And I’m off to NYC!

One of my bucket list dreams has been to live and work in New York City.  Since my working days have been over for some time, I’ve been looking and thinking about how I might do this in a volunteer capacity.  Our National Park Service came through with a full-time volunteer slot at the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.  Obstacle #1 cleared!

My next obstacle would be affordable housing.  That was a bit challenging but thanks to many advisors and lots of searching, I found a spot at The Webster Apartments on West 34th Street.  It’s a high rise building that is dorm-like.  It is for women only and where many of the students at local universities (without dorms) choose to stay while in school there.  They offer some great amenities:  two meals per day, laundry facilities, common areas, private room, 24-hr security, air conditioning (for an extra fee), and high speed WIFI.  Obstacle #2 cleared!

Soon, with a few butterflies and a little bit of anxiety, I’ll be off to New York to learn the ropes of city living.  I’ve been a tourist multiple times but I know living there will be a different experience.  I’ll learn more about the local transit options (trains, subway, buses, and my own two feet) to get around.  I’ll make new acquaintances with others who volunteer at the National Parks as well as those I will be living with, making new friends along the way.  I’ll experiment with new and less expensive ways to maneuver the cities offerings.  I’ll visit all those museums and special places only the locals take time to view.  I’ll find and attend the several episcopal churches in the area.  And maybe, just maybe, I’ll find other ways and means to become a part of this famous city.  I hope to fill these coming months with adventures that will provide me with the experiences that will make great stories to tell my grandchildren.  

So, come June 28 I will be on my way with my first day of volunteering set for July 1.  I will be working a full day 5 days per week, Tuesdays through Saturdays.  Until then I will be reading and learning the history of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.  I’ll also be working to get 10,000 steps a day in to prepare for the longer walks I’ll be taking while in the city.   

I can’t wait to tell you all about my adventures.