I felt so validated recently when a guy in the temple mentioned that he and his wife underwent "culture shock" when they first moved to NYC 20 years ago. "Yes!" I thought, "that's what I'm experiencing." Good and bad, let me give you a taste: 1)everywhere you go, you share the sidewalk with tons of other people, so you learn quickly to be navigationally savvy; 2) the "F" word is such a staple of sidewalk conversation, that its typically heard every 9-10 words; I've estimated that I hear it within 2-3 minutes of leaving my front door. 3) New Yorkers do not understand the meaning of "quiet." In the public libraries, the workers, security guards, and patrons all talk LOUDLY, either to themselves or to their friends. Oh, and when you ask them to keep it down, they will all erupt into loud mocking laughter at you. Don't do it, just bring earphones or the I-pod. 4) The subway is quite an experience. Dirty and hot, yet fascinating and fast, its the staple of transportation. There's sure to be homeless people and aspiring musicians asking for money. A few times I've gotten on a train going the WRONG WAY, so I'm learning to always ask, bring a subway map, and double check the signage. 5) Walking - you do so much of it, your feet ache every night. Its great exercise, but one must always wear comfortable shoes or be in pain. I have a large stack of band-aids in my purse. 6) Customer service does not exist in NYC. Everyone is rude and unhelpful. Should you occasionally meet a helpful person, it seems odd and you question their motives. 6) EXPENSIVE. Everything is obscenely expensive, especially the rent. 7) DOGS - they're ubiquitous and they pee and poop everywhere. UGH. There is only so much sidewalk space, and I've only just recently figured out what "Curb your Dog" means - it means don't pee on the greenery, tree, flowers, etc., - take it to the curb. Which brings me to 8) SMELLS - in a 10 second walking span, you will smell dog urine, fresh flowers, garbage, chinese food, and roasted nuts. Its glorious and disgusting and it all happens so quickly! 9) Street cleaning. Every week we have to move the car for 1.5 hours of street cleaning. Halilujah, at least they're cleaning up after the dogs that have been curbed. But, its a pain to always move the car and try to find a new parking space every week. Always read the signs for the right cleaning time/day or else you'll get a ticket or towed! More to come, folks. NYC is great. What an adventure. We're loving it!
