Candice Cordero
English 2150
Professor Mary Penaz
Essay # 1
February 24, 2009
A walk through New York City cannot be compared to anything else. It is one of the most enlightening and exhilarating things I could ever do. New York City offers so much beauty and intimate memories for me. From childhood recollections to tragic occurrences – New York contains it all. The city never fails to astonish me when I walk down one of its streets. It has been, and will always be, the center of my world. I could not envision my life without this striking city and all the wonderful things that come along with it. Walking down a New York City street, for me, is one of the best things life a to offer.
I have always lived in New York. I often take walks through the city just to clear my mind when I feel stressed or under too much pressure. Every time I want to feel like escaping from my current problem, I visit a part of the city I am familiar with; a place where I can remember my past and get lost in the nostalgia. I walk through Riverside Park. As I pass the dog park and head towards the river I remember all the times my grandmother took me there to feed the ducks in the summer. I remember going on picnics and running on the grass after my sister. I also remember all the times my mother would take me to play with my friends by the sprinklers, on those humid summer afternoons, and would buy me a snow cone off the hotdog stand. I love this park because it screams my childhood when I get too stressed out to even think properly. It reminds to relax and appreciate where I am at in my life.
After I leave Riverside Park, I stop by Gray’s Papaya to have one of the best hotdogs anyone could ever eat. I hop on the train, which is probably y least favorite thing to do, but I would not be able to call myself a true New Yorker if I did not commute on the MTA everyday. I get closer to my favorite part of the city. I get to Fifth Avenue, where all the beautiful stores are located. As I passed by the high retail stores, I admired the architecture of the buildings. I tried to not overlook the complexity of the edifices I am surrounded by everyday. Each store has its own unique window display, beautiful in its own way. The mannequins dressed in chic clothes and expensive handbags set a standard for New York City residents. I get to the Louis Vuitton store and feel pleased as walk quickly passed it without trying to bump into anyone. My father had helped design the store and I feel proud to know that he has implanted his art into the city.
I arrive at Central Park and walk past Wolman’s Ice skating Rink, where I spent so many winter afternoons. I love going ice-skating with friends once it gets dark because the lights of the buildings surrounding the rink illuminate it completely. I find it enlightening to be able to glide on the ice as the crisp wind hits my face. In a weird way, the surrounding buildings comfort me. I know New York City is a place that will always be familiar and welcoming to me.
Central Park also contains many other memories for me. Visits to the zoo with my little sister, climbing rocks with my cousins, watching magic shows as a little girl, horse carriage rides with friends, morning walks with my father, and picnics on Sunday afternoons. I love the way the air smells like hotdogs and cotton candy in the summer and crisp snow in the winter. There is so much to do in and around the park no matter what season it is. Even by just taking a walk through it, I become filled with comfort and nostalgia.
Walking through New York City always gives me mixed emotions. For one, I am always very proud to be a part of such an amazing city. I love the surroundings, the buildings, the people, the noise, and the hurry. I also remember September 11 and the tragedy that occurred on that day. I remember how devastated each and every New Yorker was and how everyone came together to help. It reminds me that no matter how hectic or busy New York City can be; it will always be a loving and united place. New York will always be my home and walking through it compares to no other feeling.
