A Trip

A trip to New York City this weekend visiting friends surprised me: I envision myself as a country girl, or at least a suburban girl who loves wide open spaces and nature, and who dislikes the crush of people and buildings in a city. However, I loved NYC, or at least what I saw of it, which was mostly Brooklyn.

At any rate, I enjoyed how the city seemed to have grown organically, with buildings and areas built when needed and abandoned or re-invigorated over the years. The restaurants and businesses were mostly hole-in-the-wall types (especially the crowded or elite ones!), and the unique, eclectic mix of furniture and decor only added to the gritty charm. I am used to Alexandria, Bethesda, Bowie, and Calvert County, where things ought to match and chain restaurants are plunked down with pristine granite countertops. Spaciousness, cleanliness, and a Pier One-style decor are the goals.

I also loved how everyone in the City was doing something different. You could meet a dozen people all living and working in different situations. Microbusinesses (with less than 10 employees) abound, and artists or dreamers are understood. In the DC area, I feel out of place since almost everyone works for the government, government contractors, or some other large business.

Perhaps I am dazzled by my first real look at life in a city (rather than the tourist sights). I hope to go back up and explore a bit more, get into Manhattan and see how it is in that area. I wonder if DC is similar, but I doubt it. I never realized just how many people live in NYC all close together, and how that spurs creativity and energy. I also never realized why iPhone apps were popular until I took the subway!