“Wanna go to New York for a night?” My boyfriend asked with excitement.
“Of course I do, dumb question.” I sarcastically replied.
“That’s great because I already booked us a room.” He said with childlike glee.
So, with that two minute conversation under our belts we just rolled over it and onto our daily business.
For the next few hours I had Jay Z’s voice pounding in my head and I was feeling giddy about all of the shopping that would certainly put a dent in my bank account.
UNTIL…I almost had a panic attack. I could feel my palms getting clammy and my body starting to itch.
I ran downstairs and blurted out, “BEDBUGS!”
“Huh? What’s wrong?” He asked me.
I wondered if he was on another planet. How could he not have heard the word on the bugs that bite through the night? New York City is having a bedbug crisis and I am not about to become victim to the critters that target helpless tourists sleeping in possibly washed sheets. Nope, not gonna be me.
We discussed it for a few days. I really don’t like to live in fear or let things like this stop me from enjoying life, but if you bring them home with you, you’re done. They invade your home, your clothes, carpets, sheets, body, and worst of all, your mind.
I stood firm on my answer to just skip out on this trip. I already lived up there on a part time basis. I know the Upper East Side like the back of my hand. It’s been three years since I have wondered the streets with wonder and joy. And, I was ready to let three more pass by until the city was bedbug free. Or, until Saks and Bergdorf’s were not hiring bedbug sniffing dogs to catch the pests.
Oh, right, Macy’s in Herald Square found some on the upper floors in office land. I guess they want me to think that the bugs won’t travel far and wide to the chenille scarves, men’s suits, or woman’s panties. They hit Victoria Secrets, Nike, and Bloomies! Macy’s is certainly easy prey.
To top off my bug paranoia I called a friend and as we were chit chatting she told me a story about her friend who really got bedbugs! Now, up until this point it seemed like an urban legend or something. But, now I actually knew a woman who had taken the hotel guest’s home.
I felt sorry for my friend, but I was victorious! After that story my boyfriend conceded and let me bass in my glory! I did.
We went for the day. I had strict rules for myself. No clothes shopping. And, most importantly as soon as I hit the door to my home, clothes off and in the dryer for twenty minutes. No bugs here! Not in my bed, and not in my head!
I got to the Lincoln tunnel and there was no traffic. Parked right away and we were off on foot for the next six hours.
I bought a few things but within my guidelines and rules. I had a fabulous dinner, went to the top of the Empire State Building, and ended in Times Square.
“These streets will make you feel brand new…” Alicia was singing in my head.
Sinatra too, “If you can make it here you’ll make it anywhere…”
I was so high on hope and dreams that I forgot the bedbugs were taking over the concrete jungle.
UNTIL…a very dirty man bumped into me. I looked up and I was horrified. Normally, I would be grossed out and just reach for some hand sanitizer but this time I wanted to strip like the Naked Cowboy in Times Square. I knew that wasn’t going to be possible, so I thought about doing a few forward flips to escape the crowd like the kids that come in from Harlem for the street shows. But, I would break a neck. So, no, no, no, no, nothing was making it better!
UNTIL…I walked a few blocks further out of the chaos and into the quiet. Yes, there are quiet city streets in Manhattan. I got a sniff of the roasted peanut aroma corners, the chicken skewers, and the pretzels. All right next to the fake Prada’s, Burberry’s, and Gucci’s.
I bursted into laughter and just said out loud, “God, I love this city!”
If you want it, you can get it...bedbugs optional. It’s New York! The Met! The Plaza! The Waldorf! The shopping (Not on this trip, sadly) The people!
I walked past The Plaza Hotel and felt like I was in a movie fighting with Kate Hudson because there was only one available date for my big wedding.
Remember, I’m dreaming.
I had flashbacks of when Carrie and Aidan ended because she wouldn’t wear the ring around her finger, instead on her necklace.
I thought about all the great movie scenes.
I thought about every good thing that makes New York City so lovable.
It’s full of hope. Everyone wants to make it and has drive. They want to find love and a career. They want to live the dream.
At one time I did too.
UNTIL…I had a taste of the Big Apple. I got my fill for a couple of years. I couldn’t get used to the grueling lifestyle; hailing cabs, rushing for the subway, climbing five flights of raggedy old steps, and no backyard.
I couldn’t imagine raising my children there one day. Not because it’s not rich in culture, and education, but, because it’s too hard, it’s physically exhausting unless you are Rockefeller wealthy.
I didn’t see Park Avenue in the stars for me at that particular time. I saw Philadelphia suburbs with family, friends, and my history.
Manhattan was marvelous like always. This germaphobe is happy to report it was a bedbug free visit.
As long as dreamers are being born, fashion is passion, and bedbugs only storm the city every so often, New York City will ALWAYS be exciting.
The city that never sleeps may get tired, bitten, and take a beating, but New York, New York will NEVER get old.
