Well, I am in New York City

And yet again, my expectations and hopes were way too high. Thankfully the Greyhound bus ride was safe and relatively comfortable (I had heard horror stories) and I got into New York yesterday. And right away my senses were overwhelmed: millions of people, disgusting smells from the sewers, I saw my first rat (I have a terrible, paralyzing fear), a sticky sweaty heat and just so much going on! After dropping my bags, I headed out and walked to Times Square. That place is insane: so many people and lights and advertising. New York is definately all about money and status and having things... everything that I am not about this year. I just wanted to get out of there so I walked to the United Nations Headquarters. That was alright (tours were sold out but I got to see some displays). By then I was just exahusted and felt awful so I made the long walk back to the hostel. I will not do that again. It was such a long walk and in the heat, I was just disgusting. Definately will use the metro from now on.

Last night, I just stayed in. I didn't feel like doing anything. I did meet some great people (some Aussies who gave me lots of tips and ideas for my travels). But I just didn't want to be in New York. I felt completely dehumanized: there are so many people everywhere, all with a purpose that makes you feel like you do not have one. They are not as friendly as I had hoped. And I have never felt more alone (this is worse than Europe!). It was a rough day yesterday. But I hoped it would turn around today.

I was up at a decent hour and walked through the southern part of Central Park. Now, that is a beautiful place in the midst of the chaos and development of New York (Manhatten). Then I went to the Metropolitan Museum of Art: so much to see and just not enough time in the day. Then, off to the Empire State Building. What a view! Now that was a cool thing to do. But again, it just reimforced the magnitude of the buildings... there are so many and they just extend to all reaches. And it just oozes wealth and upper class. You definately have to have money to live or visit this city... hard for a girl on a budget.

So, I just wanted to give you an update. Don't worry, I will be fine. I leave for Boston tomorrow! But I have to run, I am meeting an Aussie in Times Square (Yuck!) and hopefully we can get some tickets for a Broadway show tonight. I'll let you know how it goes.

Ciao.

Love, Lisa