The city that never sleeps. Unlike elsewhere when the night comes, you know it--everything gets dark. Not in New York city. It's just like another day without sunglasses... (well, sometimes sunglasses are necessary at night in NYC!)
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The local public station had a documentary on New York City this evening. I watched the whole thing with mixed feelings. They had several famous people who have made NYC their home, all praising the city though not idealizing it. The theme was that New York, despite all its problems, its ups & downs, being a huge mosaic, and seemingly a cacophonous metropolis, it charms the people who really get to know it.
I think any place means something because of the events that take place there. New York City is a harsh place for newcomers, like myself, who try to establish roots here. The late 70s and early 80s were particularly difficult for me as a very young person trying to adjust and "make it" without having a network of friends and family around. Many years have passed since. Maybe I got the attitude described by the lyrics of the famous NY song, "if you can make it here you can make it anywhere!"
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Even common events, including the horrific days of 9-11 and its immediate aftermath, even though they're part of our collective memories, they also have a personal meaning to individuals. You feel connected, affected, but you give your own meaning to the events, to your own life. People have their own routines, life struggles, expectations, hopes, happiness and sadness. Most New Yorkers aren't tourists in their own city; they try to survive. The fortunate ones steal time to enjoy the city. The rich & powerful (and there are plenty here) have a much different taste of NYC.
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The local public station had a documentary on New York City this evening. I watched the whole thing with mixed feelings. They had several famous people who have made NYC their home, all praising the city though not idealizing it. The theme was that New York, despite all its problems, its ups & downs, being a huge mosaic, and seemingly a cacophonous metropolis, it charms the people who really get to know it.
I think any place means something because of the events that take place there. New York City is a harsh place for newcomers, like myself, who try to establish roots here. The late 70s and early 80s were particularly difficult for me as a very young person trying to adjust and "make it" without having a network of friends and family around. Many years have passed since. Maybe I got the attitude described by the lyrics of the famous NY song, "if you can make it here you can make it anywhere!"
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Even common events, including the horrific days of 9-11 and its immediate aftermath, even though they're part of our collective memories, they also have a personal meaning to individuals. You feel connected, affected, but you give your own meaning to the events, to your own life. People have their own routines, life struggles, expectations, hopes, happiness and sadness. Most New Yorkers aren't tourists in their own city; they try to survive. The fortunate ones steal time to enjoy the city. The rich & powerful (and there are plenty here) have a much different taste of NYC.So, New Yorkers don't have the same experiences despite living in the same city. I've seen several aspects of this big city and I know there are lots more that I haven't seen, only heard about. I've had a long trek through it, and the socio-economic status determines a great deal of what a person sees & experiences. It's the same in any big city. The reality is a bit more harsher here because of the overall rush and grit this city is known for.
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I feel I could write a book about New York city, including the borough of Queens where I spent many years of my life. Which brings me to another point: The city is not only Manhattan but the entire 5 boroughs, each one having its own character and sub-culture(s). I intend to return to this subject several more times, and I don't think I can exhaust it. The best approach would be to break down the various aspects of the diverse experiences within this metropolis and its surrounding areas in which I've spent most of my life. So, stay tuned....
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I feel I could write a book about New York city, including the borough of Queens where I spent many years of my life. Which brings me to another point: The city is not only Manhattan but the entire 5 boroughs, each one having its own character and sub-culture(s). I intend to return to this subject several more times, and I don't think I can exhaust it. The best approach would be to break down the various aspects of the diverse experiences within this metropolis and its surrounding areas in which I've spent most of my life. So, stay tuned.... PS. clicking on the images opens them bigger for better viewing.
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3 comments:
Sure, sunglasses can come very handy at night in New York. haahaaa I know exactly what you mean ;)
Mixed feelings is about most things in life.
Perhaps we tend to remember the better times rather than the bad ones. One way to cope with life.
I, too, like NYC. It's not an easy place though. Tough, gritty, always rushing you. I think most New Yorkers are not relaxed. Watch them, even on a Sunday....
My hardest experiences coincided with the difficult period in the city's life. The 1970s, and the 80s were indeed harsh for this city. I guess we're tied in this way.
The city is much better now overall. I have the ability to enjoy it even more today, but many years have past since I first got here. It's a lifetime.
The always rushing thing is obvious. I don't think most people can escape the velocity the city moves. Perhaps, the benefit is that it's very lively place that never sleeps. There's always something to do.... if you can afford it!
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