I found it quite amazing that I can navigate around the streets very easily, know the directions and stuff so well, even though it's only my second time here! It feels like the place has become almost too familiar, and I'm not really sure whether that's a good or bad thing. What's certain is that the novelty of the experience of being in the City itself has disappeared. Now, it's more like "been there, done that" kind of feeling. And if I had thought that New York lived up to its expectations when I came here the first time, that impression has changed. Now, I think it's less glam than what people make it out to be. Oh well. The second time here also brought about a sense of deja vu. When the plane was about to land just now, I could spot the trademark globe at Flushing Meadows and Arthur Ashe and the other tennis courts, which brought back memories of watching US Open. Ah..it seems like ages ago! Yet not really that long ago.
I realize New York is such a diverse place! And the realization really hit you when you come out from the airport and hear all the different languages and accents around you. Even in Pittsburgh, you mostly hear people speak in English, but here it is completely different.
Went to Rockefeller Center just now and it is such a different sight from Rockefeller Center in summer. The huge Chrismas tree and the ice-skating rink. Met up with the Europe CMU bunch (mingwei, jessica, zhengheng and moss) and somehow, meeting them helped me to feel less nervous about being here by myself. Some form of familiarity in a somewhat unfamiliar surrounding, and I was really thankful for that. After we went our separate ways (they had to return to JFK), I met my cousin for dinner. Just like last time too haha.
Anyway, I am really happy that finals are over! Such a huge relief, though I have had to prepare for interviews (but not really preparing that thoroughly too..I mean, it's after finals and I just want to relax!). I have had a fantastic weekend, basically just chilling out with friends, playing tennis (yes..in winter!), mahjong, watching "Devil Wears Prada" and Survivor finale, cookout with delicious food, etc. And I really had a great time just relaxing and finally taking a break. Not forgetting supper on Monday night (leftover pizza and root beer float!). You guys may not know it, but after that, I felt much better after having ranting about how scared I was and how I did not want to come here. So thank you for that :)
It feels a bit weird being here by myself and I really miss the company of friends around me. Ah well. Wonder how the next two days will turn out. Hope I will be able to survive the two days in Manhattan!