Ok, I have to concede that when I first set foot on my “Mother Land” (pardon the shameless admission), I was painfully disappointed. Starry-eyed and enthralled - I wasn’t prepared for what I encountered. The much-hyped Manhattan skyline was a just a bunch of ugly hi-rises and some dilapidated skyscrapers dotting the horizon. But I gave it the benefit of doubt – after all, it was a view from Queens. Then began my journey of endless discovery – a straw dispenser that was automated, a blanket that was much-fondly referred to as a ‘comforter’, a burger that was all mouth-watering beef, a city that ran only on credit, a sculpture that was called ‘Love’ and a shop that was nothing but Willy Wonka’s very own chocolate factory! My fascination knew no bounds when I encountered the wonderful “exchange” policy. Shop and exchange, shop and return: was this really happening?
The second thing that struck me was the ease with which people made conversation with those they had never met. A simple ‘hi’ could start off a serious debate on globalization or a ‘hello there’ could lead to an animated discussion on the best places to eat at. No ulterior motives, no ‘can we be frands?’, no lewd remarks – just healthy banter. And the Subway was the perfect haven for exactly this, if not for being glued on to your iPods and iPhones. People of different colours, races, religions, districts, countries, sizes; all bound by either the same destination or the same contraption. Also, the Subway brought with it a rhythmic flow to a mundane day. As you await your train on the crowded subway, the melodic sound of a saxophone will greet you unawares. Or as you are rushing to change trains at 42nd street, you will chance upon the cover version of ‘I want to hold your hand’ by a band that will have an uncanny resemblance to the Beatles themselves. 
Coming to which, how can my account of New York be ever complete without a mention of Times Square – the square of all squares! A place swarming with people of all variety and shapes, a place where the sheer dazzle of lights will not cease to amaze you, a place where the world seems to have assembled - a place where time just can’t stand still. As I ambled aimlessly down these streets, I realized how purposeless this city can make you feel. How incredibly meaningless ones existence can be in comparison to all those who seemed to be scurrying around with a distinct aim. As I felt myself being dwarfed by skyscrapers and the Wall Street bigwigs alike, I took in the city with all my senses.
I’m a sucker for the First World and not abashed to confess it. What this trip did was not only to verify my suspicion, but it also strengthened my resolve to somehow be a part of this pristine place. My New York sojourn proved so valuable in so many different ways. It made me see things anew and afresh and made me understand the true worth of travelling.
