Journeys in Jersey

It’s often said that travel provides the opportunity to learn about a foreign culture.  But perhaps more importantly-it affords you with an external perspective on your own.  So what about domestic travel?  From personal experience, I can say it offers a unique education.

Exhibit a: the Newark airport-after three years spent almost exclusively in New England the experience induced near paralyzing culture shock.  Luckily, Yericca was waiting on the curb just outside.  She expertly maneuvered the car through Jersey traffic.  A late bloomer, she now drives like a professional thanks to her father’s excellent tutelage.  A long back up caused by a routine car fire and several wrong turns forced us to take the scenic route home.  When arrived Morales hospitality was phenomenal, as always; I arrived to find that Yenira had prepared my two favorite foods: arroz con habichuela and corn bread with lime zest. 

After a day or so of intense relaxation Yericca and I headed into the city to visit her friend from Tufts.  I feel about as comfortable in Manhattan as a gorilla in a prom dress, but the company of two natives filled me with confidence.  We began our journey with a stroll through Central Park; although the flora and fauna were abundant, I only had eyes for the Manhattan Schist. 

My favorite view of the city from the South End of Central Park.

No weekend in the city would be complete without a visit to FAO Schwartz; this store is an endless source of wonder and pity.  It scares me to see the materialism of America so pointedly directed at its most helpless citizens.  But at the same time, the toys are pretty awesome!

Post lunch we headed to Brooklyn, the abundant brick was a comforting antidote to the empty gleam of downtown.  Gracie’s house was beautiful: tall, narrow, and filled with cats.  Quality Italian cuisine (pizza and mini pastries) and serious television were the only things left on the day’s agenda.  Several episodes of Animal Planet’s “Too Cute”, the History Channel’s “Pawn Stars”, and Syfy’s “Face Off” chased with Perfect Pitch brought my pop culture knowledge up to speed.  The next day we headed back to Jersey, but not before the obligatory stop to Tio Milton’s restaurant in the Bronx.

Tomorrow I fly to South America, but it’s been good to catch up with an old friend before I depart.  Seeing Yericca has provided a much needed change of pace.  Routine builds comfort and travel challenges that.  It’s amazing to think that a trip several hours down the road could prove to be so illuminating.