Welcome to the city that never sleeps and that seems to be everything that is not.
The bride that takes the yellow cab, may not be heading to the church but to a photo shoot. The Mickey Mouse, in Times Square, is not from the US but from South America and the only word he can say is photo. The girl who gets paid to walk three dogs, may not even like animals. The smoke that the sewage caps exhale, doesn’t smell like coffee, it stinks. Everything here has always more than a meaning. Open your mind Alice, you’re in the city of dreams!
People in NY are tall, as tall as buildings. The styles that surround me are so peculiar that they only make sense here. By eliminating tourists, 90% of those who pass by me are starring at the phone: working, using google maps, face timing, reading, playing Candy Crush or watching GOT. There’s all this, but there’re also people like me, that appreciate what goes on around. I’ve seen glimpses of myself in others, as if we were the calmness in that clutter of colors, smells, urban beauty and city noise.
I stepped and ran into people, but I apologized and they welcomed me with a smile. When I got lost on the train there was always someone who helped me. Without having to ask. There is always someone ready to help.
I visited the NYC sights with GPS at hand: Soho, Little Italy, Empire State Building, Flatiron, Central Park, WTC, Times Square, Bryant Park, Highline, Chelsea Market and The Village. Now I am the guide of who visits me and the bagel, iced coffee, Bubble tea, Reese’s Pieces ice cream, pancakes, donuts and pizza. Are all necessary stops.
The first time I stepped into Times Square, I didn’t allow myself to be awed. I had left Portugal a couple of days ago and that was not my city, not my reality. The gigantic billboards didn’t reflect home and so they meant nothing to me.
I didn’t want to fall in love with this city, I refused her. They say that love touches you when you least expect it, and the New York Cupid hit me right on the ball of my feet. I fell in love, and all the ways lead me to it.
I go to NY every week to work, dance or hang out by myself. I walk without listening to music because I want to hear this city speak. It’s rude not pay her attention! The sirens of the ambulances, police, firemen, voices of the street performers, people who protest, dogs that bark, laughs, discussions, horns and bells of bicycles are heard. All this, a ball of sound that echoes through the avenues. I like it, it makes me not feel alone.
Hours pass and I wander and photograph. Several times I pause to write, without being bored. In NY there is always, and I repeat … always something to do! Twice I’ve watch Joshua Radin performing live, the artist that inspires me to write. I went to Broadway alone, because Kate Blanchett was in the cast. I danced beside the Les Twins, entitled to two kisses and a photograph, because they are my favorite dancing humans. I’ve been side by side with Rihanna, twice, Heidi Klum, Kendal Jenner and Leonardo DiCaprio. Obviously I only noticed them because of the paparazzi, security guards and other people like me. I assure you that you would not notice them either, I find it hard to believe that these people I see through a screen are, momentarily, by my side. But this is NY!
Today, I know that I love this city because when I travel I miss it. It is not a love that attracts me to stay forever, but when I leave it will be difficult. This city accepted me when I was still drifting English, not an attentive pedestrian, I didn’t know the subway system and I was afraid. She showed me that here I can do whatever I want with my life. That I can still dance and eat Portuguese food. That I can make money as a dog walker, since I can’t have one, or riding a bicycle.
I’m not a newcomer today, I’m no longer amazed when they record a movie, I already know when to cross the street before the light turns green, where to eat and drink, go out at night and meditate.
I became a mini Carrie Bradshaw, with less curly hair snails, but with the same love for writing and the search for my Mr.Big.
New York, I’m in love with you. 
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