09/13/09

Ahhhh... another solo day in the city! I woke up today and decided to plan out an afternoon and evening of productiveness prior to Ini returning to the City. I busted out my maps (gracias NY Public Library) and set about figuring what I wanted to do. Since I do not have a Master's Degree in City Living, my daily organizing involves two maps, the internet (to verify the accuracy of said maps) and a pen and paper to write down what the maps and internet have told me. I must also complete my entire days planning prior to walking out my front door, because these lovely free maps I got from the library may detail the bus and subway systems in technicolor graphics, but when unfolded they are about 6'x6'. NOTHING screams 'Hey! Come rob me!!' like riding the bus while unfolding a map that's secondary purpose is as twin-size bed sheet. Considering one of my main objectives in this city is to not die... I tend to avoid this particular act of suckerness :)
After 15 minutes and 4 ibuprofin (Even after Rosetta Stone, I am not fluent in MTA heiroglyphics) I realized the place I wanted to go was exactly 4 blocks away and did not technically require bus nor subway... brilliant... So off I walked to Starbucks to use some less-than-free wifi and continue working on my other primary objective, employment.
After walking two blocks in the wrong direction (in my defense, I was heading to a bodega to get a bottle of water) I found myself smack dab in the middle of a random street parade. Apparently, not only did I move to Manhattan 2 days before 9/11, I moved here 6 days before local elections. Ydanis Rodriguez who is running for, ummm, some office or other, had about 600 of his most dedicated supporters following him as he walked up and down Broadway with his wife. I think their was some sort of hierarchy in place here as only about two dozen people were actually allowed to walk with him. Everyone else was following behind him in their cars waving posters and balloons... Apparently, the fella has favorites.
As no parade is complete without extremely loud music, this local show involved two hugely pimped out vehicles (one an SUV and one a 15-passenger van) blasting salsa music into the street. As if THIS wasn't humorous enough (c'mon a 15-seater with subwoofers and a 3' tall speaker in the lap of the front seat passenger?), I was standing next to a lovely conversational woman who began to monologue about how if she wanted displays like this she would have stayed in her native Puerto Rico. I may have been nodding sagely with a serious poker face on the outside, but inside I was dying with laughter. Stuff like this just doesnt happen in Michigan... It was all too much, I got a side cramp from holding back my giggles and ended up taking the bus to starbucks.
After applying for a few more jobs and trudging through more applications it was time to head home (yes, Mom, I am always home before dark). I got home, got cleaned up and met up with Ini when he got back in town (yes, Mom, I go out after dark... but only if accompanied by a responsible New Yorker). We took a late night stroll to a park that overlooks the West Side highway and the Hudson River and provides a lovely view of New Jersey and the Ft Washington Bridge. I should say at this point that New Jersey is quite lovely from afar. In fact, it closely resembles a lit-up Christmas tree. We talked and looked at the scenery and walked around for a bit before parking ourselves on some benches and just having a good discussion that lasted til an unmentionable time in the morning (sorry Mom).
Have I mentioned how nice it is to have him here? Unfortunately, due to some unforeseen circumstances, Ini will be moving back to Queens temporarily next weekend... bummer deal. Until then though, we will keep hanging out and exploring the City. Hopefully, I understand the subway system before he leaves!

*Below are some goofy pictures the girlies and I took today!Brianna (Cristy's 11 year old cousin and aspiring Model/Singer), Me and Melanie
Cristy (the young lady I live with), Me and Melanie (Cristy's 5 year old cousin)
The girlies... Melanie, Cristy and Brianna