Caleb In The City

One click secured it all. My dream of going to New York was actually coming true. With my boarding pass in my pocket, grande mocha frappuccino in my left hand, suitcase being led by my right hand and friend Lauren by my side, an almost two hour plane ride was the only thing between me and the city.

I sat on the plane before takeoff hoping I didn’t hype myself up too much. Would I actually like flying and get used to it? Would New York be what I dreamed it would be?

We landed in New Jersey, took a bus and a train and found our place in Brooklyn. I layed down that night not knowing that my experience would be more than what I expected. Starting with my friend Maggie joining us.

What felt like two seconds of sleep went by, and we were on our way to sit in the “Good Morning America” audience but not before we stopped at Starbucks for a morning pick-me-up.

We walked a few feet, turned the corner and there it was.

Times Square shining its multiple lights on us as if it were greeting us with a warm hello, and that warm welcome lasted the entire weekend.

“Good Morning America,” Times Square, Central Park, “American Son” on Broadway, the Met, the Brooklyn Bridge are only a few things that made my trip one that I’ll never forget. I also caught a glimpse of what Alicia Keys meant when she said “These streets will make you feel brand new, big lights will inspire you.”

Looking back, all my worrying was for nothing. All I needed to do was take a breath and allow New York to show out.

This trip was like the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow for me. I didn’t expect to take my first plane ride and trip to New York at the end of 2018 along with other great experiences throughout the year.

I also learned that it’s possible. It’s possible to go to the places I see on TV and read about, it’s possible to step out of my comfort zone and enjoy the experience and it’s possible to know that this is only the beginning.

Although it was my first trip, it’s definitely not my last.