NYC: My Takeaways

Going to New York City was a once in a lifetime trip for me. That is not to say that I wouldn’t go back again. I would. But, by definition, you can only experience something for the first time once.

I live my life in a very narrow grid. I work less than a mile from my house. Beginning this year, my kids will go to neighborhood schools. Most of my closest friends live in walking distance from my home (it may be a bit of a long walk, but I could do it. lol) The point is, my world is pretty knowable and safe. Four days in New York City is enough to learn that NYC is not.

As I mentioned before, I was very nervous about going. Probably more than I tried to let on. I prefer the known over the unknown. However, for as anxious as I was, I had an amazing time. Here’s why:

  1. My wife had fun. This was important to me. This week we will celebrate 18 years of marriage. We have been together for over 23 years. This was something she has always wanted to do. I’m glad she had the opportunity.
  2. We went with good friends. It is fair to say that we would not have had nearly as much fun if we went to NYC for the first time on our own. Matt and Lauren made the trip easy and care free for us. I got on the subway when they did and got off when they stood up. Plus, we laughed a lot. Which is important. Thanks for a great time guys!
  3. I experienced something new. The City is overwhelming. Mostly in a good way. There is so much to see and do. The pictures we took don’t do it justice. You know, maybe it is good to get outside your own city every now and then.

My Three Takeaways

The City has a pulse

Several people have asked how we were able to get up so early, walk so much, and eat and drink our way through the city till late at night. Honestly, I didn’t think about it at the time. But, looking back I think it is because you end up feeding off the energy of the city. When folks say that New York is the city that never sleeps they are absolutely right. You feel it while you are there. I’ve been on Main Street in Bartow in the early morning hours (don’t ask). It had a slightly different vibe. lol.

Everyone should travel at least once to a global city if they can

Even if you are a hick from the sticks like me, you should go. At least once. This is how 80% of the world’s population lives according to a stat I made up for this blog. I don’t know if that is true, but it seems right. ?

Regardless, what you see is people from vastly different cultures and backgrounds living in community together right next to each other. It is kinda beautiful. Despite their differences, for the most part, they have figured it out. That is not to say there aren’t problems. When you go you see all the warts of the city too. But, I think that is valuable as well.

You can’t develop compassion for people living with homelessness, drug addiction, or poverty if you never see or experience it first hand. If you live in a small town like I do, it is very easy to avoid areas where these issues are prevalent. Go to the city and force yourself to look. It might change you in ways you don’t expect.

Well, if you are still reading about our trip. Thanks for indulging me. It was fun for me to relive all these memories. A handful of blog posts is a more substitute for the experience, but I hope you got a sense of our trip. Or at least enjoyed the pictures!