ALONG COMES MARY

3 years ago today, I left for a trip all on my own to New York City! I cannot believe, really, it has been that long, or that the opportunity to go east happened. I love to tell the story of how it came about, so bear with me if I have told you: I had a pen pal in Luxembourg, Europe, who got an internship with The United Nations, & told me I should come stay with her. Very casual; just an email appeared one day over Summertime, & sure enough, that’s when I was working on the indy film, Halloween Party, as a PA & Stripper Ho (you read right!), & was earning some extra money; that cash went right to a JetBlue ticket.

My Mom teased me all the time, imitating Rhoda Morgenstern at the intro of her Mary Tyler Moore spin-off series, when she goes, “New York! This is your last chance!” since my first time there, in 2010, was, alas, absolutely horrible. I was depressed. Heartbroken over a boy & had to come home early since I sprained my knee & wasn’t sure if I would ever walk without pain again. It might seem strange, but that 2nd trip was, in a way, to prove to myself I could love New York. That first trip didn’t count.

If you’re looking to travel & explore on your own, I cannot recommend New York City on your own. Sure, you must have your guard on, but, it really is a safe place. I only got mugged twice.

KIDDING! 😉

Upon my arrival, as Super Shuttle drove me to my friend’s apartment, this song came on the radio, & I found it fitting…

I really recall my first day in the city, how cliché can we get here, but, my friend wanted to go to a Steampunk fair in Brooklyn, so, we walked the bridge over there. Me! Walking The Brooklyn Bridge! With a good knee! 😉 Another moment you think is a tourist trap til you see for yourself? The Statue of Liberty. When my friend said, “Oh, shes over there”, it truly took my breath away. We were at a good distance, but still. It’s there. In all her glory.

Monday morning, I awoke with much excitement: New York City, completely on my own! Something I was looking forward to, was getting a morning coffee & walking to Central Park. I scored since Starbucks was across the street from the apartment, & Central park East was just a few blocks away. I saw The Belvedere Castle, Shakespeare’s Garden & even jumped on a subway headed to Times Square.

Tuesday, October 24th, always sticks out as one of my favorite days; I walked from Central park East into West & played on swings, talked to some fun people on their lunch breaks, then found a gluten free pantry shop; oddly, I just came across the info on gluten free restauarnts the shop owner gave me. It was that day I found my beloved, Cafe 82! I think what I loved about The Upper West Side is the neighborhood, close-knit vibes in the middle of the huge city. Thats where the fancy folks, the well to-do reside, where you might spot a celebrity (I wish I’d seen Sarah Jessica Parker or Yoko Ono) & where you’re bound to spot the nannies & mannies. Such great times!

You know what was funny to learn on those 10 days away? How easily I get homesick, & that I am definitely a California Girl. I haven’t been back to NYC since, but, I hope next time I go, my boyfriend is with me, then I won’t get homesick….unless Hammy is not with us 😉

Have you ever done a trip on your own? What did you learn while away? xo