Hello from New York City!
Since my head is a bit jetlagged and full of new impressions, I don’t seem to be able to form proper sentences. So I decided to share these in form of a simple bullet point list:
- It was very cloudy when I landed at Newark Airport in New Jersey, so unfortunately I didn’t get that New York skyline view. (Embarrasing) truth be told: At first I was very unsure whether I was acutally looking at Manhattan or whether this was still New Jersey.
- On the Airtrain, which connects the airport’s terminals and the railway station, I could get a glimpse of what New Jersey really looks like. Quote from another passenger: „Wow, this looks like Turkmenistan.“ In proper „born and raised New Yorker“ fashion, my AirBnB host talked badly about NJ as well. But I don’t want to judge a book by its cover: I am pretty sure there’s also some nice spots there and I am willing to find them.
- Not really surprising when you’ve been to any big city but still somehow caught me off guard: Nobody here waits for the green light at traffic lights. Personally, this makes me a bit uncomfortable, but I noticed that most of the streets are actually one-way. So this at least halfs the risk of being run over by a yellow cab.
- A few years ago, perfume manufacturer Jo Malone brought out a range inspired by rain in London. I know now, why there is no New York equivalent. The city has it’s very own, unique scent. It’s a mixture of weed (70%), pee (15%) and a melange of scents emanating from the subway and sewer system (15%).
- Homelessness is a huge problem here. My flat is in Midtown and I don’t know yet, whether it is a bit worse here then elsewhere, but I have never seen this many homeless people.
- Everything is expensive (I knew that, but it was confirmed yesterday): Went to 7-11 to get some groceries and supplies for the flat but left it at milk and a box of Lucky Charms ($10.78). A single portion-sized tub of joghurt was $3.50, a 0,5l can of beer around $5, a pack of Pringles $3.50.
- I have the feeling that New York Pizza is overrated. I had my first slice yesterday and was not impressed. Very doughy and a bit dry. (And I had done my research before! Went to 2 Bros Pizza on 8th Ave, which is supposed to be one of the good ones.)
Left: $1 slice, right: $3 slice
Couch Potato Chronicles 