Adventure Awaits

Now you’re in New York, these streets will make you feel brand new, big lights will inspire you

– Jay-Z

Before there was Nik and Lijana Wallenda, there was Harry Houdini who escaped from a weighted crate in the East River; and evil Evel Knievel, who jumped his motorcycle over nine cars and a van in Madison Square Garden. Then there was Philippe Petit, who walked a wire between the twin towers. Something about New York City where there is a love affair with death-defying stunts. Maybe it is in the hustle and bustle culture of New York City, or perhaps it is merely in New York. Throughout my time in New York City, I was able to experience first hand how extremely accurate that is. Something about just merely being in the City and walking through the streets makes you feel unstoppable and like you can take on the world. And, I’m sure that is part of what Nik and Lijana Wallenda, members of the Flying Wallendas circus family, felt earlier this summer with their death-defying feat of walking a quarter-mile on a wire strung 25 stories above Times Square.

While walking through Central Park one day, a group of friends probably about in their late 30s, early 40s, asked me to take a photo of them. After taking their photo, they noticed that I was wearing an Elon University shirt and started asking questions about where it was, my major, my year, etc. After learning that Elon was, in fact NOT in New York, and actually about 10 hours by car, they immediately speculated that I had to be here for vacation, because everyone vacations in New York, right? After chatting for a little while longer, I returned questions on them, and I asked why they were in New York. Every one of them replied with a similar answer about how New York was “fabulous,” “awesome,” and offered so many opportunities. One even commented on the fact New York is “adventures.” This is something I never really thought of, but, hey, if you are going to keep up and maintain a lifestyle in the City that never sleeps, you have to be willing to be adventurous to fill your time!

Just on the outskirts of Central Park, is a bike rental place called “Rental Bike NYC” where people can rent bikes and bike around Central Park for a certain amount of time. As I was leaving, in typical New York fashion, one of the workers tried to approach me so that I would consider renting a bike. Instead, I decided to ask him a few questions as it relates to this project and living in New York City. The first thing I instantly picked up on, because of his accent was he most likely was not from here. He then mentioned to me that he was here from Ireland to get experience, and he was drawn to New York because of the opportunity for adventure. It’s clear that no matter who you talk to in New York City, whether they are from the City, from across the country, across the pond, or even from the furthest corners of our world, this sense of adventure and amazement is a common theme. It’s what draws people here. By being immersed in the NYC lifestyle and culture the past two months, I truly understand the pervasive sense of inspiration and adventure one feels from this wondrous place.