My Visitor

I have just spent intense 10 days with my dear childhood friend from Israel.
It's amazing how much you can learn in such a short time about yourself, about where you come from and where you're going. This was her first adult visit to NY, first time she came to visit me here. The cultural differences adding up throughout the years have smacked us on the face. It was strange. We grew up in the same place and yet it feels like I've always been here in NY. I've realized that more than ever during her visit with me. I can't help it, my identity has changed a lot throughout the years. It's actually fascinating to me every time I realize that. For the first time in my life I am accepting the fluidity of my identity, and that is a very rewarding sensation. To know who you are and to accept that. Even if it's a bit complicated on the cultural level. Being born and raised in Israel. Spending all of my adult life in New York City.

Anyway, my very dear friend got sucked into the shopping hysteria here and there was nothing I could do to pull her out. Hours and hours of running around (and not finding anything to buy most of the time- Go figure! New York's vast selection was not sufficient for her...), overwhelmed by the huge crowds, the noise and the insanity of New York City, but not letting it stop her. I got flustered by it, I stopped joining her on her shopping missions. It worked for both of us...

I wanted to take her to the calm places, to the Cloisters, to all the beautiful parks, to walk by the Hudson, one of my favorite things to do here.
But no, most of it didn't happen. I only got to share with her a small percentage of my NY, and her visit is over already.
She's leaving tomorrow. Oh, yes, I did share my New York night life with her. At least that.

So now we have to wait for next time. Hopefully then I'll be able to squeeze in the real magic of New York City, its enchanting vicinity and the best kept secrets of the best town in the world.