I traveled 3640 miles to visit the big apple. A city I have dreamt to visit for years. Of course I visited the obvious landmarks, Statue of Liberty, Central Park, Empire State Building, Times Square. Though I felt in awe, the experience wasn’t full. New York seemed to carry many hidden pockets. I felt this city’s mysteries at every corner. Even the homeless had character here.
One day I decided to leave my family at the hotel and go for a stroll alone. To be honest, I wanted to be safe. I heard horrific stories about this city. Not to mention that in the back of my mind I know that Gotham City was based on it.
I took the subway down to Union Square. It wasn’t that bad. No real craziness. The real craziness happened at the square. A guy with pink underwear was dancing and screaming inaudible words. I was like, okay, that’s crazy.
I appreciated the chess culture there. Many folks on foldable tables set up their boards and challenged strangers almost all day. Young skaters tried new tricks. A handful of lovers sat on the edges of the stairs gazing at each other as if no one else was there. A guy juggled a soccer ball. A girl passed with a rollerblade.
The square was a good sample of the city. A lot is happening at all times. It is quite intimidating.
I entered a nearby deli and bought some water. As I was heading out, I saw the infamous bagel. I’d heard of this bread which was popularized in NYC. A donut bread of sorts. I passed on it for the moment as I wasn’t hungry.
This city is big though the streets are tight. I had to redefine big for myself. Is it people’s intensity? Or the city’s speed? Or both? I kept walking faster and faster without any clear destination.
I made it to Little Italy eventually. I shivered thinking of scenes from The God Father. As a kid that movie kept me up for days. To be here where it was filmed was a teleportation to the past. A visit to a younger self.
Time to eat. I found a place called Go Bagels with good reviews. It is time to try my first bagel. I was greeted warmly by the cashier. The young lady suggested “The Manhattan special” with an everything bagel toasted. It came with Nova Lox, Scallion Cream Cheese, Tomatoes, Onions and Capers.
Wow!! Bagels. Bagels. Bagels. Soft on the inside, crisp on the outside. Heaven in the mouth. I found my new love.
I came back again, twice everyday for two weeks until our departure. The kids loved the Rainbow bagels with Strawberry Cream Cheese. My wife appreciated their Vegan Egg and Cheese on the Cinnamon Raisin bagel.
I hereby declare that I want bagels everywhere. Bagels should be the international breakfast bread.
The Big Apple from now on is The Big Bagel
