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Home » Destinations » North America » United States

New York State of Mind

Modified: Mar 4, 2020 · Published: Nov 29, 2007 by Dave Lee |

I made it.....to New York City! One small step today, in preparation for one giant leap tomorrow. I estimate from the time I leave for JFK airport, to the time I arrive at Chez Nelson on Moorea, I'll be in transit a good 20-24 hours (if no delays).

I thought I'd need to reach Tahiti to feel relaxed, however it happened when I was waiting in the chilly morning air on 15th and K St in DC, watching all the nicely dressed professionals walk to work (via Starbucks). My anxiety switched to living in the moment, and all I can say now that I'm in my friend's apartment is "wow" this feels weird (that I'm the guy doing it, not some random other guy/gal) and exciting.

On my first travel day, I was quickly reminded of a few good rules of thumb:

  • Be patient (the bus was 40 minutes late, and all I've got on is a t-shirt and windbreaker)
  • Bring food on the bus (since the bus was late, it didn't make a pit-stop as usual)
  • When evaluating what to pack, walk for an hour in a city, because 20lbs feels a lot lighter on a carpeted bedroom floor

I'd post a dreary photo of NYC's skyline, however I can't figure out how to work this MacBook very well. You'll have to imagine it, and I'll make up for it with a few photos from French Polynesia.

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About Dave Lee

Dave is the Founder and Editor in Chief of Go Backpacking and Feastio. He's been to 68 countries and lived in Colombia and Peru. Read the full story of how he became a travel blogger.

Comments

  1. crambox says

    November 29, 2007 at 10:36 pm

    Yea New York how did your pack fit in the airplane did you carry it on or check it? Thats one airplane ride down 78 more to go haha..

    • Dave says

      November 30, 2007 at 3:01 pm

      Actually - I took a $20 bus ride up to NY. Much cheaper!

  2. crambox says

    November 29, 2007 at 5:36 pm

    Yea New York how did your pack fit in the airplane did you carry it on or check it? Thats one airplane ride down 78 more to go haha..

    • Dave says

      November 30, 2007 at 10:01 am

      Actually - I took a $20 bus ride up to NY. Much cheaper!

  3. jealous hater says

    November 30, 2007 at 9:07 am

    wth you thinking?! going on a trip and you dont know how to use your electronics and you didnt pack a snack?? :oops:

  4. jealous hater says

    November 30, 2007 at 4:07 am

    wth you thinking?! going on a trip and you dont know how to use your electronics and you didnt pack a snack?? :oops:

  5. Skip says

    November 30, 2007 at 1:48 pm

    Outstanding Dave!!!

    So glad to see the adventure begin, and you are relaxed right off! I can't believe it is here already! behind ya all the way!

    best regards, and enjoy
    -skip

  6. Skip says

    November 30, 2007 at 8:48 am

    Outstanding Dave!!!

    So glad to see the adventure begin, and you are relaxed right off! I can't believe it is here already! behind ya all the way!

    best regards, and enjoy
    -skip

  7. Stacy says

    November 30, 2007 at 3:06 pm

    I like the tips, Dave. It doesn't take long to get back into the swing of things, does it?

  8. Stacy says

    November 30, 2007 at 10:06 am

    I like the tips, Dave. It doesn't take long to get back into the swing of things, does it?

Dave at Ahu Ko Te Riku on Rapa Nui (Easter Island), Chile.

Hi, I'm Dave

Editor in Chief

I've been writing about adventure travel on Go Backpacking since 2007. I've visited 68 countries.

Read more about Dave.

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