world, but if you don't know anyone here, it can also feel very lonely (something that I felt when I first got here because a lot of my friends still haven't moved here yet!). Encourage friends to visit and plan things to do ahead of time so the feeling of impending doom and loneliness overcomes you!


6. The city isn't that big when you learn where everything is. Now that I am more familiar with the neighborhoods, I like to walk EVERYWHERE! Kinda crazy, I've walked over 50 blocks at times, but no place is too far to walk if you plan the timing right. And walking around gives you better insight as to the characteristics of the different neighborhoods, so you really learn the city inside-out. I love it!

That's it for now. I'm sure in another month or so I'll have at least 10 more things I've learned!

Oh man, I do love New York.

<3, Charlotte

Central Park = New York City's version of a beach

So today was CRAZY busy! I got lunch with Kati of Spontaneity or Second Guesses which was totally fun! We went to Moonshine Diner and I had the most amazinggg chili fries on the planet.

And then the insane amount of walking started.

I have no idea why I just prefer to walk everywhere in NYC. It's actually getting to be insane because I really need to learn the different subway lines and figure that out, but I just think that summer in the city is meant for exploring and walking around! The walks even go by fast because I'm so busy taking everything in, 20 blocks feels like it only takes 5 minutes.

I walked all the way from 30th St and 3rd Ave to 83rd St and 3rd to meet Kristy (my work friend). She lives in the upper east side, and we wanted to go lay out in Central Park since we've become DISGUSTINGLY PALE from being inside working all day! It took a little over an hour, but I met Kristy and one of her friends at a restaurant where they were eating lunch, and after we walked to the park.

It would have been a totally easy trip, but the Puerto Rican parade was today, which was quite a struggle to get around. It literally took us an extra half hour to get to an area of the park where we could actually sit! I had probably walked at least 4 mile by the time we got to our spot.

So pretty!

We finally arrived, and I was incredibly excited to see that SO MANY PEOPLE WERE WEARING BATHING SUITES! Yes, folks, apparently in the summer Central Park is New York City's beach. Seriously. All it's missing is sand. Needless to say, we are going back next week and are going to be wearing our bikinis. Maybe the summer my tan won't be a lost cause after all...

Anyway, between all the walking and the tanning today, I'm wiped out! I am going to get ready for the work week and watch a movie (well, attempt to watch a movie), before passing out.

Week 2, here I come!

<3, Charlotte