post-leap day break
by D.O.
Having successfully spent just under two months in Philadelphia — America’s fifth largest city — I decided to take a break from the hustle and bustle of big city life by taking a trip to a bigger city. A city that, by a comfortable margin, is the largest the US has to offer: New York, NY.
Those of you who aren’t so hot on your geography of Northeast America may be surprised to find out that New York and Philly are but two hours apart by bus. And a round trip ticket on that Chinatown bus (Chinatown Philly to Chinatown New York) costs you only $20. It was striking how similar these bus stops were to the various bus stops I spent time at in China. Peeps would feel right at home.
This journey to the boroughs found me spending some quality time with some very high-caliper people. Ami and Erin of Cavittville fame took a break from the peaceful life in Bryan, TX to visit the city. I was also blessed to share a meal with Megan Shuffle (whose blog you really should visit) and share a conversation with JR Vassar, and other members of his community there in Manhattan.
All of my time was not spent with people though. Each morning I walked a few blocks East to Central Park where I sat on a bench next to The Lake that overlooks midtown Manhattan. I’m convinced that such breaks to natural places are absolutely necessary to maintain sanity in city life (see my writings on George Bush Pond, White Rock Lake, and now, Central Park). Each morning I sat on that bench working hard on my crossword puzzle, looking up to watch passers by when I got stuck, and always wishing that some of my beloved roommates were there to share the moment with me.
On a much less peaceful note, this particular visit to the city afforded me the opportunity of watching a man lose control of himself like I’ve never seen before. I’ll not go into great detail, but I can’t help sharing the story. This presumably homeless man gently asked everyone on the subway car for money (as his had been stolen) and much to his dismay only received food in return (which he allegedly couldn’t eat for a lack of denture glue…). He made his way to the back door of the car, and stood there with his back to the car’s other occupants. Instead of going to the next car or pulling a gun out (honestly the only two options that I could conceive him doing) he turned around, threw his free food on the ground, and started screaming with all his lungs could muster, “Who stole my @%&*@# money? Give me my @#$*@!% money!” This went on for way longer than was remotely comfortable, and finally he left and went to the next car, where I assume he did the same thing. Upon exiting the subway scores of people told the conductor to stop the train and call the cops as this man was inches away from hurting somebody. I didn’t stick around to see what happened. I’m also not sorry for the absence of a picture accompanying that part of the post. Thank you Jesus for your glorious provision.
So after all was said and done, I was able to find rest (save Mr. Dentures’ violent display) in the city that doesn’t sleep, I found friends in a city of over 8 million where many are lonely, and I found my way around the town on a subway system that used to intimidate me to pieces. Good game, NYC, good game.
Comments
did you see holly o’reilly? she’s a part of JR’s community there.
are you excited about emery?
i am happy about your blog update.
and i’m glad we’re friends.
1. I really like the NY t-shirts picture.
2. It sounds like you had a nice refreshing time. That’s good.
yeah man. When we went to visit Bethan’s sister and bro-in-law, I was intimidated by the subway. But after taking it all over the city, I loved it. It was very timely and provided TONS of opportunities to talk to people (some of which were taken, some of which were not…to my shame).
We also experienced some people falling apart. And while we acknowledged that it could be an act, or drunkeness, or drugs etc., we still had to acknowledge that they are nevertheless still “falling apart” and need Jesus.
I also dig the NY shirts picture. Good angle, good lighting.
D.O.
I’m a bit jealous of your trip to NY. I want to go there so badly. Sounds like you embraced the city full fledge.
Also, I have a graphics design question for you, but don’t want to get into the knitty gritty for the sake of taking attention away from this lovely post. What is your e-mail address?
Thanks!
it was nice seeing you sir.
thanks for the shout out d.o. i need to write a coffee table book on all of the interesting “goings on” of the subway system…why, just this evening, a single mother who was a full time student tried to recite her poetry for a few extra bus but was instead engaged in an argument by another gentleman who “didn’t want to hear her lousy poetry”. ah..the city.