So as I approach my second week of living in Manhattan, I have uncovered 5 quick facts about this isle. Coming from a small township, really contributed to a narrow perspective on life. Manhattan is a whole different playground from the cornfields and country back roads I’m used to, but I love every minute of this concrete jungle. My 5 quick facts originate from everything I have seen and experienced within my approaching 2-week mark of living in Manhattan.
1. Everyone smokes cigarettes—Now I don’t have a problem with the cigarette thing, it’s your life so live how you want. But I honestly thought that whole trendy, “only bad kids smoke cigarettes” fad went out the door in the 60’s or 70’s. Boy was I wrong. Cigarette smoke is everywhere and is definitely most annoying on the sidewalks. I assume that trend will never fully be extinct but personally, I am not a fan.
2. Nobody disses what you’re wearing—I am officially convinced that I could wear a trash bag along the streets and someone would compliment me on my outfit. There are some definitely interesting outfits and people on these streets. And as I have witnessed, all skin bearing, rainbow colored, fringe covered, torn up, obtuse outfits are welcomed with no judgment. This place really is open to anyone and everyone. All personalities gaining their own spotlight by the minute.
3. You’re either in a hurry or you’re a tourist—I am definitely classified as a speed walker but geesh do some of these people run! If you aren’t running with everyone else, then you most be a tourist because these pedestrians don’t mess around. I’ve learned that walking with a purpose and Google mapping my destination before I hit the streets is my best bet to not get 1. Plowed by the trampling local New Yorkers or 2. Slowed indefinitely by the New York tourists.
4. Crossing the road is a lot more intense than in Athens—So since the walkers are crazy, it only makes sense that the drivers of the cars are just as crazy if not worse, right? Now I’ve ridden with some pretty questionable drivers, but no one will ever compare to the insane, ruthless taxi drivers in NY. From living in Athens and going to OU, I have become a pretty ruthless J-walker myself but believe me when I say you DO NOT want to J-walk in NY. In Athens, every student driving expects at least one person to cross in front of them or they are at least expecting to have to pass through a cross walk. Well the New York drivers don’t comprehend that it’s normal for people to cross the street (even within the cross walk at the signaled time). Either you walk right when the white walk sign flashes the “ok” signal, or you better be sprinting across hoping for your dear life that the 3 seconds ticking down to 0 lasts long enough for you to make it all the way across.
5. There is an app literally for EVERYTHING—So I’ve never ridden a subway or had to take a bus anywhere, so that whole system has me thrown for a loop—but guess what. There’s an app for it! There are apps specifically for NYC buses, trains, subways, everything! There is always Uber or the normal taxi service, but I have learned that taking the subway is a lot quicker and more beneficial for your wallet! I’ve also discovered there are apps like, “Find Near Me” or “Around Me” that list restaurants, bars, beauty salons, ATMs, bus stations, cafes, florists, grocery stores, etc. near your location from given off from your phone’s GPS. How nifty is that? I’d like to say I know my way around pretty well, but I am definitely not an expert and I still need assistance sometimes. With this knowledge, I really recommend searching the app store for some helpful apps when taking a vacation or visiting an area you are unsure of!
As I mentioned, I am still learning about this crazy world and truth is, I probably won’t learn everything there is to know about this city in these next 5 months, but I definitely intend to make the most of this opportunity. Living in a different state from my family and friends has made me grow up in another level. This city is teaching me something new by the hour and all I can do is absorb and take mental notes (and then share them with all of you).
PS—I upload pictures of my adventures DAILY to my VSCO account. Be sure to check them out!
ajacobsxx.vsco.co
XXO
ALJ
1. Everyone smokes cigarettes—Now I don’t have a problem with the cigarette thing, it’s your life so live how you want. But I honestly thought that whole trendy, “only bad kids smoke cigarettes” fad went out the door in the 60’s or 70’s. Boy was I wrong. Cigarette smoke is everywhere and is definitely most annoying on the sidewalks. I assume that trend will never fully be extinct but personally, I am not a fan.
2. Nobody disses what you’re wearing—I am officially convinced that I could wear a trash bag along the streets and someone would compliment me on my outfit. There are some definitely interesting outfits and people on these streets. And as I have witnessed, all skin bearing, rainbow colored, fringe covered, torn up, obtuse outfits are welcomed with no judgment. This place really is open to anyone and everyone. All personalities gaining their own spotlight by the minute.
3. You’re either in a hurry or you’re a tourist—I am definitely classified as a speed walker but geesh do some of these people run! If you aren’t running with everyone else, then you most be a tourist because these pedestrians don’t mess around. I’ve learned that walking with a purpose and Google mapping my destination before I hit the streets is my best bet to not get 1. Plowed by the trampling local New Yorkers or 2. Slowed indefinitely by the New York tourists.
4. Crossing the road is a lot more intense than in Athens—So since the walkers are crazy, it only makes sense that the drivers of the cars are just as crazy if not worse, right? Now I’ve ridden with some pretty questionable drivers, but no one will ever compare to the insane, ruthless taxi drivers in NY. From living in Athens and going to OU, I have become a pretty ruthless J-walker myself but believe me when I say you DO NOT want to J-walk in NY. In Athens, every student driving expects at least one person to cross in front of them or they are at least expecting to have to pass through a cross walk. Well the New York drivers don’t comprehend that it’s normal for people to cross the street (even within the cross walk at the signaled time). Either you walk right when the white walk sign flashes the “ok” signal, or you better be sprinting across hoping for your dear life that the 3 seconds ticking down to 0 lasts long enough for you to make it all the way across.
5. There is an app literally for EVERYTHING—So I’ve never ridden a subway or had to take a bus anywhere, so that whole system has me thrown for a loop—but guess what. There’s an app for it! There are apps specifically for NYC buses, trains, subways, everything! There is always Uber or the normal taxi service, but I have learned that taking the subway is a lot quicker and more beneficial for your wallet! I’ve also discovered there are apps like, “Find Near Me” or “Around Me” that list restaurants, bars, beauty salons, ATMs, bus stations, cafes, florists, grocery stores, etc. near your location from given off from your phone’s GPS. How nifty is that? I’d like to say I know my way around pretty well, but I am definitely not an expert and I still need assistance sometimes. With this knowledge, I really recommend searching the app store for some helpful apps when taking a vacation or visiting an area you are unsure of!
As I mentioned, I am still learning about this crazy world and truth is, I probably won’t learn everything there is to know about this city in these next 5 months, but I definitely intend to make the most of this opportunity. Living in a different state from my family and friends has made me grow up in another level. This city is teaching me something new by the hour and all I can do is absorb and take mental notes (and then share them with all of you).
PS—I upload pictures of my adventures DAILY to my VSCO account. Be sure to check them out!
ajacobsxx.vsco.co
XXO
ALJ