Recently, Alex and I joined a gym in the city, and I’m not sure if the differences that I encountered are because I am used to a college atmosphere in the gym , or because we are just minutes from the stereotypical New Jersey folk with all of their characteristics, but either way they are plenty. First, I find it interesting that each time I enter the locker room, I am greeted with a feminine body part I would rather not see. Women aren’t ashamed to bare it all after their workout, which may be due to the outspoken, confident attitude portrayed by most women in the city, but it’s definitely not something I am used to.
Last weekend while venturing to Rockaway Beach in Brooklyn, we were unfortunate enough to set up camp on the sand next to three Brooklynites that were clearly unashamed of their conversations, no matter what the content. As they chattered about everything from sex to manicures, all I could really pick out were the profanities that came after every other word. The girls did not seem to care the atmosphere or the company in their surroundings, because they never acknowledged that their boisterous voices and harsh language may offend the children and others around them. I did get a kick out of one thing though- that heavy New York accent. When I first joined the gym mentioned previously, the trainer told me he actually heard a glimpse of the Midwest twang in my voice, but the New York draw in words like “wuata” (water) and “quafee” (coffee) is unmistakable and always amuses me from the natives.
The little things that New Yorkers do still entertain me to no end. For example, instead of loading groceries into a cart then into a car, the cashiers at the local grocery store recognize that most likely customers will be carrying their bags back to their apartment, which in some cases could be blocks away. One trend I found is that when putting large items like toilet paper and paper towels in the bag, the cashiers tie another bag to the handles to ensure that you can carry the bag comfortably with a long handle strap. If only every city thought of that then one’s fingers wouldn’t get cramped trying to carry grocery bags home!
Another adjustment I fortunately do not need to worry about is with having a vehicle. You’ll notice vehicles have rubber bumper savers on the front and rear bumpers as they are crammed bumper to bumper along the city streets. One thing is for sure, I wouldn’t purchase a nice new vehicle until I was sure I could have a garage or a safe place to park it. I have seen drivers in NYC, and they disregard traffic lights, other drivers, ‘turn only’ lanes and lanes altogether. I am perfectly content taking public transportation during my living stint in the city.
Every day a new city way.
My Aunt and Uncle live in Manhattan as you know and my uncle is from Long Island. I rode with him to the Hamptons in their car...and like lanes were like non-existant and people just did whatever. I understand what you mean. They just do as they please and then get upset when people get in their way. It is rather entertaining. :) And slightly scary..haha. Especially when your 6 year old cousin is yelling from the backseat "Go Daddy!" "Go Daddy" "There is an opening"...even though you don't see one at all. haha. :)
ReplyDelete