little bitty girl

I was in New York this past week for the Spring 2007 fashion sales week. Twice a year, the city hosts major trade shows that showcase established and new designers. I have always had a soft spot for NY, every since my first trip when I was seventeen. My first trip is stuff of legends in my family. I wanted to check out Parsons and F.I.T. but my parents were adament that I should stay in Canada. Something about the "U.S and their lax gun laws."

I'm the type of person when you insist I go left, I'll definitely go right. I was on a Greyhound bus the week later and when I got there, I told them to send me money if I ran out. I think the only thing keeping them from sending the Canadian army after me was that my very conservative, straight as an arrow high school boyfriend decided to tag along. He was more effective than a parent, I must say, and only let me drink underage twice the entire 2 weeks I was there.

I am so glad that I did that trip even though I ended up going to university in Toronto. I was broke, young and adventurous. Being broke and fearless forces you to think outside the box in terms of exploring a new city. I walked everywhere, did tourist and non tourist things and just really got to enjoy the city as it should be. We stayed in Harlem at a youth hostel, met incredible people, saw an incredible Picasso exhibit, ate lots of great food and had a fabulous time. My many, many trips after definitely have never been as exploratory or exciting. I must admit that I get a little jaded and spoiled now when I do go. However, every time the plane flies over the city skyline, I still get tiny flutters. I hope I get to keep that feeling forever.

What I love about NY is that it's an irreverant city, people like to pretend they don't give a shit but they listen in, it's old yet full of youth, ambitious and romantic all at the same time. I love that I can go out at 11 pm at night and get a manicure. I love the bustle of people rushing, rushing, rushing. Where are we going? What are we doing? It doesn't matter as there is always something going on. In many ways, it represents a large part of my personality. I feel at home the minute I land.

This time was particularly hectic since the U.N. was in session. We stayed around the corner from the Waldorf Astoria where many dignitaries were staying. I can honestly say I have never seen so many security people in my entire life. Whole streets were shut down; as if regular NY traffic wasn't bad enough as it is. It was almost impossible to take cabs anywhere we needed to go because to do so was completely futile. Traffic was at a standstill on many major streets.

We did manage to get one typical NY cab ride in; where the driver drove appallingly fast, narrowly missing hitting other cars and pedestrians. One of my travelling companions was gripping the seat the entire time while Boutsy and I blithely talked about trends we were into. I credit his fear to him being from the West Coast, where people tend to take life a little slower. I am glad we got that ride in, it's never a complete trip to NY for me without one.