RAI Corporation Internship Program

It’s arrogant, overimposing and simply marvelous and I just can’t take my eyes off of it. I look out the window and I still can’t believe what I’m seeing. It’s a poster right? Is it real or am I dreaming? As I look out, I see the Empire State Building surrounded by other skyscrapers, like a king in his royal court. It stands proud in the middle of Manhattan as if it’s saying “All you masses, kneel before me!”. And we all comply. And I must admit that it is one of the most obvious symbols of the Big Apple. But after almost two months here, I can say with certainty that there are so many things that remind me everyday that I’m in N.Y. Starting with the fascinating world of the subway. It is like an underworld, like a city within the city. Every time I take the L train from Williamsburg I just sit back and enjoy the show. Passing through the East Village on the way to Chelsea people from all over the world are singing, sleeping, listening to music (sometimes a little bit too loud!), reading, wearing colorful clothes and the subway is like a huge and exclusive catwalk! And let’s not forget the sweet and fluffy rats who make their homes between the platforms! Every five minutes they risk their lives because of the trains, but nobody cares! Instead when people look at the squirrels in Central Park they say “Oooo they’re soooo cute!!” when in fact they are just opportunistic! They only run towards you because they want food, not because they like you! And as we know squirrels are rats with a fluffy tail!

Something else which is typical of New York is the melting pot of smells! Sometimes when you’re on the street you smell something that is burning and just when you’re about to scream “Fire!”, you realize that it’s just the hot-dog vendor who forget something on the griddle...But if you want an indelible memory of New York you absolutely have to go to the Colgate Clock (on the Hudson river in New Jersey) as suggested by Mr Brusa (I’m not kidding!). It has the most unbelievable view of Manhattan ever! Or maybe you can come to “my” rooftop in Bushwick for a romantic sunset accompanied by a continual soundtrack of reggaeton and bachata (from the passing cars). In whichever way you decide to experience NY, just make sure you enjoy it. Savor every bite of this tasty, crunchy, juicy Big Apple!

Sara Bindi