The New York State of Mind

“Ground Floor..”, announced the elevator,i was greeted by Mendel,the concierge at the reception “its a bright sunny day, make the most of it, it wont last for a very long time!”.i thanked him as i walked out. i lived in the very same building that has the MnM store, so every-time i stepped out i found Elmo, Buzz light year, Mini Mouse, Spiderman right at that corner.it was very refreshing to see them jumping happily and flying out kisses in the air. Elmo always made me smile(partly because red is my favorite color!)This is Times Square for you,the heart of New York City. i love New York, for reasons that are my own. One of them being that the city has welcomed and accepted me with warmth and promises.

My husband and i reached The Newark International Airport in January, 2011.After an intimidating security check routine, we were finally out of the airport , greeted by the 35mph brain freezing winds and a landscape that was black and white!!.The weather was extreme for me, since i had lived in the desert part of India all my life.if you plan to come to the states between the months of December to April, you should come prepared for the onslaught of the weather. Because it is not easy to adjust quickly to the temperature. My anatomy’s thermostat took an entire winter to settle down.

So far so good, we got into a limo. Now here, i learned that it is always better to take the prepaid cab than the private limos. They have the toll and the fare all figured out and there is no room for any delusion.The driver asked his trademark question,”First time in New York!??!”, quite a “New York i Love You” movie like scene.He said that we were lucky to be coming after the whole snow flurry had almost ended. i on the contrary was still awe struck by the amount of snow i saw and also the gloom in the air.Now winters here, are like that. it would take its own sweet time to get to your head, and only after such a frigid winter would you understand the importance of summers and the reason why the whole country goes ga ga during those months.Phew..They are a sight!!

After a half hour ride through the intertwined web of freeways we saw the New York skyline.We Settled into a service apartment for a month at the Times Square itself.

Young professionals dressed up in their Armani's and Canali’s busily walked around the midtown and downtown areas. it was the best example of Brownian motion.in-fact they appeared to be in such a rush as if, they were all running around to save the world. As if, if one person failed to reach work on time, the entire universe would collapse!! i admired their spirit, their discipline and the shear perseverance of reaching work on time. Manhattan is one tiny island as compared to the rest of the world, which houses the best brains from around the world. The business of entertainment, banks, IT, retail...you name it.. and they are all here. The feel of the place is classy and out of the ordinary. its how they say it here, “Anybody, who is a somebody is in NYC”

The very first thing that i did in the 3rd week of my arrival was to apply for an SSN i.e. a Social Security Number. if you are planning to come to the US, even if for only 6months, it is highly advised to get an SSN. The relevant information can be found on www.ssa.gov. Once you get an SSN, it s relatively easier to get a debit card, a cell phone, internet connection etc.

The next thing i wanted to do was to explore the city and the subway system came to my rescue.Subways are the best way to commute within NYC but they completely baffled me... i would take an N train from 33rd to 48th and somehow i would reach 28th street!!. They are cheap and very well spread. Google your route before you head out and your are good to go.One can find a MetroCard machine at every subway station. Get a $10 or $20 card and hop on.In case of any confusion, ask fellow passengers or the security personnel. Do not venture very far off if you are new. Take a joy ride from Times Square 42nd to the Macy’s at 33rd and back for some experience...else learn to walk long distances. Walking, isn’t also an easy task. Either Learn to walk with speeds of 10mph or else get trampled on!! The New York kind of lifestyle is supersonic spontaneous and very fast.

i am still in transit to becoming a New Yorker and i am enjoying every moment of it. The city has given me a new perspective about life and people. i look at myself and the world around me differently. i feel that i am at the right place at the right time. i like it the way Jay Z puts it.”These streets will make you feel brand new, these lights will inspire you”. So lets hear it for New York!