“In New York

Concrete jungle where dreams are made of

There’s nothing you can’t do

Now you’re in New York

These streets will make you feel brand new

Big lights will inspire you

Let’s hear it for New York

New York, New York”

– Empire State of Mind, Jay-Z (feat. Alicia Keys)

I bet everybody would have thought of the same melody (probably). Even though the song was released in 2009, it is still the main theme song that represents New York. As the lyrics say, as soon as I took a step from the airport, I could feel that this is an enormous city. Because flights were cheaper than usual that week, I could reunite in New York with friends who had been scattered across the U.S. since graduating from the language school.

Central Park

Central Park is located in the center of the tall buildings. All the parks that I have been to so far felt fake. Someone who played drums so freely and the Bethesda Fountain with an angel statue was the most impressive scene. Kate and I walked through the park, which greeted me full of greens.

It’s been a while since we traveled to Las Vegas together. In the middle of February, the days in the language school were coming to an end. It was a cold winter in front of the future nothing guaranteed. I remember we had a conversation in the car while looking at the sunset.

Now it’s already June, and we are stable. While walking and talking through nature in the huge metropolitan, I could feel she became stronger inside. I believe that the time she spent in New York would bring her a positive breeze.

Times Square

People, cars, songs, and street performances filled the street. I was distracted by the fancy building lights and the noises, feeling the same when I got into the subway on my way to school in the morning. I hastened my steps to the crosswalk, almost squeezed like a lemon between people, until someone called my name in Korean. June was looking at me from the other side with a puzzled look even though she called my name. We texted but were not going to meet each other because of her busy schedule. It was a short greeting, but I was glad to meet her there. It seemed like the place is called Times Square because it connected our different times.

Broadway

The moment passing through Times Square and first discovered the sign ‘Broadway,’ I was truly enthusiastic. Five years ago, my friend Yun and I were both big fans of plays and musicals who dreamed of having a job making such marvelous performances in the future. We talked about going to Broadway to watch the play “Sleep No More.” But after graduating our school, we were busy living our days hard and it was difficult to meet even in the same country. However, it was totally a coincidence that we both grab a chance to come to California this year.

Last month, we booked a ticket for a play in July. We are going to keep our promise for the first time in five years. Now we are making different footprints, but I look forward to the time that we will watch the same direction together in the theater, just like we were young.

The play “Sleep No More” is based on Shakespeare’s “Macbeth.” “Sleep No More” is the most representative play of the immersive performance. Immersive performance means the performers and the audience can be a part of it. For instance, “Sleep No More” takes place in the whole hotel. While the actors in each room act the specific scenes repeatedly, audiences can follow the actors or move around freely and make their own narratives.

Empire State Building

The Empire State Building is one of the legendary landmarks. It is famous for being the tallest building in the world from 1931 to 1970. As a symbol of the country’s rise to global financial power in the 20th century, it also became a background of plentiful movie films. The most popular one is “King Kong.” There are lots of tall buildings, but the Empire State Building’s reputation is absolute.

When we reached the 86th floor and went out to the outdoor observatory, the greatest night view I have ever seen in my life unfolded. My friends, Sarah and Terry, also seemed to be fascinated by the beautiful scenery. We continued to take photos with exclamations. Sending the photos to my parents, I thought that love is what we think of and want to share it with someone when we go through something nice.

Sarah, Bella, and Terry took care of me all the time. Sarah has been staying in New York for more than three months. She told us in detail what New York is like and how to act in what circumstances. She took her time to meet us, gave us space without hesitation, and kept our luggage. I know she is a warmhearted person. It had been a long time since I met Bella. But she kept asking me how I was doing in San Diego and continued the conversation smoothly. She has the ability to brighten up the mood by speaking tactfully.

Terry and I booked the accommodation together so it was less scary despite we came back home at late night. Thanks to her planning, I followed her around, ate a lot of delicious food, and enjoyed the city tour. Moreover, during the few days we traveled together, I felt that she is kind of a person who is delicate, clever, and has strong willpower.

For the rest of our time in the U.S., I really hope all of the friends who were on my trip have healthy and delightful days in their respective positions.

For me, New York was the must-visit place that symbolizes the U.S. the most. I yearned to travel to New York, and this is not just my dream. Because this is a ‘concrete jungle where dreams are made of.’ New York is the most attractive site in the world. As expected, or more than that, New York was a lively, sparkling city that was full of vitality. Obviously, there are various magnificent places to go, but just sitting in the park and looking at the people also made me feel full.

At the same time, to be honest, that is why I think San Diego is the best city to live in. The impetuses that affected me were fresh and pleasant, but if I lived there, I would feel like I had to have hectic days without a break.

Tiny problems also exist. Public transportation was better than in the other cities, but still, there were no signs and was hard to find the entrance. It was like a hide and seek. Every time I was not certain for am I on the right way or not. (This is not because I have no sense of direction.) Also, I think I have seen all the rats in my life there.

Moreover, there was a severe air issue in New York, which was affected by the Canadian wildfires right after I came back to San Diego. According to The New York Times, more than 400 wildfires have burned all across Canada. I hope the wildfires will become under control soon.

New York is as known as ‘The Big Apple,’ the phrase that states New York is a significant city in the U.S. This is also a metaphor for desire and ambition. For me, it was a remarkable trip where I tried to absorb everything I sense as if I were opening my mouth wide to take a bite of a big apple. When I travel to other cities, I feel the different atmosphere between them. The things that I see, touch, listen, eat, and think somewhere accumulate in me one by one, making me grow even more. This is why experiences are important. I never regret coming to the U.S.

Next month, I will travel to New York again. I desire to visit New York again to tour some spots such as the museums and bridges that I couldn’t visit this time. Next time I will go to a different place with someone else, so another precious memory will be made. I can hardly wait for the day!

Juri Kim is an international intern from South Korea.