Happy One Month!

I packed two suitcases and moved to the city on the 4th of July!

To celebrate my one-month anniversary, I felt I owed it to New York City to talk about all its beauty and glory, rather than a double love triangle.

I had been planning this move since last year, but I had dreamt about this day since high school. From the enormous skyscraper-like buildings to the food to the random photographers taking shots of you in the middle of Times Square, I loved it. I loved it all.

The cool air and the busyness of people going about their everyday lives instantly greeted me when I entered the state. Everyone seemed too focused on their daily tasks to notice anything else. Taxis filled the streets, and the scent of coffee lingered in the air. The sight of those bright mustard-yellow license plates gave me an unexpected sense of comfort and familiarity.

It was just as I remembered. My father had lived in the city, so I had visited a few times, but this was my first time completely on my own in the big city.

The neighborhood where I lived was vibrant and full of life. There were block parties outside my window, people who looked like me everywhere, and endless food options. I loved the ease of walking everywhere and how close everything was.

One of the most interesting things to me was the number of hair-braiding shops. They were on every corner, practically every block. I had never seen anything like that.

Coming from Palm Beach, Florida, I wasn’t used to such diversity. Here in my little neighborhood, there were so many cultures and nationalities: Senegalese, Nigerians, African Americans, Asians, and more. That was something I didn’t see back home.

Since I arrived, I had met people from all walks of life, and for the most part, everyone had been kind to me. Being from the South, we were known for our Southern hospitality. The North? Not so much. But to my surprise, everyone I encountered had been welcoming.

There was the local bodega owner who called me “Jamaican princess” whenever he saw me. Another worker at the bodega helped me pick out the best medicine when I was sick and even checked up on me afterward.

The owners of my local Korean restaurant always loaded my plate with food and made me try almost everything. The chicken shop nearby gave me free chicken. My neighbor who told me where to shop and invited me over for Sunday dinners.

I received compliments, free things, and discounts all the time. So when people said New York has no Southern hospitality, I just couldn’t agree.

With that being said, were people going to say “Good morning” to you? Probably not. But they are welcoming and accepting, at least in my experience.

Another thing I loved was the 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. culture. The city came alive after work. New Yorkers really understood work-life balance. Everyone seemed to have plans after work, whether it was heading to a restaurant, a jazz club, a date, or a Pilates class. They made time for life.

I also ate my first bacon, egg, and cheese! I made sure I had an authentic New York experience by eating it in Central Park while people-watching. I’m sure I had one as a child, but having it now felt like I had officially solidified my transplant life.

The only thing I struggled with was the subway. The smell was rancid, and it was usually narrow. I also didn’t like how much it jerked as it came to a stop. Honestly, it was my least favorite part of the city, but maybe I will get used to it over time. Another thing I had to get used to was walking a few blocks to do laundry (what in the world, New York!).

With all that said, I am deeply grateful. Thank you, New York, for having me.

I pray this chapter of my life will continue to be filled with blessings, success, authenticity, happiness, and prosperity.

Most of all, thank you, God, for bringing my dreams to life.

Cheers!