New York

When I was a little boy before I went to bed on Friday and Saturday nights, or during the summer if I had a nightmare or got a tummy ache, I would curl up in my parents bed with my dad and watch old TV programs on Nick @ Nite. At this time they showed episodes of Gilligans Island, Bewitched and my least favorite show Dragnet. One night, I had to have been no older then 4, We watched an episode of Dragnet. In the episode it there was an intense car crash, shown only in photos, from LA! I rationalized a fear of New York City that night. For years, until ironically October 2001, I hated going into the city. I was plagued with a fear that I would be mugged, murdered, beaten or even killed in a car accident. I vividly remember one instance probably in 97 or 98 when we went in to visit family friends from London. They were staying at a beautiful hotel right in the shadow of the World Trade Center and we decided to go to the South Street Seaport to have a meal and walk around. The Beautiful hotel with its financial district surroundings gave me a different view of New York and I became aware of the cities beauty.

Upon arrival to the SSS we ate a meal and then my dad and I went to the bathroom. The bathroom looked as though it had last been cleaned and renovated in the 20's and my fear gained more momentum. I couldn't speak my feelings because I was paralyzed with fear with every stranger coming into the restroom.

Fast Forward: I look at this experience and my views of NYC and think about what I think now. I am moving to the city that instilled the worst fear ever in me. I have lived in two cities (Chicago and LA) prior and living in Nyack the city is only a few miles away, or an hour by BUS! I am completely and utterly in love with NYC. The hustle and bustle, the culture, the people and the sidewalk hot dog vendors. Through friends I have discovered cool coffee shops, neighborhood bars, restaurants. I have learned for myself that TKTS, Broadway, MOMA, the Met and Central Park are only a subway ride away. The fear once had for the city that doesn't sleep has been replaced with an undying love for New York, NEW YORK!

Please and Thank You!