I have been given the blessed opportunity to explore one of
the world’s most amazing cities . . . The Big Apple. I am currently sitting in
my new home for the rest of the summer and writing not only for my readers, but
also more as a documentation of my experience in New York City. I have decided
that a chance like this to explore the city life on my own and become
independent in the ways of the world should be remembered. With that in mind, I
have decided to record my experiences and such here, on my blog, every day if
possible.
The decision to come to New York this summer was planned
earlier on in the year. During the school year I began too look for programs of
any kind that I could participate in that would allow me to do something that I
love, cultivate that, and also have an amazing cultural experience in the mean time.
New York University quickly drew my eye, as well as its incredible precollege
program. I have visited the city on numerous occasions, as my grandma and other
family members have lived here many years, but the idea of spending more than
just a few days studying in such a prestigious university would be absolutely
incredible. I spent some time researching which studies it offered and have
applied and been accepted into the Expository Writing Class and the Creative
Writing Workshop. This past year has been really focused on my academic studies, as well
as a business and marketing program competition called DECA that really wrung
most of my energy this school year. I thought to really center all my energy this
summer on my love of words and language before all the chaos of college
applications arrive in the fall.
Today was the beginning of my journey, one that will
hopefully take me to some unexpected places and exciting experiences. I
traveled by plane with my parents. I am so grateful to them for the opportunity
they have given me. They have come with me for the first leg of my journey to
make sure I am settled in and help me learn the in’s and out’s of such a
complex and modernly exotic landscape. They themselves have walked these
streets and are familiar with everything—from the subway to the people to the
hotdog stands. I feel comfortable with them here, but I know that my time with
them is running low, and I have to learn as much as I can and adapt to whatever
they can’t teach me. They leave in 10 days time, but will be returning every
couple of weeks to check up on me. (Secretly, I know it’s because they’ll miss
me too much.)
From the moment we left LaGuardia Airport, I have been
soaking up details and places faster than I can process. Apparently, this
entire place is one long strip of land. I’m trying to familiarize myself with
the way the avenues and the streets work (i.e. the long streets and the smaller
ones that cut across.) I arrived early on and had time to settle my things down
at the apartment before going out to explore. Can I just say that I am one
lucky girl? The apartment is beautiful. My very gracious cousin has lent me her
home for the next 2 months, and I am so grateful to her. It is absolutely
incredible, and I can’t believe it’s all mine for the next 6 weeks! I spent the
first few hours exploring the surroundings. Everything I need is basically just
a few blocks away. Coming from the suburbs, I am not use to such close distances
for everything. It’s nice to think that for whatever food craving, whatever
need I have, I can just walk down the street or catch a subway to the nearest
accommodating store. The cutest bakeries and shops are within walking distance.
I had a late brunch with my parents at the most delicious organic French café
called Le Pain Quotidien. Absolutely amazing quality food can be found there. I
had the most delicious mixed berry tart that I practically had to battle for
with my mother. We are both suckers for fruit tarts. I guarantee that will not
be my last visit there, that’s for sure. We freshened up at the apartment and
continued on with mapping out my route to get to NYU.
The university consists of multiple buildings in a huge area
that takes a big chunk out of downtown. I geeked out a little when we passed
the NYU Bookstore. Like the typical student who goes crazy over NYU branded
merchandise, I became super excited over all the purple products. That place is a sucking vortex for any overly anxious new student
of any kind. I might have gone a little overboard, but there was no way I was
going to leave without an NYU cap, NYU t-shirt, and NYU hoodie. No. Way. In.
Hell. My parents indulged me in this and my dad even got his own cap, so it
wasn’t just me!
We spent the remainder of the day to check out where all the
buildings I would have to go to are located and such. It was too late in the
day to go get my id, but Monday I will have mine and become an official NYU
student! Everything nearby there is so urban-like. Typical college environment
with brewed coffee shops on every street and brick buildings. Walked down 3rd
avenue for a long while, and based on what I have observed today I have come
to the conclusion that I could spend a decade in the City and I will never be
able to eat at all the amazing places that are here. I can’t even put to words
the absolutely mouthwatering and amazing dinner I had. Momofuku is a noodle bar
in downtown that serves the most amazing—you guessed it—noodles I have ever had
so far. Personally, my favorite plate was this delicious pork bun that I had to order
twice because there was just no way I could leave without second helpings. If you are
ever by the city, look it up. Absolutely incredible. My tummy was satisfied, my
feet are currently sore, and I count this as a successful first day.
I have written a lot, and this is only just the beginning.
Most likely there will be days were I do not have much to say, and other where
I wont be able to stop. I look forward to many days, all different in their
experiences, and I hope you will keep up with them, too.
New York City enthusiast,
Camila (Nap. Snack. Read.)
