Day 3

Day 3. One of these days, it's not going to be so easy to count how many days I've been here. I've come to the conclusion that I'm pretty lucky to have this experience of living here. I've always wanted to but never thought how it could be possible. I'm starting to feel more accustomed to the city. The trains are getting easier to understand, the layout of streets are becoming more second nature (at least of the upper west side where I've been spending most of my time) and I don't have to walk around all the time with a map in my hands.

Yesterday was an exhausting day of looking for apartments ending with rain, tired feet and one place that I want. I met with 2 brokers, going back and forth from downtown/chelsea back to the Upper West Side 140s. Originally, I wanted to live in Morningside Heights (around 125th, but apartments down there are even more expensive and smaller). The place I like is on Convent in between 142nd and 143rd. Technically, it's called Hamilton Heights and it's in between Morningside and Washington Heights. The street is quiet, tree lined and the apartment has 2 bathrooms, an elevator, and new appliances. A couple blocks away are the bustling streets, Amsterdam Ave and Broadway, which supply various fruit and vegetable markets, flower shops, bars and restaurants and businesses run by hispanics. (I will get a chance to practice my Spanish!). Despite the hefty price and fees, everything comes down to the max price we originally wanted to pay. All we need now is for the landlord/company to accept our application. It's a very long and involved process. I hope everything goes smoothly from here on out with the apartment. I really really don't want to do this again.

Today, I met one of my roommates. He went to the broker with me in the morning and then I showed him the place and the area. He approved. I knew I had good taste. I'll be glad when everything is settled and I've got the keys in my hand.
After we looked at the place, we went our separate ways and I got off on 103rd and Broadway to get a bite to eat. I don't know what is recommended or what the locals like, but I decided to go for a big slice of pizza at this place called Hot and Toasty bakery and cafe. It was delicious. Maybe I was just really hungry--but the fresh tomato and basil pizza washed down with a orange n' cream soda really hit the spot.

I'm going to relax a little while and then tonight I'm going out with some people in the hostel to a hip club called Webster Hall East 11th Street. We get a $1 cover, although the drinks are supposed to be expensive. Whatever. I just like dancing. I don't need a 13$ drink to make me happy. I also had the opportunity to go to a Quincinera 80s theme party of a friend who is in City Year with me. How often do I have 2 options in one night--let alone any?! Rhetorical question.

That's all for now from the City that never sleeps (which has been myself for the past week).
-S-