Bed-Stuy Do or Die

A Jamaican woman stands screaming at an MTA employee for a good fifteen minutes, pounding on the glass of the booth, shrieking every obscenity I've ever heard at the top of her voice. I finally cut in and say, "I think he gets the point Ma'am. I just have a quick question and you can go back to your business." I felt like a tool but was trying to get to my first day at my new job on time. I race down two levels to my train and can still hear her shrill voice. I sigh and think sarcastically to myself, "Welcome to New York." This is a phrase that has been uttered to me many times since my move and I am beginning to find it uncreative and annoying.

The subway has been the most interesting part of the city for me so far. I cannot find any peace there because I didn't bring any books and accidentally left my iPod in Florida. I am eagerly awaiting its arrival so as to have a way to drown out the chaos around me. So far in that underground maze I've seen breakdance performers moving deflty through the moving train, spinning and flipping without hitting anyone, mariachi bands, jazz musicians, and an acapella group.

I've not seen much of Manhattan except to show Dan around my first day to the more touristy spots I remember from my last trip here. But even that was a quick jaunt. Manhattan's streets are intimidating in the complex way that they are set up, but the Brooklyn trains are by far more confusing.

It's hot. Florida hot. The city's unpredictable weather is also comparable to home, with intermitten bouts of rain that last for twenty minutes or so. I find myself grateful to have moved in the summer so that I can ease into the winter that I know I am totally unpreprared for. I've not idea what to expect on that front.

There's pigeons absolutely EVERYWHERE. On the street, stoops, cars, trees, parks. Even in the friggin subway stops. It's New York's equivalent of the Florida lizard. They are constantly shitting on everything and you're forever trying not to kick one when you walk.

There are no such things here as fountain soda, free re-fills, or sweet tea. All of the little things that you are used to back home. Nonexistant. There are little nuances you get used to that can spell out making life here a lot more easy. A sparsely populated stop means that train has just come. Even streets run east and odd run west. All the trains suck at night during off hours and you can expect longer lines. It's easier to take a cab from Manhattan than a train after midnight. No one talks to each other on the train. Drivers in the city are thoroughly insane and cabbies are assholes. You get the idea.

My calves are really sore from walking so much, which I'm hoping means I'll lose at least five pounds. It's the most eco-friendly city I've ever been to in my life and vegetarians are welcomed into restaurants with open arms. Every menu I've seen offers almost an entire section dedicated to those who refuse meat.

I took the apartment in Bed-Stuy, with much reluctance, owing to not getting the apartment in Bushwick. I dislike the neighborhood but thoroughly enjoy the roommates and was sick of searching for apartments. It's only until October and then I can find a more comfortable space. I'm hoping that once I settle into my room and unpack that I can begin to explore the art/music/nightlife that Manhattan has to offer, free shows in Central Park, museums, art galleries, and all.

My experience is getting better day by day.