Arriving in New York City for the first time, I exit the airport, and quickly see an Old Italian man in front of a queue of people. He hastily barks orders in a heavy accent at taxi drivers and passengers alike. The honking of horns and strong smells of the city overwhelm my nostrils. I am totally enveloped in a whole new world, full of new sights and smells. The streets are dirty, littered with various things; empty plastic bottles, newspapers, and even unidentifiable objects. The novelty of it all is terrifying, but I am also eager to start a new adventure. I know that home can’t offer what New York can. The various sections from China Town to Little Italy provide a miniature tour of the world’s cultures; a tour that can be walked, a plane not needed. The city from the airport does appear to be a cement block. The light from the sun barely reaches the ground, and the weather seems cold and cave-like, although it is summer. I feel a sense of loneliness and I begin to comprehend what people mean when they say, “New York is a lonely city.” I quickly put my thoughts aside and walk to get in line, waiting for a taxi, to start my journey. 
Search this site
ITF Corner!
Hello from your friendly local ITF!New series of posts: Tips on embedding powerpoints and prezis on the blog, and embedding essays within prezis. Read more...
Before that: So you want to make a podcast? A powerpoint presentation. Read more...
-
Recent Posts
Recent Comments
- Sarah S on Times Square
- John Scanlon on A Losing Bet
- tejjybear on Is Technology Destroying our Culture?
- tejjybear on A Dried Herring, Please
- tejjybear on Too Much Diversity
Login
I have always wondered how people would perceive New York City. I am really glad that you wrote this post. Also, I agree with you when you mentioned that you felt “a sense of loneliness” even though there are millions of people in this city. When I am walking down the bustling streets, I often feel excluded. As a result, I am always on a mission to find a familiar face. Generally, people in NYC move from point A to point B, with a goal in mind. Rarely will anyone stop because NYC is very fast-paced. However, I am sure that you’ll be able to adapt to this new environment soon enough. Wish you the best of luck!
Your post was very personal and very pleasing to read because you managed to appeal to most of the senses. In the general scheme of things, it is interesting to see how people perceive New York City the first time they see it. It is true that the city has many imperfections, as you pointed out, that would create an almost repugnant sensation. Regardless of the first impression, most people who spend enough time here learn to love it and look beyond the unpleasant trivialities. After all, New Yorkers are the most die hard fans of their city that I have ever encountered.
You have some really poetic qualities in your writing. You write the raw truth through vivid imagery. Love the lines especially about the plastic bottles and the walking tour of China Town and Little Italy. It’s true — you can literally walk ten blocks and see a different part of the world without taking a plane. That’s what I love about New York.
Your story offered a very personal perspective. I’ve actually never heard NYC being described as a “lonely city” before. I thought about it and it’s true. With more than 8 million people, its easy to feel lonely and overwhelmed, lost in the crowd because the residents here always seem to be in a hurry. I can somewhat relate because I live in the suburbs so I know what its like transitioning from a quiet, private neighborhood to a bustling, loud, chaotic metropolis.
It was a very honest, creative piece. I enjoyed reading it.
Your post certainly sets the mood –making the reader feel the power and the pull of the lonely city.