Everything is a big deal in New York - big things and little things. Whether it's the tree at Rock Center or doing laundry. But with the enormous, virtually unimaginable plethora of services, isn't everything supposed to be more convenient? Well, yes and no. Only if you have the stomach for it. Because to live well and for your life to run smoothly here, everything requires navigation, negotiation, inside knowledge, strategy, stamina, persistence, attitude, contacts, resourcefulness and a slightly masochistic streak (and yes, money doesn't hurt). Plus, you have want all that the city has to offer - it has to be worth it. Things we consider easy are only easy by New York standards. And if something truly easy actually occurs, then call CNN because this is a Really Big Deal and merits celebration, conversation and is newsworthy. Like a parking spot right in front of your apartment building when you need it.What does all of this have to do with ice skating? I think you know by now. There are only a few places in Manhattan where you can ice skate and of course they are all a big deal - Rockefeller Center, Central Park and this seasonal ice skating pond in Bryant Park (nice website here). When I arrived, the ice cleaning machine was just finishing up and the kids were chomping on the bit to get on that ice. The New York City skyline and Bryant Park itself make a beautiful backdrop for the urban ice skating experience.
NYC is a revolving door and those who can't keep up just get spit back out. I remember a woman who was a very aggressive, successful salesperson in the printing business from the south who relocated to the big city. She moved to my neighborhood, so I was looking forward to her becoming an addition to my (shrinking) circle of friends. After only a few months and before I could even visit her once, she was gone. In a phone conversation I asked her what had happened. She said she didn't understand why people would live here. Things were just too HARD. Not that she couldn't handle it, but why would anyone want to? I was going to say it's really no big deal, but then I realized that's not exactly true. New Yorkers are a different breed and we feed on big deals ...
10 comments:
True, it takes much more work to live here than elsewhere, but then it seems worth it -- if you have the stamina...
Bonne année ! Belle photo pour commencer 2008!
Your thoughts made me laugh. Thank you. On some levels things are harder here but we are also spoiled by so much convenience. Is it good or not? I am not sure.
eliane;
There was a book years ago on the love/hate relationship with NYC and its residents showing various illustrations of humorous scenarios.
There are very strong positives and negatives here.
Great story! I am down South, and we have some professionals here who used to live in New York. They couldn't believe they could get in their car and drive across town to a restaurant in five or 10 minutes.
I enjoy your posts about New York...so much to do there, but I'm glad I live in a small town.
I only think it's hard living in the city during this holiday season (dealing with the influx of people) and in the worst heat of summer. Otherwise, the only thing to concern me is the cost of living. If that's not an issue, to me it's a magical, wonderful place. I ended up fighting through the crowds at Times Square and Bryant Park and Rockefeller Center on Sunday morning/early afternoon and it was enough of a fill of people to make me positively sick at the thought of venturing down to see the ball drop in person. I think once was enough.
BTW, there's a really cool building standing by itself up on Amsterdam around 78th or so (the block that used to have Amsterdam Billiards). Everything around it was torn down and only the old 4-story brick structure is left. You should totally check it out if you're around there.
I think your narrative today is excellent, one of the best. It sums up New York fantastically!
Rambling - thanks.
stufsocker - Sounds like the building is a photo-op. I'll try to check it out.
marley - glad you like it!
I agree Brian, It takes a special breed to live in NYC and the surrounding burbs as well. When traveling outside of NY I always feel that I have one-up on anyone I may encounter.
True.. true.. I've been living in NYC for a year now and I love it! So I guess I'm part of this "special breed" even if I'm a foreigner. hehe..
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