NYC was good training ground

Earlier today (11/21) I was riding my bike around the city swerving in and out of traffic and I realized this was all very familiar à New York City. Now mind you the whole country has 14 million and the American city has 8 million alone but alot of what I learned in New York has come in handy.

As a pedestrain in New York City, you are always in a rush. I learned to dodge moving and parked vehicles, push pedestrains (hehe) and run to trains. Here I am kinda doing the same thing. On my bike, I have to avoid other bicyclists, motorcyclists, pedestrains, vendors, vehicles, oncoming traffic, did I mention goats? It's alot and you have to learn fast, kinda like you have to in the Big Apple.

Most people here do not have cars,you either bike or ride your moto and some walk (like miles). There are taxis in the city but they are expensive and unless you are in the capital, your bike can get you everywhere you need. So I will be grocery shopping, visiting friends, going to cyber cafes, working... all on my bike. In New York, you walk or take the subway. So I am kinda prepared to be innovative in my baggage and thoroughly plan my errands.

In New York, having a stroller is kinda ridiculous. Unless you have a car and use taxis all the time, traveling with a child has to be creative. Subway elevators never work and really don't exist. SO you either recruit a fellow rider to help you with stairs or you pray for seating for your tired child. Here, they just strap them to their back. It actually works really well, you can still accomplish all of your chores and errands. I may do it, depending on my fitness level (the women here are STRONG. We always talk about how they would win a fight with men).

All vendors outside stores here (which are most) have negiotable prices. Now they will try to get you because you are a "Nasaro" but we usually talk them down to normal prices. My frequenting flea markets in NYC helped here.

If I travel to another part of the country I go by bus. If I am lucky, I coordinate my travel and take the nicer bus (a/c, TVs, cozy seats). I really only traveled to DC or Boston when I was in NY. If I left early enough, I could take the luxurious Bolt Bus.

I could go on but I won't. I am adapting well because some of the transitions have been easier. Thank you to the birthplace of my adult life- New York!