Bye bye New York...

It is 5 minutes to 6am on 27^th August. I’m in the airport terminal waiting very patiently for my flight home, back to Singapore. I haven’t slept at all. Been on the go non-stop since Sunday morning (26^th August).

I met up with Carol for brunch all the way on the upper west side, near Columbia University. I had an important errand to run, an errand that I have to complete with her in order to leave New York. But, I took the wrong train on the way there, thus, was in a rush couple of blocks, climb through steep stairs of a park to get to where she was waiting. Very unfortunately start of the day, but fortunately, the Tuscan Omelette, thick cheese, spinach, topped with prochuittos made the tedious walk worth while. It wasn’t such a bad work, but I hurt my right knee after jogging on Friday morning.

I heard a lot about Kee’s Chocolate in Soho district. The owner is a Chinese lady, who used to be in the corporate world. She quit her job and started her own cacao store. My housemates said the shop is unique in their flavors, including Thai Chilli and Black Sesame chocolates. I went there after brunch to buy some for my folks at home. Also got a smaller bunch for Kei, this Japanese guy I met through the internship. He has been very very kind to me since I arrived and sharing the sweetness of chocolate with him is the least I can do. Hope he enjoys it. I haven’t even indulge in it yet.

Rushed home to continue my ever-procrastinating job of packing my baggage. Had only 1 ½ hours to pack before I head over to Queens for a feast at Kei’s apartment. He made fabulous homemade vegetable tempura, cold soba, edamame, squid with wasabi, cheese dipped with avocados, and sake. It is simple Japanese food, filling, yet not STUFFED like Italian food. As usual, Kei, you are such a good cook. What I really love about his apartment is that his kitchen window leads to the roof top. Camera around my neck, I sneaked up there to capture the stunning sunset of Manhattan skyline. It always make me so happy when I’m immerse in a breathtaking environment. I can’t bare to leave this city.

After dinner, Kei played a Japanese movie : Ping Pong. A comedy/drama about high school Japanese boys obsessed with Ping Pong. It goes into friendship, rivalry and seeking one’s natural talent. One really has to believe in themselves to bring out their true self. Left his place at 11:25pm, got home around 12:10pm. Then begun my last phrase of packing…..

I am very stubborn. Peter went to the airport (LGA) via super shuttle, which cost him $16. He suggested me to do the same. I’ve made up my mind long ago that if I fly JFK, I’ll take the ultra convenient subway which will cost me $5 compared to $21 (shuttle) or $60-$75 (Taxi). Such difference! Peter was afraid that I might not have the strength to carry my luggage and what if I hurt myself, the cost will be much more. I thought he might be right. (well, he’s almost always right all the time, which I have to admit) The more I thought about it, the more I KANJIONG à singlish, English term = panic. Then I rang Super shuttle to make a reservation….THEY ARE FULL! HAVE TO CALL 24 HOURS IN ADVANCE! Phuc told me that New York Subway is 24 hours. But…..really meh? Then I went to search for the schedule online. It was already 2am…and I just finished packing. I can’t care less, I don’t want to spend so much on taxi fare, and since there is no more shuttle option, I’ll brave the “weight” and go for the efficient and reliable New York Subway.

The reason why I want to take the subway is because I felt that I’ve spent too much money in this city. Since I like to visit places, I should start learning to travel on a low budget.

Fortunately, at 3am in the morning, there were still people roaming the streets in my area. As I approach the subway entrance, a 20 over flight stairs under ground, a gentleman was walking in front of me. He saw I was dragging such a heavy luggage and offered to help me carry it down. He even offered me the exact route to get to JFK, as on weekends, some trains down run in certain direction. I got to the airport within 45 mins. Too early. I had to wait 4 hours for my flight. However, it was a smooth check-in process as there was already a long line by the time I arrived.

I want to thank the man who helped me. He just knocked off work as a bartender that was why he was still on the streets at 3am in the morning. I felt that it was planned that somebody will eventually help me along the way. That was why I trusted my gut feeling that I should take the subway.

P.S. I should have published this blog long ago. However, I couldn't find the international adapter for my laptop charger. hehe had to wait for mummy to come back and find it for me. haha