I have always marveled at the idea of city life. There’s always something going on. I used to think that Pittsburgh was a pretty crazy city, but my mindset has changed drastically over the past 24 hours as I embarked on my very first journey to New York City.

It all started when we boarded the Megabus at 6 AM. Everyone told me that I’d meet some “interesting” people during the long bus ride. I guess times have changed, because the bus was silent. The thing that most intrigued me was the man in front of me who was texting in Chinese or Japanese (clearly I couldn’t read it to decipher which it was).

I had no idea where we were when I awoke from my nap. I looked out the window and recognized a structure in the distance. The structure… MetLife Stadium, home of the New York Giants and Jets. What took me by surprise about the stadium though, was that it seemed to be in the middle of nowhere. They must glamorize it on TV. (I guess those blimp cameras show more than I thought).

We finally arrived in NYC around 2 PM. I was awestruck by all of the buildings and shops. The city is absolutely beautiful. The LED screens and food stands and even the taxi’s honking horns were all something to just take in and enjoy. Though, I’m going to be honest, I do not understand the need for so many computer and electronics stores. There have to be at least ten lining the streets of Times Square. All selling the same stuff. Like why? Not necessary, New York.

I now know that I NEVER want to live in here. To be frank, I don’t like people enough. I like my space. New York City would just be too crazy for me I guess. I prefer to drive at home, but I wouldn’t even want a car here. And when you walk, you have to cram onto the sidewalks and dodge all the obstacles if you want to have a conversation with someone while walking. And don’t even try in the rain… IT WAS AWFUL. Why can’t people be afraid of rain like they are snow? Go inside. Leave early. Anything. Just get out of my way so I can get where I want to go.

Sticking to the New York tradition, we went and got some pizza. It was just that. Nothing any better than what you can get back home… Except that the slices look like they are on steroids. (I guess that’s just another New York tradition *cough* A-Rod *cough*).

The coolest thing we did was go to the first game of the Big East Basketball Tournament. I am not a basketball fan at all. I really only wanted to go to see Madison Square Garden. It didn’t disappoint. The arena was absolutely amazing, both on the inside and outside. The game was actually surprisingly good too. Butler overcame a double digit deficit in the final minutes but couldn’t pull out a comeback win over Seton Hall, falling 51-50.

My first impression of New York doesn’t seem too good, I know, but I do actually like it here. It’s definitely different, but a good different.  It will just have to take some time getting used to.