Leaving New York

Well as always the time has come to say goodbye to a place that I've come to know and love. I'm always excited to get moving and to discover new places but as usual I feel a tiny tug in my heart when I think of leaving Manhattan.

This place has so much to offer and I've been very happy here. I've worked hard and tirelessly for the Caring Community, doing social work and non social work type jobs. I've served meals and washed dishes in the kitchen, I've assisted people with their Medicare- not the easiest job in the world it has to be said!- I've answered the phone, I've filed at least a million ceased files- you name it, I've done it. And I've sincerely enjoyed every minute. I feel that I've been appreciated and I've met wonderful people. The lovely Deyna, Christine and Loretta that I work with in the kitchen and so many members who I will miss.

I also feel so fondly about Manhattan because I started so well with meeting dear friends here- Chelsey, Steph and Ivan are a big part of my memories here. I met Cass here who was such a support to me when I felt down, I met Elouise who was one of the few people that I've met in my life who came even close to understanding the web that is my mind! All good and lovingly remembered.

One of the few criticisms that I must make about Manhattan is the way that people are treated here. Maybe its because I came from places like Australia where in general people are considerate to one another. So it was kind of a culture shock to live here and see the little regard that folks have for one another. One of the main fall guys are elderly people. I remember seeing an elderly woman struggling up the stairs of the subway and being nearly knocked over by impatient people who pushed past her in their hurry to be up there and be important. Not one person stopped to assist her or to make sure that she was ok. The same goes on the subway where older and pregnant people are left to stand for long journeys, while young fit people take up many seats, looking disinterested and uncaring. The attitude of the general public towards marginalised groups such as the homeless is appalling. The stream of thought is that someone must have brought such misfortune on themselves. There is no recognition that this could be any one of us- there but for the Grace of God go I simply does not come into it.

To be fair I must say that I have experienced New Yorkers in many guises and they have ususally come up trumps. They have a reputation for being heard hearted and arrogant and in some cases they are. But they can also be kind, amusing, warm hearted and willing to help. It just depends on how you catch them! I've met the gorgeous Ras and the warm, kind and generous Greg who deserve a mention simply because they are the antithesis to the sterotypical New Yorker.

And thats the Manhattan that I will miss, that has shown me her best and most kindly face.

Farewell, lovely New York.