Little Tokyo, Big New York

New York is warming up to me, little by little. When I first arrived, it greeted me by revealing only it's outer face. New York said to me, "look at me! I'm wonderful! Enjoy me from afar, and pine to be one with me!"

I observed from afar, and yes, I did pine to be a part of this city. Since I've arrived, two months ago, New York has been giving me small doses of what I want, need, and what I didn't even know would matter to me.

One of my favorite people in the world, Michelle, visited New York last week. I think New York felt more comfortable revealing it's true self to me when Michelle was here. With her by my side, New York showed me tons more unique shops, some kick-ass neighborhoods, and even helped me get closer to some of the people I've met here. Most importantly though, New York showed me it's Japanese side.

I think it's just fate that Japan would follow me, even to New York. When spending time with Michelle we found ourselves seeking out, and stumbling upon little remnants and reminders of our lives together in Tokyo. One night we bought tickets to see a show on Broadway. We spent the day walking around Manhattan, and of course, the showtime crept up on us faster than planned. We grabbed a taxi and directed to driver to time square. On the way there, we just happened to pass Book Off (a major Japanese used book/CD/DVD store). We immediately wrote down the location and visited it later that week.

It's fate that as Michelle and I were aimlessly wandering through the East Village, and just happened to stumble upon a Japanese karaoke bar. We got a private room, just like in Japan, and sung all Japanese songs, including some extremely new ones. What's more, we paid just as much as we would have paid in Tokyo.

Maybe the fact that I'm introducing new people to New York made it think that I'm serious about staying here. Maybe the more comfortable this city gets with me, the more wonderful places it's going to show me.

Today New York yet again gave me a little reminder that I'm on the right "life" track. I was working, and chatting with one of the new girls. We were making the usual small talk - where are you from? How long have you been here? blah blah. I mentioned that I moved here from Tokyo, and arrived with just a backpack of clothing and $100 in my pocket. The girl was a little taken back. She made a comment along the lines of, "Wow you're only 22? That's so adventurous...good for you."

Adventurous...I guess it is, isn't it?

With Michelle here I naturally fell back into the "Let's move back to Japan," mindset. But after hearing how "adventurous" I was, I was for being so free-spirited, my ass was kicked back into shape. I do miss Japan...yes. I do want to move back to Tokyo...yes. But right now, Tokyo is not for me. New York is Kyle's new adventure, and I wont stop until I've climbed to the top of the tallest building, defeated the boss, saved the princess, and beat New York.

Only then will I recieve the key to move onto the next stage.