What is beyond the map?

New York, New York.
New York has offered an array of experiences for me. I believe the most recent and impressionable one was when a group of us went to the Bronx for a salsa concert. This was a neighborhood that I immediately felt out of place. It was not that the people were rude or any similar thing. It was more of a mentality that I personally had that was limiting to the experience. Do not get me wrong, we really were out of place in most fashions. But in the end we are all just people. How different can we be. We have the dreams, hopes, love, and fears. We are united in ways.

The neighborhood was unique. The citizens at the show were all enjoying the experience but were still aware of us entering into the area. It was one of the tmimes when i honestly did feel like the outsider. We experienced curious glances but that was all. When we were leaving the women that we asked for directions were helpful and very friendly. Just people.

From the Bronx we took the subway to Grand Central Station… How very different these two places were. There were only seven stops between the two but it was like they were on completely different planes of reality. After the 2nd and definitely the 3rd stop a person could visibly see the demographics of the area changing.
In the Grand Central a person was immediately overwhelmed with all the motion going on. People were once again speed walking or running to places. The dancing to live music had been replaced with the chaos that was closely linked to the constant announcements of train arrivals and departures.

We were weary travelers so we decided to rest our feet and sit on the floor in the main hall. Less than 10 minutes later we were informed by the guards (who drove a golf cart across the hall.. 25+/- feet) that we could not sit there because it put us in danger! That is ridiculous. It was a huge lobby, space was by no means a concern. People were sitting along the walls with legs stretched out and such; where it would be easy to trip over them but they were save... and out of the way.

It all went back to appearance. It did not look good to have 4 college students sitting in the middle of the hall, it did not look right to have us in the Bronx… We place so much emphasis on appearance.

The people walk these streets with a veil over their faces. Then though they dress in impressive ways, may it be business or casual. However the most valuable source of expression, their faces, they do not use to its full potential at all. What a dreadful shame. I am rambling. It is time for bed. Chao.


P.s./F.y.i. The Bronx neighborhood does not make it on to the visitor's map that is available to tourists. Once again appearance plays a role. Bronx... not the ideal image so instead of even giving people information to decide for themselves they assume upon themselves not to, for our safety. Aren't we fortunate. We may have freedoms but we can't decide make informed decisions about where to go or where to sit.