These f****** tourists!

I bounded up the stairs of the subway, checking the time for the tenth time since I left home. I got out, eyes darting around as I frantically tried to figure out in which direction I had to go. My internal satellite navigation configured, I set about my destination, walking as fast as I could. I was headed to Times Square for a movie and I was already late. The famous crossroads-of-the-world drew near. People in "I <3 NY" t-shirts milled about: families, couples, friends, backpackers. Some took I-was-there pictures, some gazed at the electronic billboards, some just soaked in the atmosphere. They had all the time in the world. Which was a problem for me as I tried to forge a path through an ever shifting maze of people. I checked the time again, the movie had already started. And I thought to myself: "These fucking tourists ....".

This tells you two things: One, that I was agitated at being late and was trying to place the blame on some poor tourists for my lack of planning and foresight. Second, and more importantly, that I now considered myself to be a New Yorker.

How long had I lived in New York at the time of this incident? Hardly a month. And I loved it no end already. Come to think of it, I was not even supposed to be here. For the better part of the last semester in university, I had thought I would be in California. Then a mixture of bad luck borne out of the falling financial fortunes of a company and my firm belief in "everything happens for the best" landed me an internship at Bloomberg in New York City. And this is surely one of the best things that has ever happened to me. Within a month, NYC had claimed me as one of her own. This is the kind of effect this city has on you.

The allure of the city is pervasive and all encompassing. You have to hustle in order to survive. But the city rewards you too. I have met some wonderful people here and made some very close friends. Even when I am walking alone down the streets, I do not feel lonely. There is something about the city which makes even an introvert like me feel comfortable with rank strangers. You are never alone in NYC. You are never lost in NYC. Mind you, if had to choose a place I would rather live in, it would certainly be home. But if you asked me to choose anyplace else, I would choose NYC in a heartbeat.

As for the tourists, you are welcome to come to this wonderful city. I can guarantee that you will have a memorable experience and have a great time.

Just don't get in my way.