"Concrete jungle where dreams are made of, there's nothing you can't do" - Jay Z

Westjet for life

How pretty is Ottawa?

Today was the day! Today I flew from Ottawa to Toronto to New York! Woke up bright and early and the skies were beautiful, sunny and warm. Headed on over to the Ottawa airport where all the staff there were very kind t

o me. Even when I was "randomly" selected to be searched. had to take off my sweater, shoes, everything and then go into the big metal machine to take a look at what kind of metal I had on me.

Of course I had none. But the airport security was nice. Actually, they were pretty awesome in comparison than they are in TV. Quite smooth sailing for me. Even the Westjet people were pretty nice. Explained explicitly what I needed to do. 

When I got on the plane, it was fairly empty, not too many people getting on. My god do I love the feeling of flying, being up in the air, seeing everything from above... the turbulance... it's just amazing. There was an adorable baby that was maybe 8 months only, did not cry once. I was impressed! I had mine and the seat beside me all to myself so there was a lot of space for the 50 minute ride to Toronto (since we left early). The stewardesses there were awesome. Her one line killed me, "If you would like to smoke, there are 4 exits." And she was pretty nice to boot. Great way to start my trip. Once in Toronto, I had to depart and enter 

Ready to go!

again through the American customs (bleh, they are 100% as bad as you'd think). I got into line to get my stuff scanned, forgot about the completely full 1L bottle and chugged all of it. Man was it a bad time. On the bright side, I really impressed the security guy with the pace that I drank all the water!  

Chris dropped me off and
gave me the prettiest flowers

And then I was selected for another "random" search. I had to go into the big metal machine again. I knew the drill though and it only took a few minutes. Trying to get through American borders was interesting. The border guards do not care whatsoever about being polite. They also didn't seem to care too much about their job either. But I got through them and got on the plane! We departed early again, and this time I started reading up about the issues in the CAR with MINUSCA. We arrived in New York a bit ahead of schedule which was awesome (Seriously my flight to New York could not have gone any smoother). And as I went downstairs, I grabbed my luggage, saw the "Welcome to New York" sign and smiled. Home for the next 3 months!

The bus driver had
to do it for me because
I had no idea what to do

New York was wonderful, from the skies I saw the concrete jungle I so badly wanted to explore. And from the ground, I experienced kindness I didn't expect. I was a bit lost so I asked a lady if she could tell me how to get to grand central. She told me I could skip the hassel and take a bus straight for $15. When I told her I didn't have that much money, she was so understanding and told me exactly what to do and sent me off to the MTA people (They're the New York transit system). The guy could definitely 

Dang, look how many people
liked me leaving.

tell I had no idea what I was doing. He walked me through everything, so I had to take the Q70 bus to the first stop outside of the airport and then switch to the 7 train. When I got into the station, I went into the elevator and some guy started asking me where I was going. I guess I looked lost. Turns out there were multiple floors and I didn't press any buttons (fun fact you need to go to the mezzinine and then switch to ANOTHER elevator). So the guy told me exactly what to do and left. It's the kind of help like it's your duty and leave that makes me really love New York. Getting on the train, someone held open the door for me too. 

Like man, why's New York got such a bad rap?

When I finally got to where I was staying, I was honestly so touched. My roommate had gotten everything in the room ready for me, and even left me a little gift. She was so kind and talked to me, and wanted to make me as comfortable as possible. I can't even believe my luck. I have the best people in mfe life. 

Surprise roses. 

I went out for a bit after unpacking and showering to scope out my path to the UN and to get some groceries. Sheesh, groceries are expensive here! But I bought some food to tide me over for the next few days! I walked around a bit more and noticed a lot of things that are different between Canada and the US. They are definitely not as polite as us, but I feel like they're much more willing to help. No one follows the light rules. No one. I saw a car go barreling through a red light when it was my green and a few people had already walked. I saw some guy back into an old man. Everyone jaywalks. I swear, I thought people didn't have insurance?! There are flags everywhere. People will speak their mind and fight with other people on the streets. People will honk all the time. Literally not a minute goes by without me hearing a honk. There are taxis everywhere. People hail taxis everywhere. And then fight for them. People are everywhere. 

It's a police box and
they're everywhere..

This city is so populated (I love it)! There are police boxes on corners everywhere (especially near the UN?)?  When I got home, I talked to my roommate for a bit and she asked how I liked the flowers. What flowers I wondered?

And then I saw roses on the windowsill. Apparently Chris had schemmed together with her to get flowers delivered to me so that I could enjoy them as a wonderful welcome present. My heart melted. 

Looks imposing. 

After getting on planes that have been smooth sailing, with kind people on them that have arrived early, and then getting into the city with the help of some New Yorkers, all in all, it's been a pretty good first day. 

Now for the big day tomorrow. Got my lunch packed, bag is ready and I have my clothes out. I am ready (I hope!)