without the sour, the sweet wouldn't taste as...

Last night at my church group meeting, we were discussing how people in New York are mean but that it's only a uniform if you will. That people put on this rough and tough exterior when they go out but that underneath it, they are actually nice people. I feel that for the most part that is correct. People don't really smile when they're walking down the street, sitting on the subway or waiting in line. In fact, people more than likely are sporting a scowl. People also don't really stop to say Hi or respond when you initiate with a Hello. It's interesting because I can tell people just don't know how to react to me, they aren't used to it and are unsure of what my intentions are. Of course, with one extreme there is always another to balance it out. While many many people don't want to say hello or smile, there is a handful of people who surprise you with a greeting. On the way to the subway one morning, I walked past a guy who greeted me with "Good Morning beautiful".  Oh me, Thanks! On another morning, walking to the subway, a guy greeted me with "hey! I'm having a good morning now. where you going?" Hilarious. And then there's the people at the local bagel shop who are always gracious and nice, and the security guys at work who always wish me a good day. I even managed to befriend some locals at a neighborhood bar, who have been super nice! Of course, it doesn't hurt when you're cheering for their team. So New York may pretend to mean but they really aren't, you just gotta get to know them.

On a whole other note,  I've been in New York for just about 7 weeks now and I'm still figuring it out. I imagine that even after 7 months, I'll still be figuring it out. It's a complex place and even being equipped with tips from friends, a smart phone, a good dose of logic, and a stellar attitude, I still stumble my way around the city sometimes. So in short, I'm still adjusting but have no fear, I'm not letting this place turn me sour. If anything, it making me sweeter - per one of my favorite songs "without the sour, the sweet wouldn't taste as... "

Nina Michelle