empire state of mind

In New York, concrete jungle where dreams are made of

there’s nothing you can’t do

now you’re in New York

these streets will make you feel brand new

big lights will inspire you, let’s hear it for New York New York

- alicia keys and Jay Z

One thing that I can comment about New York: one weekend is not enough to explore the city.

Where do I even begin to start reflecting over the weekend? Even though I was not as adventurous as the other members of the team – I do think I have had enough adventure for the weekend and am feeling rather sleep deprived! I must say being back in DC is rather lovely – it’s definitely more my type of city!

But New York, New York is just another story.

I guess the best way to explain our weekend is to give a brief schedule of what went down over the weekend

Thursday – bus to NY and reception at South African Consulate with young working South African professionals

Friday – New York Stock Exchange, lunch at Standard Bank NY Office, UN tour

Saturday and Sunday – free days

As you can read, it was a pretty jam packed schedule, but it is safe to say that the SAWIP team handled it with much spirit and awesomeness – even though we were getting really tired towards the end of the weekend. But, dear readers – time to reflect on the weekend. All I can say is that it was a privilege being able to spend it with my SAWIP teammates – we have really gotten to know each other better and definitely getting to know each other’s personality traits (even though some of them are rather odd heehee).

Fun and crazy things about New York:

- yet again – it is important to emphasise the fact that streets are BIG anywhere in New York. Last night we were meant to go to a South African Restaurant in Brooklyn and so we hopped onto a subway thinking this will be easy we just get off at the stop and then it’s right near the subway stop. Rookie error no.1. It turns out we were about 5 miles from the restaurant, and when we had started walking – we also realised that we were in the ‘hood. So we survived the ‘hood! There also happen to be quite a few Mercs in the ‘hood as well.
- NY Subway is madness. Absolute madness. And to add to more confusion – the same line doesn’t necessarily end at the same end that you want it to end.
- Times Square is absolutely huge. Capitalism! And you can stay out late – time flies by in New York. On Thursday night 3 of the guys and I were meant to get home early because we were rather tired – we made a stop by Times Square and was so awed by the whole experience that we stayed out a little longer than expected! Thanks Sizwe, Erik and AJ – it was a lot of fun!
- Shopping. There are way too many shops with way too many sales.
-  New York Stock Exchange. We were privileged to have the experience of going to the Stock Exchange and observe the opening bell. Needless to say, I think we were expecting more from the experience – as it was not as exciting as they portray in the movie. But it was pretty cool to experience the hub of the financial world.
- Going to a classic American Diner.
- Empire State Building. Dempers and I woke up early and went to the building to experience of the view of New York City. And wow, it was well worth the 22 dollars and the time we spent. The views of New York city are phenomenal.
- Staten Island – instead of going to Statue of Liberty – why not see the statue for free from a Staten Island ferry? We went early this morning – and it was a great time of chilling and reflection from the whole weekend.
Profound experiences in New York:

- Thursday night at the South African consulate: We got to meet some young professional South Africans working in New York. Their experiences and support was amazing – just hearing some of their stories was great – South Africa has got such great potential.
- UN tour: On Friday afternoon we went to the UN for a tour. All I can say is that for most part it depressed me: seeing how the world is like and the horrors of it all. Which just adds for the need for an organisation for the UN who are doing amazing things to try make the world a better place. This tour really opened my eyes.
- Phantom of the Opera. On Saturday afternoon we went to watch Phantom of the Opera on Broadway. This was the absolute highlight for myself for the weekend. I could really give up my aspirations of playing as a soloist and joining a broadway orchestra. It was simply amazing. I think I cried through some of the parts – the sheer beauty and talent of the show – broadway actors really are talented and this is especially demonstrated in the Phantom. I could go watch that show again!
- Dempers and I were on our way back home on Friday night after a night of exploring Times Square and were chatting about life when he noticed John 3:16 on the bottom of a Forever 21 shopping bag. Both of us were just in awe – I think for both of us it was just a testimony that God is everywhere – and was such an encouragement for both of us.

Other than that, there are so many other little things that happened that I can go on about but I know that the team would appreciate. Just little moments from Sizwe trying to teach me Xhosa (iYoh!), going shopping with the guys, laughing over the statements that our bus driver made on the way back to DC, listening to Erik’s reasoning for being a vegeterian, and there are so many other moments that I can go on about. All in all, this blogpost cannot begin to express the sheer awesomeness that was New York!

And now it’s back to another crazy week in DC – time is flying fast. I can’t believe that I am in my third week of the DC adventure!

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Posted in: get to know irene, SAWIP