I certainly haven’t fully processed what’s about to happen. Or, I’m so distracted by all that we’ve had to do over the past few weeks there simply hasn’t been time for processing. Tomorrow we leave New York City. The beast of a town I’ve called home for nearly eight years. I love this city, I love the people, I love the diversity, I love the worldliness, I love the distractions, I love its attitude. I love all the people and experiences I’ve shared while living here. Some of the most important people in my life outside of my family are right here. Yet, we choose to leave.
Living in the city begins to change at some point, at least it did for me. So many of the things I loved it for, began to look more like obstacles. Perhaps this will only be a temporary step back and will remind the both of us just how in love with New York we really are. Or, more likely, we are getting out while still on top and will forever romanticize our time in the city. We’ll be able to reminisce and get sentimental about all our ups and downs.
From getting scammed for $20 on my first week here, or taking a quick nap on a couch at the office as my night’s rest – to carefree weekends filled with day drinking or music festivals, making new friends, and meeting people from all over the world. Perhaps I should take the time to make a list of all those ups and downs before time takes the memories away from me. Bottom line: I’ve learned more and had more opportunity because of moving here, and made some incredible friends along the way.
If I start to write about this last week here, with the outpouring of love from our friends, I will cause water damage to my computer. Further, other family and friends that have reached out to connect prior to our big trip with words of support, sharing memories, and reminding us what’s important to remember along the way.
Last week, in the midst of packing up our apartment, we took a break around dusk to visit the top of the World Trade Center. The views were spectacular, I recommend a visit. For us, it tugged on our hearts, looking down at the shining and beautiful city we’re about to leave. These are the pictures, and a couple from a trip out to Brighton Beach to touch the East Coast’s Atlantic Ocean once more before we left. I’m acting like I’m never coming back. Good thing we all know better.
