Every September the United Nations General Assembly starts and Im nostalgically transported back to the fall spent in New York..
2008.. 63rd session of the United Nations General Assembly. I was young then, a 24-year-old full of ambitions, fresh out of university with the world at my feet. By some random act of serendipity I found myself being an intern at the Cyprus Mission at the UN, walking in and out of the UN building in New York, feeling grateful for this opportunity, feeling important, feeling excited for every minute spent in the city that never sleeps, with amazing people from all over the world, with endless possibilities for exploration and growth.
It was a dream come true. I used to wish out loud: "I wish I could live in New York, even if it was only for three months". That's exactly what the universe gave me. The three months in NY that I asked for, not a day more.
At the begining, I was so excited I didn't sleep for two weeks. I didnt even feel tired. I was just lying in bed, in awe of the fact that I was actually living in New York. Sounds stupid, but I was young and full of adrenaline. Sleep was not a priority.
I wanted to freeze time, every day. I was savoring every moment, constantly aware of my surroundings, walking endlessly in every neighborhood, capturing images, sounds and smells. I spent 3 months being in awe of the majestic City. I was constantly high on life, even though I had my love struggles which kept me worried about the future. A part of me was sad and confused and another part was living life to the fullest. I only regret the worrying, didn't serve a thing, but it didnt take away from the experience.
Walking around in Central Park in autumn, taking endless photos under yellow, orange, burgundy leaves. Waiting in line to get a muffin at Magnolia bakery. Admiring the NY skyline at sunset, after work, as the U train headed to Brooklyn. Walking the whole 5th avenue right before Christmas, feeling the holiday vibe and looking at amazing windows. Ice-skating at the Rockefeller under the enormous Christmas tree. Going to do laundry with my bed mate 5 blocks away from home at 1 a.m. Going for fancy dinners, having drinks around the student area in Union Square, dancing in Latino bars. Exploring neighborhoods on Sundays, when even NY feels sleepy and slow. Watching the sunset over the Hudson river.
Work as an intern at the UN was demanding but inspiring. My supervisor put an active effort to make my experience comfortable and unique. He was kind and easy going. I found myself interacting with snobby diplomats and other ambitious interns. I learned about countries I didn't even know existed. I talked to everyone, just to learn something. I was sitting at the delegate's lounge by myself sometimes, just to take some time off to let things sink in.
Will I ever live a dream again? Will I find myself living abroad one more time, experiencing new things, meeting exciting people who are full of stories and life and energy? Do I have to move countries to find that? And if it happens, will it be difficult for me to adjust to a new culture, after living at home for so long? Am I still adventurous, or have I settled too much in my current life?
Who knows... Life is unpredictable, even when it doesnt seem so. For now, I can make the most of what I have and be glad for all the good things that happened to me..There will be more, Im sure.
2008.. 63rd session of the United Nations General Assembly. I was young then, a 24-year-old full of ambitions, fresh out of university with the world at my feet. By some random act of serendipity I found myself being an intern at the Cyprus Mission at the UN, walking in and out of the UN building in New York, feeling grateful for this opportunity, feeling important, feeling excited for every minute spent in the city that never sleeps, with amazing people from all over the world, with endless possibilities for exploration and growth.
It was a dream come true. I used to wish out loud: "I wish I could live in New York, even if it was only for three months". That's exactly what the universe gave me. The three months in NY that I asked for, not a day more.
At the begining, I was so excited I didn't sleep for two weeks. I didnt even feel tired. I was just lying in bed, in awe of the fact that I was actually living in New York. Sounds stupid, but I was young and full of adrenaline. Sleep was not a priority.
Walking around in Central Park in autumn, taking endless photos under yellow, orange, burgundy leaves. Waiting in line to get a muffin at Magnolia bakery. Admiring the NY skyline at sunset, after work, as the U train headed to Brooklyn. Walking the whole 5th avenue right before Christmas, feeling the holiday vibe and looking at amazing windows. Ice-skating at the Rockefeller under the enormous Christmas tree. Going to do laundry with my bed mate 5 blocks away from home at 1 a.m. Going for fancy dinners, having drinks around the student area in Union Square, dancing in Latino bars. Exploring neighborhoods on Sundays, when even NY feels sleepy and slow. Watching the sunset over the Hudson river.
Work as an intern at the UN was demanding but inspiring. My supervisor put an active effort to make my experience comfortable and unique. He was kind and easy going. I found myself interacting with snobby diplomats and other ambitious interns. I learned about countries I didn't even know existed. I talked to everyone, just to learn something. I was sitting at the delegate's lounge by myself sometimes, just to take some time off to let things sink in.
Will I ever live a dream again? Will I find myself living abroad one more time, experiencing new things, meeting exciting people who are full of stories and life and energy? Do I have to move countries to find that? And if it happens, will it be difficult for me to adjust to a new culture, after living at home for so long? Am I still adventurous, or have I settled too much in my current life?
Who knows... Life is unpredictable, even when it doesnt seem so. For now, I can make the most of what I have and be glad for all the good things that happened to me..There will be more, Im sure.
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