Goodbye New York!

Wow, New York was a blast. It was unbelievably incredible. So many new experiences crammed into two weeks! Lots, and lots of firsts! In order, it was the first time I was traveling anywhere with people that I wasn't super close to already. Then, I led people on a subway for the first time (the only other place I had been on a subway was China and every time I was on that subway, I subserviently followed the directions of someone else in charge). I saw the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan Bridge, and New York skyline in something more than just a movie. I navigated through the city on my own, including figuring out the train system and riding a train completely independently (and on the Fourth of July on top of that). I deliberately chose to spend time with family instead of friends (I spent the Fourth of July with my family). I sat down and ate at at a restaurant by myself. I took the subway system to a brand new location, completely by myself. I walked into random religious institutions and asking the believers what they stand for. I fell in love with a painting for the first time (it was Springtime by Cot found at the Metropolitan Museum of Art). I went to a museum by myself and spend five hours just taking everything in (the Museum of Natural History is unbelievably amazing). I chose to discover more about myself, by not surrounding myself with people all the time. I learned how to be a little more independent. I decided that I definitely do not want to live in Manhattan, and if I can help it, I wouldn't live anywhere in New York--although, I don't think I have a problem with visiting it frequently. I was impacted by the 9/11 Memorial. I was unbelievably productive while I sat in a study room (that reminded me greatly of Harry Potter) in the New York Public Library. I walked across the Brooklyn Bridge and found the spot where one of my favorite Bollywood movies was filmed. I photographed a love story on the empire state building.

All in all, these past two weeks have been incredible. So much happened and I feel like I have grown so much. I am ready to leave New York and take one whatever challenges London has to offer me! Goodbye New York! I'll see you soon :)