Lost and Found in the Big Apple
Trip Start
Jan 03, 2008
1
20
Trip End
May 30, 2008
New York City,
New York,
United States
Sunday, June 15, 2008
I'm now in New York, all settled in, sitting comfortably in my own apartment in Jackson Heights, Queens, New York City. I have to admit, i had a hard time initially, from the mountains of South East Asia to the big towers of New York City. It was scary, confusing, emotionally draining. My neighborhood can only be described as a combination of the Mission right next to Little India. The main road "Roosevelt" is lined with Mexican restaurants after Fried Chicken diners and street vendors serving everything from ice cream to tacos, from sour mango pieces to Tibetan snacks. Two mins away in Little India, theres a whole street with nothing but Indian buffets.
The first two days was hard. I felt lost and confussed and alone. I had an apartment but no bed so I was sleeping on the floor on my yoga mate. I missed the Asian street vendors, missed all the smiles I'd get when walking down the dirt paved roads of Asia, missed the fresh air and the trees. I get weird looks from people when I say "Thank you" here. Culture shock is something that will stay with me for awhile, but it has gotten a lot better. I've discovered that my neighborhood is a true blend of all cultures and people. I hear all different languages spoken when walking down the streets.
I start training on monday at Fordham U next to Lincoln Center in Manhattan. And then start work in Sep.
For now, this will be the last entry from this trip. But I have left a piece of my heart in Asia and while it was very hard to make the decission to end this trip, I know that I will be out there again very soon.
Heres my new address in New York:
37-51 86th St
Jackson Heights, NY 11372-7471
My goal is to bring the old traditions of snail mail back, so if you write me, I will surely dedicate the time that a true letter deserves, and write you make. Nothing is better than getting an actually letter, one that you can hold in your hand and feel the love that comes with each and every hand written word.
best wishes
alice
