When New York City comes to mind, I think of a fast paced environment, a lot of stress, tons of people which include tourists and all these other things. This is what makes up New York City. I used to go to the city a lot when I was a small kid. I remember always being afraid because my mom would always tell me if I let go of her hand, I would never see her and I never did.
When I was little I used to live on a busy street, right where the 7 train line ran. And I remember hating it because it always reminded of the city. I was 8 years old when I moved to what is still my current home in Elmhurst and I loved it. Elmhurst is so tranquil compared to my previous home. I love it not only because it’s a nice and quiet neighborhood but also because everything is so close by such as the malls, restaurants and most of all my family.
I have recently worked in the city and I still think that it’s a fast paced environment, with tons of people and a lot of stress. At first it was a lot to take in but it was also great to meet all these different people every day. It was always hectic but I found my relaxing spot which is pretty obvious: Central Park. During the summer, after work I would go to the park to just sit and relax after a long stressful day. The city is something you have to get adjusted too, that’s the way I see it. I still love the peace and tranquility and I found that in the park. Regardless of everything, this is what makes up New York City, the city that never sleeps.
My Odyssey
For many years, my cousin had been trying to come to The United States by applying for the visa lottery
that United States Embassy usually offered for people in my country (Peru). My cousin’s dream was to
visit New York City; unfortunately, my cousin couldn’t win the visa after he applied for visa more than
ten times already, but I did in my first chance. For ironically that sounds, I never planned to move or live
in another country except Peru. Grateful for my luck, I abandoned my beloved country and flew to my
new destination without knowing much about my new horizons. My cousin’ dream was to come to New
York and live his American dream. He always told many stories about New York City saying that NYC is
the city that never sleeps because people continually work days or nights and that’s how NYC is an
exciting city. I think my cousin was referring that NYC’s stores are open 24/7 and you can get any service
such as; restaurants, clubs and gyms open daily for you. When I came to NYC, I didn’t have any friend
who could help me out with my arrival. However, my cousin was well prepared knowing where and with
whom he was going to stay his first days in NYC; sadly he couldn’t come so I used his contacts in NYC to
see if they could help me out for couple days. When I arrived at the airport (JFK), I was supposed to see
my cousin’s ex-girlfriend who never showed up. Nowadays; I thought that one of the reason why she
wasn’t waiting for me at the airport is because she was upset for all those years waiting for my cousin
who promised her to come. Waiting 4 hours at the terminal 4 like an abandoned dog, I deceived to call
another friend of my cousin and see she could help me out. Finally, she picked the phone and told me
where she was living a place named Jackson heights in Queens. As a result, I caught my next train
heading to Queens. My experience taking train for a first time in NYC was unforgettable. I never knew
that NYC has so many different lines of trains that can take you all over the city, so I had the pleasure of
experience my first train ride. This was the first time I’ve ever been on a train and I was surprised how
long the trains were in NYC like a snake with a tail that never ends and also how people in NYC board
the wagon train at the same time like they were running a marathon. Immediately, I caught a train at
the airport and stared heading up to Queens which I never found because I got lost in the labyrinths of
the train station and finally ended at the 42 street and Broadway. When I got off the train station, I
could see those glassy buildings that my cousin told me about it. I felt so tiny like ant after I stayed
close behind to those buildings. I was on shock to see these huge, tall and magnificence skyscrapers
around Time Square like a rockets going to touch the sky. Not only were tall buildings but also they were
strong able to hold huge, flat television screens all sides of its circumference like a cube full with
colorful lights.
In conclusion, I was captivated of the power of NYC that I have changed my point of view about NYC. In
fact, I think NYC is a great place to live where anyone can chase his/her goals by working hard.
Now I know why you love your quiet area! The 7 train is truly annoying, even if you’re used to hearing it overhead.
You are right New York City is fast paced environment, but I myself like to live in such busy cities. I used to live in Tehran, the capital of my country, Iran, it is such a fast city. When I first immigrated to the United States I landed in San Diego, California, it is such a quiet city which I couldn’t live there and I decided to move to the New York City.