City skyline from Route 17 South in Ramsey, NJ (Fall 2022)
I'm from a small suburban town in New Jersey about 20 minutes away from New York City. When I mention the town to anyone I can guarantee that they have never heard of it. Although I’m from New Jersey, I like to think of myself as a New Yorker. Both of my parents lived in the City for over 20 years. When they decided to start a family, like many couples, they decided to move out to the suburbs. Sometimes I wish they had stayed in New York City.
I’m constantly reminded of my nearby neighbor, New York City, as I drive down my local highway. Five minutes away from my house, on Route 17 South, when I drive over the ridge I can see the City skyline out on the horizon. It’s impossible for me to ever forget that I live a quick drive away from one of the largest cities in the world.
For as long as I can remember I’ve dreamed of living in New York City after I graduate College, just like my parents did. My parents would tell me stories of all of the fun things they did in the City. One of my favorites was that when they lived on 35th st between 5th and Madison they were able to lean out over their balcony and see the balloons from the Macy’s Day parade float by.
Before Covid, my dad worked in Midtown and would commute daily to work. When I was younger I would beg him to take me in with him whenever I had a day off of school. We would take the bus from our local park and ride to the Port Authority. The walk to his office was only four blocks, which at the time I thought was the longest walk ever. My dad would just say “two short and two long and we’ll be there”. Although we spent most of the day working in the office, I loved just walking through the streets during the commute. Seeing all of the skyscrapers as I walked by and smelling all of the different foods from the halal trucks, Nathan's hotdog stands, and hole in the wall pizzerias selling $1 slices. My favorite was the Nut’s for Nut’s cart and I would always convince my dad to buy me a bag.
Last summer during my internship I got a taste of what it was like to be a New Yorker. For two months I woke up at 5:30am to catch the 6:30am bus, just like I had done years ago with my dad. From the Port Authority, I took the 2 or 3 down to Wall St and then walked to the jobsite, but this time it was only two shorts. The best part of my morning commute was stopping at the bagel cart on the street corner. In no other city in the world can you get the best toasted bagel with butter for $1.25.
Bagel cart
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