32/n: Newark, New York
It is springtime in New York. Funny how spring smells the same everywhere. The air is fresh and vibrant but not cold. The sun is bright and uplifting but not strong. It smells like things are going to happen. New things, exciting things. It smells like the force of nature is taking over — even in a concrete jungle like this.
It is strange to walk through such an iconic city. So many places, buildings and landmarks, that are all too familiar from movies, paintings or from tv. But they definitely lived up to the expectations. In fact they are exactly as big, as exciting and as impressive as I’ve imagined them to be.
But it also is the first time I wished for a travel companion. Someone to share this with. Someone to be courageous with. Someone to animate me to go into that damn deli and just order a sandwich already. Someone who would help me to decide how many pizza slices are enough slices and which slices are the best choice. Someone, who could manoeuvre me through this well coordinated ballet of people ordering sandwiches in a deli. But without I have to conquer this city by myself without company, without sandwich, without an uncertain amount of pizza slices.
Steam rises in the streets. Like a beautiful, mesmerising cliché. In a city that is build on, by and through clichés. Like the screaming, confused person in the streets caught in an angry dispute with an imaginative epitome of all evil that apparently jumps from face to face of the oncoming people. Like the cursing cab driver / bike courier / traffic policeman / driver / pedestrian. Everyone is cursing about the other. Everyone else is stupid. Everybody is like “Hey! I’m walking here”.
I love it.
Day 1 — Arrival
Compared to a 26h flight to New Zealand or a 24h bus drive from Christchurch to Kaiwaka or almost 4 month from Cape Reinga to Bluff, an 8h flight from Düsseldorf to Newark doesn’t feel like much.
This trip really has changed my perception of time. Also it feels like everything has moved much closer together. Every place in the world has become more approachable.
So — Plane to Newark, with the usual and some unusual fuss — Bus to New York, Port Authority Bus Terminal — On foot to my hostel — Quick stroll along 8th Street — Bed.
Tomorrow is the big day.
Day 2 — The Big Day
I’ve imagined that day so many times — shopping at REI. I went through my list so many times. I’ve pictured every item. I’ve imagined wandering through the store like a kid in candy store, that it build with its avatar on Minecraft.
I will buy nothing crazy — just what I need. But I’m also not afraid to spend a lot. After all, these are the parts for my next generation super hero outfit. Things I will carry and wear till the end of my trails.
I don’t change much compared to my setup for Te Araroa. I need new cloths, shoes and I want to optimise a few things — Make It a bit lighter and more versatile. And also — I LOVE shopping for gear — who am I kidding?!
I spent 4 hours and an undisclosed amount of money in the store and I leave very happy and satisfied with a backpack full of gear.
The rest of the day I wander through the city with no specific destination but with intention. I’m expecting something the new, the exciting, the hidden behind every corner. This is my most favourite way to discover a city.
But again it is just a short day. Jetlag is hitting hard. Maybe because of the very sun cycle oriented lifestyle I had the past few months. As soon as the sun goes down, I can barely keep my eyes open. But I don’t mind that.
Tomorrow is another very big day
Day 3 — Another Very Big Day
I’m almost inclined to say, that this was my most favourite thing about New York. I got tickets for the taping of the Late Show with Stephen Colbert.
I can’t begin to tell how much I admire him and his show. He’s the reason why my former colleagues had to endure an eruptive giggle every now and then, when I listen-watched his show like an audiobook during work. It is nothing creepy — I hope — but to be able to experience him and his show live is really a dream come true.
I not only was part of the audience. I even got a seat on the ground floor, close to the stage — a benefit of being solo and a good seat filler. I also became part of the warm-up, when the warm-upper Paul Mecurio called me up on stage. Something that probably comes with the beard.
The beard so far has gifted me with many beautiful encounters — and the longer it gets, the nicer and more unique the encounters get. The beard is my super power and eventually it will turn into my nemesis and force me into a life in solitude.
The whole experience was just amazing. Even though the audience didn’t seem to be exceptional enthusiastic I had a great time and gave it my best.
I left the taping hoarse and happy.
And ready to go to bed. Tomorrow is another day, that level of greatness yet has to be determined. 16h of train down to Gainesville.
