Contrary to popular belief, I actually do like New York. But, as I’ve said many times, I’m not in love with it. Here, my mind has been on California pretty much the whole time since I’ve been here. A California Republic flag hung over my bed, a large state map hung on the opposite wall, and a photo of the San Francisco skyline adorns my laptop background. Since the time that I left, I’ve always said that unless I had a compelling reason to stay, that I would return. Since that didn’t happen, westward I return.
So what do I like about New York? What will I miss?
First and foremost, the people. Columbia, despite all my criticisms of it, has an amazing group of students and faculty.
Students:
I’ll miss Sarmad Ali, my friend from Baghdad. He’ll be sticking around here to intern at the Wall Street Journal. He’s off to visit his uncle in Sweden today, for the next three weeks — for his first solo trip outside Iraq since coming to the US.
I’ll miss Denise Carson, for her constant encouragement and friendship. I had the honor of having two classes with her, and know that her book will be a resounding success. She was the one who pushed me to Estonia.
I’ll miss Jen Weiss, and her performances at The Underground. She made Tuesdays so much more fun, and I got to hear hers and other great music that I otherwise wouldn’t have known about. And she introduced me to Dave Cuomo.
I’ll miss Mara Altman, for her liveliness and insight unto things that I know nothing about. Her willingess to go for a glass of wine at Radio Perfecto will also be missed.
I’ll miss Tom Grove, for his insatiable interest in things from the Middle East and Central Asia and his deadpan sarcasm. I look forward to visiting him in Istanbul.
I’ll miss Tom Randall, for his conversation, and his diverse interests ranging from viral marketing to New York lobstermen.
I’ll miss Sam Gustin, for his willingness to push the limits, and his analytical mind — and his immense appetite for beer and solid prose.
Faculty:
I’ll miss Sam Freedman, the most intimidating, demanding and ultimately best professor I’ve ever had. I aspire to live up to his standards.
I’ll miss Rick Karr, for his enthusiasm and skill for radio production. Plus, he loves geek humor.
I’ll miss Judith Matloff, for her inspiring lectures and her war stories.
Chow:
I’ll miss Café de Bruxelles, the amazing Belgian mussel and beer bar in the Village. My fav NYC restaurant. I went there five times during my tenure here.
I’ll miss Tontonno’s in Coney Island. Best pizza in the city. Period.
I’ll miss Koronet, Columbia’s answer to Top Dog. Best dollar-to-pizza ratio around.
I’ll miss the gyro cart on 116th/Amsterdam. $3 for amazing lunchtime goodness.
I’ll miss the abundant hot dog carts.
I’ll miss the Ker Whack Belgian-style beer at The West End.
I’ll miss the Russian Lubovitcher in Crown Heights that makes the best black and white cookies.
I’ll miss the Chinese kebab guy who sells on East Broadway.
I’ll miss bagels from Absolute Bagels.
I’ll miss FreshDirect for delivering my groceries.
I’ll miss having a 24-hr bodega across the street from my apt.
Miscellany:
I’ll miss the scale of the East Coast. 4 hrs to DC. 4 hrs to Boston. 2 hrs to Philly. 2 hrs to Hartford.
I’ll miss the Chinatown buses.
I’ll miss trains and 24-hour transportation.
New York lingo:
“On line” – What we Californians would call “in line.” As in if you were standing in a line at a bagel shop and someone asks you if you are “on line.”
“To stay” – What we Californians would call “for here.” As in if you were ordering pizza at Koronet, and they ask you if you want your pizza “to stay or to go.”
“A slice” – What we Californians would call “a piece of pizza.”
San Francisco, open your golden gate
You’ll let nobody wait outside your door
San Francisco, here is your wanderin’ one
Saying I’ll wander no more.
Other places only make me love you best
Tell me you’re the one in all the golden west
San Francisco, I’m coming home again
Never to roam again…
– Judy Garland
