I just finished my first week "off". I use 'off' loosely because that was one crazy week! I went to Dollywood with the fam on Tuesday and Wednesday trying to squeeze in some togetherness before I took off for worlds unknown. I spent the entire day Saturday on the roads of Tennessee going to class and back then to Etewoh and back. The rest of the time was filled with me preparing for my journey to NYC and across the pond. Whew!
Sunday was again spent with family, but I was not able to enjoy it as much as I would have liked to. I ended up packing and repacking my suitcase an unmeasurable amount of times. It was quite ridiculous how much I thought I would be able to pack...I forgot about the 50lb weight limit! YIKES!
Today FINALLY arrived...the journey has begun.
My sweet parents dropped me off at the airport and my father prayed over me as we all three stood with our arms around each other. That's when my water works began...I really was not expecting it.
By the by, I HIGHLY recommend flying out of Chattanooga whenever possible. We ended up running a little late -- it was not MY fault for once. My flight was for 10:50 and we got there around 10:15. I was checked in (my bag weighed 49lbs, PRAISE THE LORD) and through security and on the plane by 10:45.
I had just a small layover in Atlanta, but it was enough time for me to grab a $10 sandwich and drink...0_0!!!
The flight to New York went off with out a hitch. I scored a window seat and got to see the area as we landed. It really looked and felt totally different than anywhere I have been before.
I spoke to some nice ladies from Alabama as I boarded and left the plane. They ended up in the same shuttle as me. Then had a lovely conversation with a couple from Georgia who were celebrating their 25th anniversary. She is also an elementary school teacher. :)
I made it to my hostel and the man and the counter, Steve, was so friendly and helpful. Once I had my luggage stowed and valuables safely locked away, I ventured out in the big city alone.
I am only a couple of blocks from a big hub of activity, Columbus Circle, a subway stop, and Central Park. I decided to purchase the 7 day unlimited pass since I will be completely dependent on public transit. I had a slight issue figuring out how to make the card work in the reader *rolls eyes. I tried to seek help from a lady next to me, but, in true NY-sterotype-fashion, she completely ignored me and kept walking. A couple of young kids came behind her and showed me what to do. I then promptly proceeded to miss my stop when I finally boarded the subway. *sigh...when I'm good, I'm GOOD! :) I was quite proud of myself in figuring out how to fix my error. (Thanks in part to another man I spoke to at LaGuardia. He gave me some tips on using the subway. Thanks mystery man who used to own a business in Atlantic Station in ATL.)
I finally made it to Applebee's to get a bite to eat....now, wait before you judge me! Thanks to some of my parents and students I have a acquired a few Applebee's and Starbucks gift cards. I figure, why spend money on food if I don't have to, right? Of course, I HAVE to try a piece of NY pizza or a hot dog.
I really didn't have a plan after I ate, but noticed the Radio City Music Hall marque. I headed that direction and took some pictures only to see the Rockefeller Plaza just another block down. This would have been EXTREMELY exciting if Conan were still there, but that's beside the point. I decided to got to the Top of the Rock and ended up buying a city pass. I plan on utilizing it to the fullest in my few days here!
I was a bit concerned before coming here that I would be too afraid or nervous to really enjoy this city on my own. It seems so big and frightening from the outside, but it's really not. I know I have had only "one short day" in this city, but I love it!
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