This shall be the first in a series of installments on how to survive moving to New York while pursuing a career in theater. Having just graduated with an M.F.A from the University of Idaho, I had no idea what direction my life would take, but I knew it would be to the east . Which way is east? It's right on a map. Anyone knows that. Which way is east when you're surrounded by buildings and people and everything looks exactly the same? I had no clue. Phrases such as "East Side, West Side" reminded me more of feuding rappers than directions around a tiny island. I knew that the "Bronx is Up" and the "Battery is Down" but I just thought that was some kind of crazy Wall Street jargon. Now I'm able to distinguish which way will send me to work or to my favorite Deli, but last August, I was continuously going one way on the highway to hell.
Almost one year ago I wrote the following:
"...I can't help but compare my experience so far with this book I read about a year ago, "Eat, Pray, Love". In this memoir of pasta, prayer, and peace Liz Gilbert travels to Bali and remarks how the Balinese love to ask two questions: Where are you going, and where are you coming from? They say they do this to place you on their proverbial spiritual map and are constantly fixated on maintaining balance and an even equilibrium. The same can be said of New Yorkers, they love to know where you're from and what your plans are. You are their own personal celebrity, and they love a good story.
I've come to fall in love with these people, to the point where I've adopted them into my memory banks and landmarks. Some people give directions based on street signs, others on odd natural creations (weirdly shaped trees, ugly buildings), but I like to base my internal map on people and their advice. For example, today I found my way through West Village via two gay men, an elderly Jewish couple, and about...five catcalls from Italian busboys. But if you need a backup method to finding your way around, do what I do: Immediately assume you are going the wrong way and turn around. This has helped me each time. Instincts are useless here, especially since I used to get lost in my hometown of Wenatchee, Washington.
Another great thing about New York is that the options are endless, even when it comes to public transportation. If you want to travel the subway, the F train has served me well, but just like this awesome city, there are infinite varieties: Do you want the nicer F train, with digital clocks and route maps, or the more "classic" F train, with neon lights and seats worthy of the Brady Bunch? Either way, always wash your hands afterwards..."
Next Installment: Coming Soon...
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