Bonjour to all you beautiful people out there in internet land! I have made money, prepared as best as I could, drove 11 1/2 hours, and have finally made it to NYC!

Pennsylvania Sunrise

My emotions have been ALL over the place. I am excited to have finally made it but lonely and frustrated with some of the things the city has thrown at me thus far. Let us review:

1. Made a fool of myself at a New Jersey gas station. I apologize but we pump our own gas in Michigan.

2. Took a wrong turn and ended up in a ghetto city of New Jersey where construction made it very difficult for me to get back on the right path.

3. Paid $8 just to drive into Manhattan, which was a TOTAL DISASTER! I understand people should NEVER drive in this place if they don’t have to, but well…I kinda sorta had to. Horns honking, people walking, wrong turns, and a lot of crying after, I FINALLY made it out of that crazy land just to pay another $5.50 to be able to get out.

4. Bought an MTA 14 day unlimited pass yesterday. Today I strolled to the subway to make it into Times Square and prepare myself for the commute to work…and discovered my pass was missing. Yes, somehow I lost the $51.50 pass on my way from my place to the subway. I retraced my steps exactly with no avail. I just hope some stupid bum, kid, or scoundrel will enjoy their unlimited rides for the next 2 weeks. Geesh…

5. Went to the grocery to buy a few things and grab a bottle of wine to relieve my upsetted-ness (yes, it’s a word because I said so) and got side-lined by a sweet but crazy old lady named Helen for 45 minutes. I now know a whole lot about her life and know a TON of Frank Sinatra songs. Yes, she randomly burst into song whilst she was speaking…many times…while I stared and smiled at her. Haha! My mum and sister said I need to be more blunt and excuse myself. I hope I will learn this trait when it is necessary, though I must say this makes for a good-time memory.

There you have it. My first 24 hours in New York City. I must admit, I am not impressed and unfortunately, I kind of want to just go home. However, I know that this has just been a whirl-wind of a couple of days and things will get much better once I settle in, get a work routine, and find my way around these CRAZY streets! It definitely helps that the family I am staying with is VERY sweet, accommodating, and friendly.

Have you ever been/lived in New York? What are your fun/good/bad/crazy/sad experiences? Do you have any advice for me? Any must-see stops (attractions, restaurants, parks, pubs, etc)?