I’m just really missing the Big Apple recently. And the two
best friends I got to enjoy the city with for three weeks. When I got on my
plane back home, I pulled out my notebook and wrote down until I was
emotionally drained. I certainly didn't summarize our entire trip, but I got
pretty far into it. I’m just now typing it up, and I thought I could share it
on here. It is just memories and laughable moments, and maybe it won’t seem
that important to you. But I’m just throwing it out there.
I wish so badly I could remember everything that happened on
this trip. But I know through Kaysha’s blog, the pictures, and the memories I have,
it will be well-preserved. In three weeks, we saw more than I could’ve
imagined. And I don’t just mean tourist attractions either. We saw something in
all five boroughs, two states (plus Colorado, if I can count that!) and we
spent 22 wonderful days doing so. We got to experience what it would’ve been
like if we were locals. Unfortunately, in three weeks we still stuck out like
tourists! We saw our neighborhood very well – every time we came home we saw
something different. We noticed more restaurants, shops, smells, homeless
people in their usual spots; we took the same route different ways we went.
Things
got to be routine around the apartment. We got used to Virginia waking up
first, then me, then Kaysha, the “caboose.” Our routine of getting ready became
clear after a couple of days, including sharing mirrors, putting beds away, and
one of my favorites – family breakfast. Then we’d make lunch and head out for
the day – to come back later to a warm apartment where we’d put our feet up and
turn the air down. At night we’d take turns giving massages while watching
Gossip Girl, or just talking as much as we could! We had many trivial
conversations about things we’d seen or what we were going to do. But more
importantly we were able to share in deep conversations that helped us grow
even closer – reminding me of our days at FC!
When we left the apartment, it
was a whole different world. Inside felt like home and out the doors was a new
exciting place every day. We started with a map with all we wanted to do. Through
the trip, things got erased, added, and crossed off. Some things weren’t going
to work out, or didn’t sound as interesting as they once did. We found new
things, so we added them! And when we were able to do another thing, it got
crossed off! I think people tried to suggest what kind of things we should do,
but we definitely took our own ideas – this was our trip!
Transportation always
proved to be interesting, right down to our last cab ride to the airport – five
suitcases was a lot! The subway was our preferred method, due to costs, but we
found in three we got the hang of it. certain lines cross each other – or don’t,
and it’s amazing I could tell you the 4-5-6 line stops at 86, 77, 59, 51, 42,
33, etc. and the express stops! I can see why New Yorkers understand it now –
we learned more about exiting/entering etiquette, transfers, steadying your
balance, and being preoccupied so no one bothers you. We also took the bus
several times, which is a totally different experience. Balance is different –
people have fewer places to stand! We saw kind people, crazy people, and plenty
of rude people. Even walking the streets takes talent and confidence, which we
lacked sometimes, but it was okay. We learned don’t walk signs don’t always
mean that, but sometimes you need to double check! And the curb isn’t the best
place to stand – stand on the street.
Going to church was one of our
highlights, we were able to meet and reconnect with Christians with all sorts
of stories, and connect dots with some we’d never met. It was a blessing to
worship with them for six services – three weeks made us feel a part of it. We
got to spend more time with Jady and Julianne which was fun to have city
friends to do something with. I hope I can go back someday, and I pray God’s
blessings on them in their difficulty work.
We learned how great fully days
were, and how calmer days can be just as enjoyable. Some days we’d stop for a
nap, and eat dinner and home, and others we’d be out more than that! We got our
fair share of walking in for sure.
Another highlight was food...but that’s another
story for another day.
-K
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