I found my second home

It's not the trendy districts, the raw energy, or the fancy buildings that made me fall in love with New York the second time around. It was much simpler than that. Being with some of the people I love most in this world turned this busy, bustling place (and the quiet suburbs) into my second home.

Now, when I think of a place of comfort away from Manila, I think of New York, and all the people who care so deeply about me here. My relatives made sure I was extremely comfortable (even without my beloved Winnie and Elpi around!), and always made it a point that I was having a blast, was safe and well fed. Even on days when I was left alone, I found comfort in staying at their homes—maybe it was all in my head, but I felt that they left some of their love behind, making me feel content and secure despite my solitariness, as they all went off to work or to run errands. When I was tired of walking block upon block in the city, I thought of how lovely it would be to just go “home”--to have a quiet dinner and just watch TV with my relatives, to lie in a nice bed (or sofa) that had been thoughtfully prepared for me.

I really, truly heart New York. But more than that, I really, REALLY love my family.

New York, New York

...and I don't mean Cubao, yo!

I've been here five days and I'm still jetlagged! Hassle!

Highlights:

Being reunited with my relatives again. I especially missed my sort-of big bro, Kuya Vic (my uber-protective cousin). It's been so cool just catching up with him. I feel like I could tell him anything, and it's nice that he's constantly checking in on me. A little frustrating sometimes, but touching for the most part, knowing that someone cares about me that much.

Funny convo:

Me: I'm engaged!
Kuya Vic: What? What are you doin' gettin' married? You're 12!

With Kuya Vic, one of my most favorite people ever

It's also funny how we're now fodder for Glen Cove gossip! We've been out a few times, just the two of us, and in their area, everyone pretty much knows everyone. One night, the two of us were waiting for Chinese takeout. He had his arm around me and their cleaning lady walked in. She really couldn't look at us! I guess she thought he was stepping out on his wife! (P.S. The wife found this story hilarious!) He intro'd me, as usual, as his "little cousin" but she still looked a bit weirded out. Haha.

Met up with college friend King, who took me to Cupcake Cafe, Shake Shack, DB Bistro Moderne...all of which I shall write about in my food blog. We also went to Top of the Rock (Rockefeller Center), which supposedly offers a better view of New York than the top of the Empire State Building.

A view of the Empire State Building from the Top of the Rock. It was mighty windy up there! Brrr!

The highlight of this highlight: I finally got to go to MOMA to see the painting I've been waiting 10 years to see: Van Gogh's Starry Night. My English prof Doreen Fernandez intro'd it to me freshman year, and it had been my mission to see it up close and personal since I first saw a postcard of it. The last time I was in NY, MOMA was under renovation, and this particular painting was in transit to the temporary location. I thought I wasn't going to be able to see it again this time since there were special timed tickets to the Van Gogh exhibit, and they had run out by the time we got there! But we got in line anyway, and the guy just let us in! Woohoo!

Thanksgiving, my tita was tamad to cook, so we ended up eating at a Chinese resto. Haha. Afterwards, my bro and I met up with my cousin Ate Udes and my nephew Gedo and we just went to the city, and took touristy pics at Times Square. Today, we went to Wall Street, rode the Staten Island ferry just to get a better look at the Statue of Liberty, had lunch at Little Italy, paid homage to Joey Ramone, and went on my bro's "one-dollar tour" of the Met!

Token turista shot at Times Square with Ate Udes, Carlos, and Gedo (who's in NY for the first time!). Wala na 'yung iconic Cup Noodles!

No, I haven't gone clubbing, nor do I intend to (sorry, Yog). I'm happy enough just spending time with the people that matter, and eating my way through New York! (And I've got the chunky arms to prove it. Daymn.) Will update again soon!