Physically constrained in my airplane seat, my eyes absorbing the panoramic view below, my mind wandered thinking of the beautiful landscapes I had come across in the course of this much awaited and highly anticipated flight across the Atlantic- a feeling of freedom overcame me. Sandy brown, ocean green, sky blue, icy white to a silver sheen; different contours and topographies, my beautiful Earth! My mind was pulled indoors as my fellow passenger cautioned I would feel the pace of the city as soon as I took my first step into it. Looking below as we were landing into JFK,I neither believed him nor disbelieved. The weather was disappointing as I caught nothing of the New York skyline thanks to heavy downpour outside.
An hour and a half later, after queuing up for immigration, claiming my baggage (I mention this as my fellow passenger above helped me pay up 5$ for the trolley –I would be lost otherwise) and bidding him goodbye, I walked out eager to see my husband, a year after our wedding. As soon as I stepped out, I believed. In spite of the gray dull rainy weather, I could feel the pulse of the city instantly. A city I would call home for Lord knows how long. And it felt good. After a very long time, I sensed I was finally home!
What struck me most about the taxi ride to Jersey City was of course the fare. 94$,tips excluded.Was it just me or is it true with all first timers? Does the forex converter in our brain start ticking automatically? Onwards, caught a glimpse of Broadway (think shopping), Manhattan (think window shopping) and rode into the Holland Tunnel (under the Hudson river); my semi asleep condition forbid my memory cells from accumulating any further visual data. Finally we came to a halt and I was quite awestruck to see my home! Excitement started trickling in and after a quick shower and a short nap,my hubby walked me down to my very first subway ride to 33rd Street.A filling turkey bacon melt , a hot chocolate and an 11 PM movie later, we called it a day!
People here dress alike. One can’t miss the boots every one of them pretty ladies here wear. It’s a fashion no-no to be seen without one. So day two saw me purchase my very own pair of NYC style boots!!Vogue aside, the weather demands it too. Eventually the 21 hour flight started showing its effects on me and jet lag reigned supreme. Now that am over it, I am eagerly waiting to explore this city, every known and unknown aspect of it and share it with my friends and family through this very write up.