Crowd rushing by Ground Zero, NYC.You could not invent a city like New York. Wild, fast-paced, ambitious, and dirty, upon first glance. It doesn't take long to see the other part of the city, though. I'm talking about the one where a businesswoman balances her purse, briefcase, bagel, cup of coffee, and cell phone while gracefully weaving through pedestrian (and automobile) traffic at a breakneck pace. She does not drop anything, even when she reaches for the free copy of AM New York from a man outside the 42nd St. - Bryant Park subway station. Instead of keeping your eyes fixed on the tops of skyscrapers, you notice the couple eating breakfast by the fountain on Madison Ave. or the Chinese family (all eight members) walking their youngest son to school on Hester St.
On my last day in NYC, I deliberately walk and take the subway to soak up as much New York-ness as possible. "Days Like This" by Van Morrison plays on my iPod, and it seems very fitting. Moving back to my parents' house after four years of college freedom plus an extra month in the city has made me regret this moment. I know it's not forever; I have a teaching job lined up in Milwaukee in August. I guess it's just the principle of it.
