Goldilocks and the Three Boroughs- A NYC Fable

There was this traveler who came through the big apple to reconnect with friends, seek inspiration and a little solitude. I know what you're thinking; with over 8 million people, how can anyone seek solitude?

The first several nights, this weary traveler felt pampered and cared for by a hometown friend, at the top of an apartment which overlooked Madison Ave, nearly reached the height of the Empire State Building, which she felt like she could reach out and touch. Glittery lights shown through the full length windows, which reflected on the mirrors that lined the other two walls of the master suite. She certainly appreciated the luxury and independence, but felt a bit out of place and nervous about messing things up. Banter with the doormen made up for the awkwardness. One day, she walked all the way down to the Occupy Wall Street and saw a stark difference. She wondered if any of those Occupiers would pass up the opportunity to stay in a pent house apartment for a couple of nights, for comfy bed and a hot shower, if given the chance...

After the Manhattan mid-town trip, she peeked into the life of friends from a not so distant past, but from a completely different world. The upper east side felt safe and comfortable and moderate. Perfect for up and coming professionals. The apartment was larger than she anticipated, hearing stories of outrageous monthly rent. But the underground was a completely different story, especially when she took a wrong train to the wrong stop, plopping her down in the middle of the Bronx in the middle of the night. It reminded her of her first subway experience at 12. A clever scammer stood at the gate, accepting tokens from the group of youngsters who passed though to enter. He probably managed 20 tokens worth of free rides before someone called him out and he made is escape.

The last night, she crossed the Brooklyn Bridge and hunkered down in Bushwick, to stay with another hometown friend. The sentiment and aura of the apartment felt the most comfortable of all, but the neighborhood, well, didn't. She was nervous in a different way this time and for the first time during all of her travels, felt a twinge of homesickness.

However, alls well that ends well, and on the final day of NYC, she reconnected with four friends from another world, which made her feel right at home again. And of course, every fable has a moral, right?

The New York City boroughs are some amazing places, with an amazing history, a vast diversity of ethnicities, amazing food, educational institutions, museums, theaters, parks, lights... the list could go on and on. For the first time, though, the distribution of wealth was displayed out in front like a children's pop up book, each new page full of surprising images. So, be respectful of those who have more, or who have less than you, but don't covet their lifestyles. Embrace what luxuries come your way, and find the silver lining when the clouds turn gray. And then, keep traveling.