Oh New York.

It's been a year and a few months now that I have been living in New York.  The crazy part is that I am just beginning to feel like I am finally fitting in.  I remember my first subway experience like it was yesterday...  Actually, I should say my first subway station experience....

There I was... huffing and puffing into the train station dragging behind me two very heavy luggage and a gym bag around my shoulder. I got my metrocard with ease but going over the turnstile was a different story... Yes this may seem like an easy task had you not been.... traveling for the last 6 hours, lost and confused, and just plain tired and cranky.  I distinctively remember throwing my "jeans" suitcase that weigh almost 100 lbs over the turnstile.  (I called it my "jeans" suitcase not because it was the material that the luggage was made of, but simply because I had stuffed over 20 pairs of jeans in there.  Why? Because I absolutely love jeans and good jeans are so hard to come by. So THAT is why I have decided to pack all my jeans.  Okay.. not really all of them, but close enough.) Anyways, the luggage made a huge thump sound as it hit the floor and then all eyes were on me. oops!  Then, after both of my luggage were on the other side... finally it was my body's turn.  Stupidly I don't know why I did not think about taking the gym bag off my shoulders first.... probably because I wanted to jam myself in between the bars and look like a complete idiot. Yup that was it. Mission accomplished.

A few seconds later while looking at the subway map...
You are here - JFK
Destination - Wall Steet

Why did I not look at the map before going into the subway station? Because I am smart.. and I like to make things more difficult for myself. Now, had I been more prepared and focused... I would have realized that 1) I am on the wrong side of the tracks and 2) estimated travel time is about an hour and half.  Yup, by this time I wanted to punch somebody.  (yes I am a violent person and you should be worried.)

After I re-hauled my luggage and body over the turnstile again... (and I did remember the second time that gym bag goes first and then my body goes second. Surprisingly, an easy concept after all.) That it was probably best for me to hail a taxi and pay the $45 dollar ride into the city.  Without another hestiation, that is exactly what I did. The day was saved and I was happy again.