I’m down to my last couple days in New York City, which means I have been here nearly four full weeks. Overall it has been a great experience and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. However I would trade it for… I don’t know… $20,000 or so. I mean, cash is king right? But I wouldn’t trade it for the world. What the hell would I do with the world anyway? I barely know what to do around the house.
During my time here, the Hard Rock Cafe put me up in a hotel suite that includes a full size refrigerator, stove, microwave and even a dishwasher. They call it a kitchenette, but I call it a bedroom that can double as an omelet station. The room has a desk, TV and lounge chair and back home in Minnesota it would barely pass for a dorm room. Here in Manhattan? It could fetch $2,000 / month as a studio apartment.
So considering local standards I’m living a life of luxury. I get clean sheets and towels every week, free coffee every morning, and if my timing is right, free entertainment from the drunks stumbling out of the Irish pub next door. On occasion they even throw free cookies out on the front counter. And man oh man do I love me some free cookies.
My hotel room is on the lucky 13th floor and nearly every day I open the windows to watch what is going on down on the street. It’s one of the quieter streets in Manhattan, but still has a steady stream of cars and people. I’ve seen women yelling at men, men yelling at women, dogs barking at pigeons and homeless dudes barking at dogs. Apparently anything goes in the big city.
This is my view down to the madness. I would hate to be waiting for an ambulance in Midtown during rush hour. You night as well have your heart attack on the moon.
In my downtime I have wandered up and down the island, covering just about every neighborhood. I’ve learned the greatness of New York is not limited to any one area, it’s all over. But so are the weirdos. I’ve seen crazy guys yelling at invisible demons everywhere from the posh Upper West Side down to Greenwich Village. They think they have something important to say, but it’s all gibberish. I never make eye contact, that only encourages them. Although since I have never looked closely at them, maybe it’s just the same guy following me around. Shit. Maybe I’m leaving town at the right time.
I doubt there are many companies who would pay you to experience such an awesome city as New York, but if you know of any, I’m telling you right now – APPLY FOR A JOB THERE! Just be sure to keep your eyes open for the crazies. And the free cookies.
~JH