Destination One: New York City
I'm convinced that I left my heart in New York City somewhere around the ages of 10 - 12 when went for the first time. The lights, the city, the people, the smells, the potential has always left the dreamer inside of me captivated. Even before the Big Apple and I first met, I wrote my first song concerning the subject. From a young age I have managed to draw inspiration. Almost 6 years since my last vacation there, I found my heart right where I had left it - so many years ago, smack dap in the middle of the theater district, or as you may be more familiar with, 'Broadway'.
But let me back up - One the 6th of June, I set forth on what in hindsight will be seen as "the trip of a life time". Year twenty-six will most definitely be one for the books. My first stop on my 23 day journey into the unknown in the midst of the unknown was New York. During the flight, two songs were stuck in my head "New York, New York" and the Law and Order SVU theme song. The small child behind me was stuck on "Empire State of Mind" but had to ask her mom if Beyonce sang the tune . Mother set her straight "No gurl, that's Alicia Keys and Jay-Z."
As soon as I landed and jumped in my taxi, excitement filled my blood. In the past, I have always traveled from from a tourist perspective, but this time, I had the opportunity to experience the city from a local point of view. I managed to rent a room on a bnb website, that enabled me to get quite the deal . I stayed in the heart of Chelsea and the location was prime. The room was enough, but I came across a bit of a predicament - a shared bathroom. I don't mind sharing a bathroom but I do mind when I don't know who I am sharing a facility with- Do they have foot fungus? What time do they shower? I really hope they don't leave their nasty hairs on the shower walls ( they did). "Oh Crap (literally) I forgot to pack my "poo-pouri". These were all thoughts that ran through my mind. Despite the neglect to pack travel shoes, I did manage to get basically clean, praying I wasn't staying at the 'Bates Motel', but other "concerns" left me feeling in a bit of a bind. Well, despite the inconveniences, I survived ( thanks to my African travels) and honestly, I was only in my room to sleep. I'll count it as a growing experience.
My shared bathroom, lap of Chelsea luxury was about a mile walk from where I spent the majority of my time - yes, Broadway.
(p.s. I am currently catching up and writing as I am on the chunnel to Paris and I think I am traveling underwater. Unfortunately, my grand imagination has left me a bit disappointed as I was hoping to have a SeaWorld/2000 leagues Under the Sea/Little Mermaid , travel next to a french shark sort of experience. Bummer. Just a tunnel in the dark, that is making my ears pop. Anyways.)
Broadway - In the short time I was in the city, I managed to see 4 shows in about 3 1/2 days. This is comparable to the record my mom and I set when we saw 6 in five days. On the first night, I saw "Memphis". It was absolutely incredible and was about rock & roll music at the beginning of the Civil Rights Movement - two things I love : civil rights and music. I think I cried three times through out the show, the initial time being as soon as the current when up due to the rush of emotion that over took me.
This is me.
I feel alive.
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