approximately 20 hours of flying, my back felt so stiff and my skin-mostly face skin got dried. the flight across pacific ocean was principally smooth. light turbulence and crowded cabin were very much tolerated, while two stops over made the journey long and exhausting. but in the morning light, a glimpse of new frontier down below on earth, alerted me that the vast continent, a new different encounter beyond my border has come along. tall buildings towering the city.
long before this most awaited journey, i really liked listening to alicia keys' empire state of mind. and i could not believe that i someday can really visit the inspiring city of empire state of mind. it was a true concrete jungle where dreams are made of.
because you are in new york. september, the beginning of autumn and the start of series annual meeting of the united nations. the city became more vibrant with huge variety of human kind. i lived in a one bed room apartment of my friend for a week stay. it was 10 minutes walk to our headquarter, and 5 minutes to the un office. the multilateral atmosphere was so dense, showed in people who walked around the blocks, ethnic clothes, black suit and glasses, high heels, and multi languanges spread through the air of the city. a vibrant week.
my working hours were racing with long hours fatigue, and i could not manage the jet-lag in the first few days. during the days, i must strive to keep my eyes open and not falling asleep and when the night come, i was so fresh and ready to run. it was good in a way though, because during the day my head of delegation would go to the meeting with limited member so i can just stand by in the office. after the meeting in the afternoon-a morning already in asia, my normal biology hour- we must make report and prepare for the next day agenda. and the work continued untill 2-3am. time square and all the broadway lights should not far from here, but i nearly do not have plenty of time to have a look. the last few nights i managed to have a quick sight seeing, enjoying the landmark of new york, a total glimpse. i actually really wanted to see the empire state building, i guess next time.
so it was true. the city is like a jungle, but not filled with trees but towering building. they all made from dreams, for what ever reasons and vision behind. it is the empire state of mind. the translation of your envisioned dream in this world.
new york, autumn 2010.
