It’s hard to believe it’s already been 2 weeks.
In some ways, it still feels extremely surreal. I really don’t feel like I actually live here yet, but I keep reminding myself that a lot of that likely has to do with the fact that there are still a lot of details to finalize (like obtaining a post office box and a driver’s license); details that simply take time (and apparently a lot of it). I’m hopeful that these things will sort themselves out sooner than later; I’m going to put some serious effort into it next week! But in the meantime, I am camped out on the patio at a local coffee shop on a lovely Saturday afternoon, enjoying some afternoon sun, a café-au-lait, and a little peace and quiet.
Brooklyn is… busy. No matter what time of day it is, there are always people around. I was actually pleasantly surprised to find an entire corner of this little patio free this afternoon. Last night I had dinner at a restaurant that was so busy, I actually had to share a table with two other people I didn’t know. (The burger was totally worth it, though!)
The majority of my adventures since my first update have revolved around the New York subway system. Let me tell you, friends – this subway system is not for the faint of heart. I was actually slightly amused when someone asked me for help finding the right subway yesterday. I must look like I know what I’m doing, but I really don’t. I’ll freely admit it – I’m leaving a full half-hour earlier than I probably need to on the way to a movie tonight, just to allow for mishaps.
In truth, I’ve made far fewer transit mistakes than I expected to. I’ve learned (the hard way) that in the morning, I want to get on a subway going towards Manhattan (even though I don’t actually want to go there) and that in the evening, I want one headed towards Coney Island (even though I don’t want to go there either). I’ve also learned (the hard way) not to wear high heeled boots for an entire day (especially if riding a subway; you wouldn’t believe how much balance is required) and to always check the transit app for alerts before leaving the house. And I’ve learned to check the sign on the side of the train to be certain it’s the right one (just in case the train that’s supposed to be there at a certain time isn’t).
I’ve learned (again, the hard way) to rely on my map apps, even when I think I know where I’m going, because it’s possible I don’t. (I won’t even mention how many times in the past two weeks I have accidentally added a trip around the block to my excursions from the office…) And I’ve learned that taking the subway home after a marathon Target run on a Friday night is a dumb idea. (On the bright side, I’m going to be a lot stronger after all that accidental weight-lifting.)
But all that said – there are things about Brooklyn that have been completely great, and occasionally entertaining. One day last week, a group of musicians hopped on the subway at one stop, performed a song, collected tips, and hopped off at the next stop. Then last night, on my way home from dinner at 9:30pm, I crossed paths with a girl who was out walking her dog. I might not have noticed her at all in the dark, but the dog was wearing what pretty much amounted to a bicycle headlamp on its collar. Doggie headlights – who knew? Never a dull moment here…
And more to come, I’m sure.
Image credit: unsplash.com/André Benz – “Ridin’ Dirty”
The statements made and opinions expressed here are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of any current or former employers.