New York City

Cut off as I am, it is inevitable that I should sometimes feel like a shadow walking in a shadowy world.  When this happens I ask to be taken to New York City.  Always I return home weary but I have the comforting certainty that mankind is real flesh and I myself am not a dream.

Helen Keller
MIDSTREAM: My Later Life


Recently, I went to New York City with my daughter.  She had a conference to attend and she invited me to travel with her adding a few days to the trip for exploration.  I have been to New York City twice before, but spending time with my daughter holds great meaning for me.

New York City was much cleaner than I remembered it to be.  We were delighted that the temperatures were not in the high 90's or 100's as we did vast amounts of walking.  We spent a great deal of time in Central Park, visiting different areas and resting by the water.  We scoured Greenwich Village and enjoyed a lovely lunch at an outdoor cafe.  We went by St Patrick's Cathedral which like many buildings was being worked on. We browsed down 5th Avenue, shopped our way down busy streets and snapped a few photos of Times Square.  Then of course we went into Grand Central Station. The highlight was going to the theater to see WICKED.  It was awesome!  (Russ had generously provided us with wonderful seats in support of our adventure!)

This being said, I must admit that I am not a New York City person.  Although I grew up in Chicago, my patience with the New York abrasive energy, the constant overture of honking horns, screaching brakes, and yelling drivers wore me down.  Even in the room of the elegant old hotel, the air conditioner sounded like a roaring jet engine. 

Even though I found New York City dwellers to be friendlier than expected, the constant rush of people, the force of constantly being herded along in massive groups, and being confined by tall buildings caused me to long for the solitude of my midwestern home.  I sadly missed beautiful flowers growing out of the ground, the rustle of trees in the breeze, and  birds other than city pigeons. 

New York City will not be noticing my future absence.  It holds allure for many, but it will be falling to the bottom of my list.