My summer in New York was loud, crowded, stressful, expensive, and amazing.
My apartment was in the East Village, a comfortable but busy neighborhood in the Lower East Side of Manhattan. I’ve also been working part-time at a coffee shop in Williamsburg, which has allowed to me to get to know the neighborhood and become familiar with the local community. I discovered a variety of venues to watch live shows, something I rarely get to do when I’m at school in Boston. I saw Kendrick Lamar, Sylvan Esso, A$AP Ferg, Jacques Greene, Alex G, Fleet Foxes, and countless more. I also learned about the comedy scene in New York, and frequented improv and stand up shows. I visited bustling and famous tourist spots, and discovered quieter neighborhoods where I could sit down with a book and feel more anonymous.
In New York, I’ve learned that standing in the middle of the sidewalk is a sure way to anger locals, how to ride the subway without anxiety, and where to get the best pizza in East Village. My relationship in New York was fraught. Although I relished in the excitement, I resented how the busy and crowded city could be. Sometimes I couldn’t imagine not living in the city, other times, I wanted time to slow down and to rush back to my small hometown in Texas. Despite this, I still plan on coming back, because there’s no other place like New York City.
Sincerely yours,
J.K. Beauling
This is a shared blog post for Beaufort Books and Spencer Hill Press.