Before I moved to attend college in New York City, I often came to see a Broadway show, visit the tourist spots, or take a stroll through Central Park. But I truly believe you don't get the full city experience until you live here. I live on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, but I hail from a small suburban town in South Jersey, where your world revolves around late night WaWa runs, shopping sprees at Target, and Friday nights consisting of bonfires and walks around the neighborhood. Let's just say that moving to the big city was an adjustment.
Coming from the suburbs, the first big adjustment was the close quarters. I'm gonna break it to you, space is limited here. You're spending thousands of dollars to live in a room that's probably the same size as your closet. Which didn't really bother me, until I spilled my entire dinner on the floor because I tripped over my bed post. Real classy, I know.
Also, driving isn't really a thing here. Unless you're in a cab, you're probably taking the subway. Let me tell you, the subway ride is a trip. You get the unlikeliest of characters, like people who bring in boom boxes and dance, yell to themselves, or sing (badly, I might add) to the other passengers. Although I do miss driving sometimes, nothing compares to the entertainment I've been able to get on the local 1 train to Times Square.
Something that people don't really tell you about moving to a big city is that, well, it's a big city! I got lost on my first subway ride to a voice lesson, and I called my mom back in Jersey sobbing wondering why I just couldn't find out where I was going. But hey, I'm an pro now!
In Jersey, WaWa is a huge deal. That's where we go for food, gas, emergency items, anything you could possibly need. Ever since moving here, I've never craved a WaWa mac and cheese more in my entire life. But you know what we do have? Duane Reade. Duane Reade is kind of like a grocery store, convenient store, and pharmacy all in one. I've completely memorized where everything is in my Duane Reade, and it's perfect for those late night Ben and Jerry's runs when you're up until 2 A.M. studying.
Also, grocery shopping is totally weird here. My grocery store of choice is Target, but alas, we don't have that here. So instead, I go to Trader Joe's, which is two floors of chaos. New York's always gotta do it better! And by better, I mean that there's an escalator made especially for your cart so you don't have to take it with you on the regular escalator. Crazy, right? Wish we had those in Jersey.
I still can't decide yet whether I'm a city girl or a suburban chick. I love so many things about my hometown that I never thought I would miss. I miss the trees, the trips to the Jersey shore, driving anywhere you want, and having a room where you could walk around in without injuring yourself. But the atmosphere of the city is intoxicating, and not just because of the air pollution. It sucks you in, it makes you feel like anything is possible. Because in New York City, anything is possible. My dreams led me here, away from a spacious room, a car to drive, and a WaWa to depend on. But you know what? That's OK, because I wouldn't change a thing.
