City So Nice, They Had To Name It Twice

Today marks day number 11 since I’ve moved to Harlem. I’ll be going home this weekend because I’m in a wedding of a friend I’ve known since high school. I thought I’d give a recap of my move and highlights of what I’ve experienced since I’ve been here.

• The next time I’m moving if I have a spare thousand dollars laying around I’m hiring a moving company. Packing up a Penske truck and driving it across the country isn’t cool. Speaking of moving trucks, U-Haul is the biggest ripoff of all time. They quoted me about $850 for a 16′ truck and a hitch for my car. Penske charged me $506.
• When Google maps or Mapquest quotes a time for a drive they should factor in different types of vehicles. When I checked it said about 15 hours. That was clearly by car. Driving that moving truck probably took about 19 hours total.
• Since I gave up my car when I moved here I quickly learned that buying a monthly unlimited pass for the subway and bus is the way to go. Also, aside from the 2, 3, 6 and F trains I still need to learn the trains a little bit more. But so far those trains take me everywhere I need to go.
• Gentrification in Harlem is real. I don’t even have to leave my street to see that.
• If you really want to party in this city going to hotel parties are not the place to go. If you want to look dapper or cute and have people look at you then that’s your best bet. Not that that’s not fun and all but I was really trying to party.
• My wallet was stolen when I went to the beach. I should have known better but the fact that people were all around I didn’t think someone would go through my pants without fear of something being said. Clearly I don’t know people up here.
• I met @SilentScorpion who writes for her personal blog and IHateTheWayYouEatCereal. She’s a really cool chick. I also met @Redlady821. Hilarious doesn’t begin to describe this woman. She also writes for her personal blog. I really think she’s a lot more outspoken in person than online.
• There are so many food places that you really could go broke trying to eat everything. So far I think the best thing I’ve had is Sylvia’s. Although a couple of friends said that there are better soul food places in the city. I find that hard to believe though.
• Since being here I’ve started to notice attractive white women all around me. Still wouldn’t ever date one but I don’t think I’ve ever really paid attention like that to them before. While we’re talking about attractive women.
• Black women. Black women. Black women. They’re a bunch of bad ones here from what I can tell and I really haven’t been out yet. From my next door neighbor to my train ride to work to McDonalds. Yeah they outchea.

All in all I really like this city. I’m enjoying myself so far but I’m sure I’ll be singing a different tune once it starts to get cold. Perhaps I won’t but I’m glad I moved here instead of moving back home. Home will always be there. Now I need to seriously start planning this birthday party. Its going to have to wait till next week though.