I have finally returned from the grand adventure that I call New York City. Even more grand since living in Paris, as I look into this world that once belonged to me and recall the beautiful chaos that equally challenges and captivates the soul. Now, after countless hours spent with family and friends, reveling in the role of a tourist yet feeling very much like a local, I can take a moment to reflect.
Upon landing at JFK I felt an unexpected surge of patriotism (as this is rather uncommon for me) and felt somewhat high as we drove past the ever enchanting skyline towards my humble abode in the Lower East Side. The air was filled with nostalgia. To share this once chosen path there with the man who so drastically altered it. My smile was even greater. I felt completely at home.
Our first few days were spent walking, observing and eating. Simple pleasures I never took for granted. All of downtown NYC became our playground, as the welcoming sun followed our impromptu path.
With merely a taste of the city’s splendors we bid NYC a momentary farewell and flew to Florida to spend Easter with family, namely my mom. Into a world of picture perfect communities, Sunday afternoon polo games and late evening tennis matches. (This chapter surely merits it’s own post, aptly titled ‘Under the Palms’, to be continued…)
Once again in NYC we took to exploring the city, taking the time to inhale the grandness of our surroundings. We walked along the old railroad tracks now a a trendy vantage point called the Highline, admiring the impressive architecture and the views of the streets below.
An afternoon was spent in Central Park, a haven for anyone living in the midst of this urban jungle.
Aside from random encounters with old friends who reminded me of the many years (and seemingly many lives) I lived in NYC, I was feeling much like a tourist. So why not walk the Brooklyn Bridge? Followed by a sunset stroll on the promenade in Brooklyn Heights and a dinner in Williamsburg.
It felt rather surreal. Being back in the scene that had set the stage for my life. What I missed the most, aside from the unique energy, is the diversity in it’s many forms. The people give the city it’s soul. As quoted in the film New York, I Love You, ‘everyone comes from somewhere else’, thus NYC is composed of a unique mélange of cultures. Regardless of where you come from, you belong. Diversity too, is ever present in the city’s architectural landscape. I was completely taken with LA-based designer Thom Mayne as I caught sight of his newly built Copper Union in the East Village.
My ‘quartier’ of the Lower East Side, is one of the oldest and mostly recently gentrified neighborhoods of NYC. The streets speak of history and taste of a variety of international cuisines. Filled with so much character, not to mention characters, it creates a world of it’s own, as do so many of New York City’s neighborhoods.
I was sad to leave when the time came, having not properly caught up with dear friends and simply not having the time to reflect. As is said in life, be careful what you ask for! Little did I know a volcano was brewing in far away Iceland and I would in fact be spending much more time with friends and the inner workings of my mind than I had anticipated. All alone, as my accomplice had already flown back, but far from lonely. Perhaps this was the time I needed to confirm that my life was elsewhere. As much as NYC will always be my home, my heart is in Paris.
