Farewell My Beloved NYC, Hello New City
They say NYC is cold? Not as cold as this place lol!
The one phrase I’ve heard over and over prior to and living in New York for more than a decade has been, “If you can make it in New York, you can make it anywhere.” I’ve always thought New York was the toughest place to live. But gosh, I love this amazing city of blinding lights and so over the years I kept pushing on, no matter the challenge. And those of you who know my story, know there have been many a challenge.
These past few weeks have shown me more than ever just how much New York has made me grow, the strength it has given me, the lessons learnt, how it has enhanced my indomitable will to succeed, to go after my dreams, to never give up.
Yes, through smiles, tears, courage, fears, friends made, friends lost, dreams broken and some fulfilled beyond my imagination, moments of doubt and steps in faith, New York has given me far more than I ever could have imagined when I boarded that American Airlines Flight 1384 from a tiny beautiful island called Barbados, leaving all my family and dearest friends behind.
So as I bid farewell to New York City and say “see you later” to all those who’ve contributed to all I’ve become, to every Samaritan along the way, I say, “Thank you. One love and God bless.” Though now a couple of hundred miles apart, I hope you can continue to be a part of what remains an amazing journey for me in this country.
My new city has in my experience thus far, “done got New York beat” on merely surviving. Everything costs more here. Everything. Rent is far more exorbitant (although I do love the fancy amenities of swimming pool, roof deck, patio and more). Groceries are a prettier penny and one even has to pay for the plastic bags in which to pack them.
Gym membership is at least three to five times more than what I paid in NYC. Public transportation runs me a buck or more per trip than New York’s. Restaurants tax 10 percent unlike 8.875 percent in the Big Apple. And worse yet, I can no longer walk outside onto a Brooklyn street and get a nice mani/pedi for $19.99! I now have to fork out at least $50 in this new town.
Anyway, as I said, New York has prepared me well for whatever challenge may come my way. And so to my new city, I embrace an incredible career opportunity and I bring my NYC lessons, grits, curiosity, discipline, sense of adventure, hopes, dreams and faith in God. Someone living in my new neighborhood recently said to me, “If you want a friend in DC, get a dog.” _______________
~ I Keep it Irie ~
First meal I made in this city, one way of surviving – more home-cooking, less eating out. Baked sweet yams/potatoes rubbed with my homemade virgin coconut oil, a dash of cinnamon and a lil organic honey served with baked cajun salmon and steamed vegetables.
Island Soul City Dreams 
Nice article…very cloak and dagger doh. I await the big reveal. And yeah, cook more stuff at home…save dem mani/pedi coins.
Hahahaha! Man Carlos man, uh gotta leave some fuh lata! Thanks bro. And actually, most of what I eat (90 percent or so) is home-cooked by me.😊 And yuh done know, mostly Bajan/West Indian lol!🙈 Thanks again and you’ll hear more soon enough.😊😉☺️
Wishing all the success in your new city. Sounds like you hit some minor lows but that will change. Bring on summer!
Thanks sis! Much love. Yes, I can’t wait till the weather warms up. I’m told there’s lots of exciting and different things to do around here and I look forward to exploring them and the city. Bless up. 🙂
Every once in a while its good to embrace a new environment and new challenges.
Will do, thanks Kendol! Bless up.😊
Leaving New York was one of the hardest move for me, but I survived it. Keep shining island girl. Good luck!
Thanks sis! But at least you’re just “across the pond” in NJ!😊 Much love.☺️🙏🏾
It always starts out tough, right before you specialize in kicking tough’s ass. Hang in there girlie. You’ll make lots of non canine friends in no time & come to know this city like the back of your hand :). Then life and career will move you to yet another city incomparable to DC & NYC combined lol…by then though, you should be made of steel 😉
Hahahaha! I love the confident you have in me lol! Thanks for the ever encouraging word and all the love, my dear Shami! Love yuh baad!😊🙏🏾
Girl, they really say if u can make it here u can make it anywhere. Thats true. When u can survive not working (that is ur pay is as good as thanks) and still pay rent, light, gas, cable, phone bill, metro card, food supplies (and many others too numerous to mention) with no “family” support, no mammy to run to for help, u draw on resources u didnt even know u had. At that time u grow as a person in strength and character and U trust God as u never trusted before. If he has brought u this far, he aint gonna leave u now. U just have to continue trusting him and he will continue to use the “testicular fortitude” he has allowed u to grow to now be confident to face anything. CONGRATULATIONS! It can only get better from now on. May God continue to bless you. Be the best u can be and God will do the rest. Peace & Love always!
Amen, sister! Thanks for the reminder and words of encouragement. Much love always and bless up.😊🙏🏾
God will continue to bless you in the new city. Congratulations!
Thanks very much, Juneth. I receive those blessings. Hope all’s well. God bless.:-)
Great job Maquita. Hope all is well! Love the last line lol. Going to call you soon for an update!
Lol! Thanks dear! Yes, we must chat soon. Hope you’re flourishing.😊☺️
NYC will miss you also. Please keep us updated on the journey and may success find you at every destination. =)
Thanks, my friend. Much appreciated. And I can’t wait to read your book! See you soon! Bless up.😊
Congratulations Maquita… Wishing you all the best in your new endeavours. From your hometown girl in sunny Barbados….Vicky G
Thanks, my dear sistren. Much love! 🙂
Go with God! All the best in this new phase of your journey!
Thanks, my brother. Bless up. 🙂
Maquita, I am so happy for you! There will always be challenges in this life, but I am sure you will continue to overcome them. And if that person in your neighbourhood knew you, he/she would know that you don’t need a dog – you will soon have a DC network! 🙂
Awwwww, thanks muh dear. Yuh too sweet! Much love and bless up.😊🙏🏾