Young people have flocked to New York City by the tens of thousands for generations, to chase their dreams and test their mettle. And they continue to come in strong numbers. In 2006, nearly 77,000 people in their 20s had been in the city for a year or less, according to the an annual study by the United States Census Bureau for that year.
But for many, the thrill of arrival is often tempered by the sinking realization of what an alienating place the city can be, especially for those who are not wealthy or who don’t have a pre-existing network of friends. Nothing comes easily, even if one can get past the dauntingly high cost of living. The subway maze seems indecipherable. People are everywhere, but ignore each other on the street. Friends and acquaintances might live in distant neighborhoods, and seeing them often requires booking time, like an appointment, weeks in advance.
I realize I'm in a "normal" state of mind (a relative term, of course)., and that in time, I will have completely adjusted to New York as I did in both Boston and London. I'm reminding myself that there has been an adjustment phase with every major change -and city- in my life. And when it comes down to it, I still wouldn't have it any other way.
But in this moment, the stress of things has caught up with me and I have a full-on headcold, sore throat, headache, congestion and all. Blame it on the stress, blame it on the changing seasons, blame it on the germs and grime of the subway. Now that I've finished the NYT and my Zicam-flavored tea, at 6:30 p.m., I'm going to bed for at least two hours. Then, its back to the pharmacist for stronger drugs and possibly a movie rental. Blehhh.
1 comment:
getting sick ALWAYS makes adjusting to places five hundred times worse. I speak from major experience.
Oh and if NYT reads your blog... BBC reads my mind. Not even kidding. I think of a movie two days later its on the tv.
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