http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/27/nyregion/27arrival.html
August 27, 2008
Newcomers Adjust, Eventually, to New York
By CARA BUCKLEY
Sometime over the course of a person’s first year in New York, there usually comes that moment. It can happen in the first days or weeks, or after 10 months. It can happen repeatedly, or without people noticing, at least not at first.
Newcomers suddenly realize either that the city is not working for them or that they are inexorably becoming part of it, or both. They find themselves walking and talking faster.
The subway begins to make sense. Patience is whittled away; sarcasm often ensues. New friends are made, routines established, and city life begins to feel like second nature...
Ok, so the article itself is concerned with NYC. Other than that, it's something that other city dwellers can relate to. I don't even know why I put it up - well, I liked it for one - but it's not like I'll be here in Auckland long enough to really apply it here.
I suppose the case could be made about Boston. No, it is not a city of 8 million - just a small town of...maybe 1 million? I don't know? Still, though I moved there for college in September of 2004, I probably didn't stop feeling like a tourist until after the summer of 2005 - so about a year later.
How does one know?
Well, for me, it wasn't probably a typical moment; when I was growing up in Vermont, I couldn't wait to leave - the state was just so damn boring! Especially after living - more or less year-round - for four years (I'm counting the time I'm here as still being "from" Boston), I have to say I've developed quite an appreciation for the opportunities to head north. It got to the point (this past summer at least) that I really didn't care to stay in town on the weekends; it was a nice escape.
What are some other points brought up...did I feel lonely despite being surrounded by people almost constantly...
I still do sometimes. Just being surrounded by people doesn't make one feel welcomed/accepted. Don't get me wrong, I have my circle of friends - but, for example, on the T, that kind of surrounding...it isn't comforting. In fact, I'd make a strong case for it being the exact opposite - especially on the rush hour trains (and more in the morning than at night) - just hundreds of people, most of whom look somewhat annoyed at the fact that they had to get out of bed in the first place. Encountering that kind of mentality just reinforces how much they don't care about the other peoples' problems - nor do I care about theirs.
Back to VT for a moment - I do now find myself thinking how 'rural' it is - even just with the laid back lifestyle, seeming resistance to "change" (weasel-word: my standard is based on how I live now...), and (a good thing), how friendly some people are.
I don't know...wow it's 1 o'clock. Time to study. I will probably ramble on later about this.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Procrastinating the inevitable...
What I should be doing right now: short reading and prep for tutorial in an hour.
Oh well.
It's only five pages, so I have...45 minutes.
Anyway, it's finally starting to become tolerable in this city - right now it's sunny out, and at least according to the display on the bus, this should be the first day I think in a month that it's not going to turn overcast or rain. At all. (yeah right...)
On the home strech to mid-semester break, which starts Saturday. Two weeks of no classes, drinks with friends, travel, and so on. I will probably end up staying in town the first week at least. Not because I don't want to go anywhere, but things just didn't organize themselves the way I envisioned. People made plans, many before they even got here in July (so clearly I can't do anything about that). I probably would have done the same thing if I had somehow coordinated going abroad with friends - for example, if they went to Australia or Christchurch, I'd visit them.
I do have a good amount of work to do however...I will confess I have been skipping one of my classes for just over a week (including today): recieved an e-mail outlining the textbook sections to be covered, opened my textbook and realized I was nowhere near that point. Oops. The next test (for this class) is after break, so I should be fine if I catch up.
No regrets though - I am going to Queenstown the second week to ski and watch other friends bungee jump - apparently the main site there is three times as high as the bridge (134 meters/44 stories); the platform, accessed by gondola, is just suspended in midair? no thanks...
Tonight may be interesting...as the two girls in our flat are usually elsewhere - on Tuesday, my flatmate Martyn was proud to report that he had a conversation for a whole 90 seconds with one of the girls (who is NEVER in, or if she is, in her room)-, the three of us will usually end up procrastinating nightly in the common room. The point is that both Zack and Martyn are de facto on break after today...and poor, poor Rajan has a really stupid Art History test at 2 PM tommorrow. ACK! If I leave campus after my tutorial, I should be home by 12:45...a short break for lunch, then I have possibly five - six hours of study time (and I'm not joking around MARK), and then I'll take a break anyway. I'll probably go visiting for a little bit then, who knows.
Alright, I can't procrastinate anymore. Time to go read.
Oh well.
It's only five pages, so I have...45 minutes.
Anyway, it's finally starting to become tolerable in this city - right now it's sunny out, and at least according to the display on the bus, this should be the first day I think in a month that it's not going to turn overcast or rain. At all. (yeah right...)
On the home strech to mid-semester break, which starts Saturday. Two weeks of no classes, drinks with friends, travel, and so on. I will probably end up staying in town the first week at least. Not because I don't want to go anywhere, but things just didn't organize themselves the way I envisioned. People made plans, many before they even got here in July (so clearly I can't do anything about that). I probably would have done the same thing if I had somehow coordinated going abroad with friends - for example, if they went to Australia or Christchurch, I'd visit them.
I do have a good amount of work to do however...I will confess I have been skipping one of my classes for just over a week (including today): recieved an e-mail outlining the textbook sections to be covered, opened my textbook and realized I was nowhere near that point. Oops. The next test (for this class) is after break, so I should be fine if I catch up.
No regrets though - I am going to Queenstown the second week to ski and watch other friends bungee jump - apparently the main site there is three times as high as the bridge (134 meters/44 stories); the platform, accessed by gondola, is just suspended in midair? no thanks...
Tonight may be interesting...as the two girls in our flat are usually elsewhere - on Tuesday, my flatmate Martyn was proud to report that he had a conversation for a whole 90 seconds with one of the girls (who is NEVER in, or if she is, in her room)-, the three of us will usually end up procrastinating nightly in the common room. The point is that both Zack and Martyn are de facto on break after today...and poor, poor Rajan has a really stupid Art History test at 2 PM tommorrow. ACK! If I leave campus after my tutorial, I should be home by 12:45...a short break for lunch, then I have possibly five - six hours of study time (and I'm not joking around MARK), and then I'll take a break anyway. I'll probably go visiting for a little bit then, who knows.
Alright, I can't procrastinate anymore. Time to go read.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Humans can't fly...
I suppose it could be said that one of my fears is falling - even if it is secured with a thick tethered cord, harness and staffed platform. Although it took two attempts, that fear was conquered - not gracefully though (no one said anything about it needing to be graceful...).
Up above is the Auckland Harbour Bridge, and the platform is underneath the bridge at the highest point (count back 6 supports, under the two flags) - about 40 meters or 13 stories up. Although I was ultra psyched for the quest, I made the amateur mistake of looking down off the platform, and completely copped out at first. Don't get me wrong, I still had every intention of going, just not right then. I just needed to catch my breath.
At least now I know that it really isn't all that bad; once I jumped off the platform, well, I couldn't go back then, right? (my most sincere apologies to my parents that I will no longer be able to continue the Frantz family name...)
I was, however, finally able to get a decent shot of Auckland...even though it was shrouded in mist - perhaps it added to the quality?
At least now I know that it really isn't all that bad; once I jumped off the platform, well, I couldn't go back then, right? (my most sincere apologies to my parents that I will no longer be able to continue the Frantz family name...)
I was, however, finally able to get a decent shot of Auckland...even though it was shrouded in mist - perhaps it added to the quality?
(P.S. - click each image to get their actual size - not dial up friendly)
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Multinationalism?
I thought this was really strange; I figured that like TV and radio, online advertisements would be targeted toward people who actually might need or use their services.
So why does an ad for a Canadian telephone company appear in a New York Times article which I'm reading here in Auckland?
Fail.
So why does an ad for a Canadian telephone company appear in a New York Times article which I'm reading here in Auckland?
Fail.
An endorsement for AXE body spray?
Just got off the phone with STA Travel about possibly heading to Europe after Auckland. I guess since I've used part of my ticket for study abroad, I apparently can't get a refund or use any of that money toward further flights. Apparently that would mean if I wanted to fly direct from Auckland, I'd essentially be booking a new ticket on top of the other ticket which wouldn't be used.
That's really stupid.
So instead I asked about flying from Boston the next day (give myself a chance to recoup.), wow I thought the flight from Auckland was good - it would apparently be $950 to go from Boston, round trip. Double-plus good.
The agent I spoke was wicked nice too, a little flirtatious even. Her voice sounded cute (wow, I've used that word twice in one week...record shattering)...if that means anything. Maybe those ads for Axe are true, even though in premise when I saw them they looked absolutely ridiculous. Yes, I'm currently having a look on YouTube in another tab.
I need to get a new belt this weekend. With a sick buckle. Suggestions? This is because I feel that I can now, for the first time since I started caring about how I look in high school, actually get away with the partial shirt-tuck. With a few crunches, I might even look good too.
That's really stupid.
So instead I asked about flying from Boston the next day (give myself a chance to recoup.), wow I thought the flight from Auckland was good - it would apparently be $950 to go from Boston, round trip. Double-plus good.
The agent I spoke was wicked nice too, a little flirtatious even. Her voice sounded cute (wow, I've used that word twice in one week...record shattering)...if that means anything. Maybe those ads for Axe are true, even though in premise when I saw them they looked absolutely ridiculous. Yes, I'm currently having a look on YouTube in another tab.
I need to get a new belt this weekend. With a sick buckle. Suggestions? This is because I feel that I can now, for the first time since I started caring about how I look in high school, actually get away with the partial shirt-tuck. With a few crunches, I might even look good too.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Things didn't go the way I wanted them to last night, but when do they ever in our lives? The person aforementioned in yesterday's ramblings stopped by our flat, and I more or less became a statue. Not like I was busting out my bi-/triceps and Greek god-like abs (which barely and don't exist respectively), but in a very rare moment for me, I actually didn't have anything to say. Not that I didn't want to talk, I did; it was more that I didn't even feel like I was in my flat, but rather at a party where I didn't know anyone and felt awkward. Although yes I was upset with myself because I basically froze up and effectively came off as a cold disinterested dork, and that kept me from really getting to sleep until about 6 o'clock this morning, just with the thoughts, real or imagined, of how lame I appeared.
(Josh, if you're reading this, I'm trying to keep smooth and cool. Honest.)
Once I got my...4.5 hours of sleep in and let everything just file itself away, I realized that I had better things to do. To confirm, I more or less acted like myself and things were as they were before.
So, anyway...
I took that logic test last night. I think I did OK, but apparently the grades will be available in two weeks or so, so we'll find out then. The material is so damn boring...I think that not only do I have acute senioritis, but its exasperated by being overseas. (maybe that's why you're not supposed to do the last semester abroad...oh well). But seriously, I could care less about three of my four courses; all I really want to accomplish, scholastically, is writing my dissertation for NU, and other than that, just to pass the other classes. Exhibit A: I should be reading probably, but rather, I'm sitting here writing in this blog. (I will probably do some reading after though, the class is at 8 AM).
I called Missy today while walking to campus. My day was made just talking to her. And also hearing that I should consider a career in Journalism (apparently since I write so well).
Talking to her gave me another idea, which I would love to come to fruition - traveling to Spain to visit. Turns out that to fly from Auckland - Spain and then to Boston would be around $2k (US)...seeing the price that Auckland to Boston was, it can't be that much more expensive (well...it probably is who knows). I will be contacting STA in Boston about this later tonight (when things are open on the east coast around 1 or 2 am Auckland time). Maybe.
(Josh, if you're reading this, I'm trying to keep smooth and cool. Honest.)
Once I got my...4.5 hours of sleep in and let everything just file itself away, I realized that I had better things to do. To confirm, I more or less acted like myself and things were as they were before.
So, anyway...
I took that logic test last night. I think I did OK, but apparently the grades will be available in two weeks or so, so we'll find out then. The material is so damn boring...I think that not only do I have acute senioritis, but its exasperated by being overseas. (maybe that's why you're not supposed to do the last semester abroad...oh well). But seriously, I could care less about three of my four courses; all I really want to accomplish, scholastically, is writing my dissertation for NU, and other than that, just to pass the other classes. Exhibit A: I should be reading probably, but rather, I'm sitting here writing in this blog. (I will probably do some reading after though, the class is at 8 AM).
I called Missy today while walking to campus. My day was made just talking to her. And also hearing that I should consider a career in Journalism (apparently since I write so well).
Talking to her gave me another idea, which I would love to come to fruition - traveling to Spain to visit. Turns out that to fly from Auckland - Spain and then to Boston would be around $2k (US)...seeing the price that Auckland to Boston was, it can't be that much more expensive (well...it probably is who knows). I will be contacting STA in Boston about this later tonight (when things are open on the east coast around 1 or 2 am Auckland time). Maybe.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
double whammy
As per usual, I'm just writing in this thing to pass some time. I have class in an hour, but I forgot my laptop at my flat this morning - as that is the only thing that gets me through the lecture, I'll probably skip. Whatever. Besides, I have a test in another class at 6:00 that I need to study for. Not that the test will be too difficult, but I want to make sure I actually do well on the thing.
I have a test of a different sort later tonight, maybe. I'm planning on having drinks with a girl I met early on in this semester abroad business - nothing confirmed but I asked her to hang out last night and she suggested this evening instead.. . Anyway, I decided that enough is enough with dancing around the idea and I should go for it. Those reading this that know me well will know that I'm on pins and needles about the whole thing, given my nearly paralyzing fear of rejection. Though I could use this to my (possible) advantage ["...it took me so long to get around to this because..."] I'm thinking not, I don't want to make it awkward. Ah, well first I have to get through today and this evening. It's probably just my inexperience - I've only really gone on...2 or 3 dates my whole life (by what most would define as a "date;" I will [and have] embellshed that figure), so I always feel like a middle schooler in a 22-year olds body. I should stop though I'm probably boring you to death.
I really have to get the ball rolling on traveling - I haven't left Auckland once since I got here and the mid-semester break is 19 days away...who wants to wager the over/under possiblity that I'll end up sitting on my ass (in Auckland) for the entire two week break?
I have a test of a different sort later tonight, maybe. I'm planning on having drinks with a girl I met early on in this semester abroad business - nothing confirmed but I asked her to hang out last night and she suggested this evening instead.. . Anyway, I decided that enough is enough with dancing around the idea and I should go for it. Those reading this that know me well will know that I'm on pins and needles about the whole thing, given my nearly paralyzing fear of rejection. Though I could use this to my (possible) advantage ["...it took me so long to get around to this because..."] I'm thinking not, I don't want to make it awkward. Ah, well first I have to get through today and this evening. It's probably just my inexperience - I've only really gone on...2 or 3 dates my whole life (by what most would define as a "date;" I will [and have] embellshed that figure), so I always feel like a middle schooler in a 22-year olds body. I should stop though I'm probably boring you to death.
I really have to get the ball rolling on traveling - I haven't left Auckland once since I got here and the mid-semester break is 19 days away...who wants to wager the over/under possiblity that I'll end up sitting on my ass (in Auckland) for the entire two week break?
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
3:21 PM
I'm so bored right about now. Trying to kill just over 90 minutes before I have a 3 hour film screening. My friend in the states emailed me mentioning that he was going to have a read through my blog, and I remembered that I haven't written much in it in a while. Oops.
To my defense, I've been fairly busy - roomies and I held our first party (of what will be several, if I have any say in it). Nothing too big, just a beer pong table and a rotating crowd of neighbors. Surprised at how many people hadn't heard of the game - a lot gathered around and watched as my flatmate and I kept dominating the table (perhaps expectedly, given the circumstances. All in all, that died down by about 11:30, and some of us migrated down to the main campus (15 minute walk) and chilled with some other people. I suppose it isn't too earth-shattering an existence, but I enjoy it.
Found a really nice bar/brewhouse about 10 minutes from the flat last night, called Mac's. Went down there with a couple people that I'm getting to know really well, one of them a girl that I'd like to hang out with more, we'll see how that goes.
To my defense, I've been fairly busy - roomies and I held our first party (of what will be several, if I have any say in it). Nothing too big, just a beer pong table and a rotating crowd of neighbors. Surprised at how many people hadn't heard of the game - a lot gathered around and watched as my flatmate and I kept dominating the table (perhaps expectedly, given the circumstances. All in all, that died down by about 11:30, and some of us migrated down to the main campus (15 minute walk) and chilled with some other people. I suppose it isn't too earth-shattering an existence, but I enjoy it.
Found a really nice bar/brewhouse about 10 minutes from the flat last night, called Mac's. Went down there with a couple people that I'm getting to know really well, one of them a girl that I'd like to hang out with more, we'll see how that goes.
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