Manhattan Transfer

It is now one month since I landed on American soil.

Manhattan.

The word connotes vibrancy and diversity.
It also brings along with it images of heightened security and terrorist attacks.

Has this mattered so far?
Well, apart from the daily dose of sirens going off -- spelling danger somewhere nearby -- and the onslaught of police officers at almost every street corner, I must say that New York City pulsates with life, and the tempo is still going dramatically fast. Afterall, New York City is the heartbeat of the American system. So there is no excuse for stopping. Not even for a second.

This rapid yet upbeat rhythm punctuates life as I see it. One classmate at the New York University accurately sums this up: 'The only form of human communication you have is when someone stops you to ask for directions."

So how am I doing?
Have I settled in?
Is the Manhattan transfer from a little street in Singapore a smooth one?

Logistically, I am very comfortable at the International House (or I.House, for short). It is a very clean student hostel in the vicinity of Columbia University, with sufficient amenities and facilities to get life going. The dining hall serves food almost everyday, but it does get a little pricey. But I have to eat it -- my I.House card has stored value in it, and it is the mode of payment at the Dining Room. Since it is non-refundable, I should use up the money in my card eventually.

Security is very tight even in here. So I don't really have to bother with safelocking my stuff since the door automatically locks from the inside when it is closed. Like a hotel room, you will need the same magnetic card to access your room. It can be a tad inconvenient, but I have come to terms with it. So going to the restroom down the hallway, especially for shower, with my wallet (or pouch in wallet) is a common sight. In fact, it is a necessity. If I am locked out, I will need to pay $5 for a re-activation fee to open the door.

I really have no complaints about my lodging, except for the little inconveniences now and then.

But what amazes me most is the unpredictability of the Subway trains. I can be travelling on the 1-train and suddenly, the driver announces something unintelligible, and people storm off to find an alternative train to whatever destination they were meant for. At other times, I try to make a transfer but realise that the train is not operational for that day. A usual 40-minute ride to NYU can take up to an hour due to such unforeseen circumstances.

Today, I hopped onto one train, wanting to get from Union Square station to somewhere else. But the train was on 'express' mode, and it went to Canal Street Station instead, many stops after. Frustrated, I had to walk many blocks before I found the station that could bring me back to a route that led to school. Luckily I wasn't hard-pressed for time, so I could enjoy bits of Chinatown for the first time.

I think I still have a lot of adjustments to make. Or perhaps less expectations of a City that never sleeps.