314 East 6th Street

I dont' think it's a coincidence that I decided to start off this blog in English. I really don't. At first, it seemed obvious to me, but now, thinking about it carefully, it all makes sense. How can I start to describe this city's vibe in portuguese? I could try, but I knew it will be a long shot.

In class today, I had to write my NY address. Writing 314 East 6th Street is something I've done more than 10 thousand times. But today, as I wrote it down in paper, I thought man, this is really home to now. As I was writing the address, I thought about how I have a place on our table, how the apt dynamic is coming to be, how I missed Li for so long and how I  am now calling the apt my house.

As I walk down the streets to my apartment ( which I share with Ariela-), I look around and finally feel that the city is talking to me back. Warming up to me, as I slowly, recognize the streets, signs, stores..

Ariela couldn't chosen any other place for us to live. The East Village is something else. I walk in our neighborhood and see the people, the "feirinhas", the Indian food places, the many and overwhelming tattoo shops and think: Man oh Man, this is the shit. This is the place in NY that best describes who I am at this moment: young, explorer, open.

As I head back from school, I get myself without my gloves, feeling extremely well and dare to say almost hot, and suddenly look to the STOMP sign near home and think: I truly identify.

This is me embracing NYC, making this my home.