Smells like New York

I've only been here for a few months now, but I still can't get over the sights and sounds of the city that inspire me every day. I truly love NY. I never thought I'd be the type of person who could really appreciate a city like this, but I am. Living here has really opened my eyes to the reality of life.

From the homeless people on the streets and on the trains every day, to the ever-present feeling that everyone is in the same boat as you that truly lives in the city. We are all in a constant struggle to make ends meet with the knowledge that if we really wanted to live somewhere else, we'd be saving more money, but the draw of this city, the live spirit in the air, the heart of the city=it's people. We're going in and out of it's underground everyday, the veins of the city, riding the subway to and from our lives, a part of New York's life. It's soul, it's heart.

I hope I never lose that knowledge or feeling as long as I'm here.

The smells of New York inspire me the most. Every night I can smell the pizzaria below our apartment. The smell of baking dough being pumped through my window. I know right now that when I look back years from now, and I smell this scent of warm flour, I'll always think of this time in my life of discovery and absolute naivety. Of fear and excitement.

I smell bacon every morning as I walk to the train, past the bagel shop, and when I escape the mass of people on the train and break into the city again, at the stand by the entrance to the 6. It reminds me of home.

Sometimes I see the homeless "entertainers" and I wonder what happened to them to halt their talent, their lives. Some of the best singers and musicians I've seen were on the subway or at the stations. Some of the worst, too. Some so drugged up that they don't even know where they are. What happened..They're also in the blood of this city. But how can they survive in a place where you can't buy a decent lunch for $8? It's starting to chip at my hopes a bit.

I don't want to get in a set routine to the extent that I lose this child-like want and need of discovery..I hope I never completely become the boring grown up I see everywhere. I want to be inspired by everything this city has to offer. I want to never take for granted the experiences I live every day of my life here..