My friend from California that moved here for awhile moved back home a littler while ago and sent out this e-mail with the 25 things she would miss about New York.  It made me think and revel, and I continue to do so as I walk around on good days and bad (especially bad), when one thing can so drastically change your mood-for the better!  There are many things and I could go into sordid detail, but I thought that I’d best tackle them one at a time.  Things that I appreciate more now after almost six years in this city, and things that I love even more because it’s the first time I notice them after being here for so long and am joyous with discovery.  I also find myself wondering what I would miss as well when I move someday.  I shall start small, with something somewhat trivial that I love.

Between 8th and 9th Ave. on the North side of 49th St. in Hell’s Kitchen there is an underground parking garage (I assume affiliated with World Wide Plaza).  Every time I walk by, I inhale.  Nine times out of ten, I catch a whiff of chlorinated water ala jacuzzi or possible fountain and it makes me smile.  I don’t know if it’s part of World Wide Plaza or the (Gold’s?) Gym that’s part of that building.  I don’t know if I smile because it reminds me of the fun of a jacuzzi, or a fountain, or just plain memories of childhood yore.  But I do know that it makes me sigh, smile, and relax just a little as I my shoulders lower slightly and I enjoy the day that much more after experiencing it.   I used to live on 48th St. for 2 years, and now I work there so it’s a path I have and still frequent.   It is one of New York’s better aromas.  So thank you, mystery smell of Hell’s Kitchen.  

Love, Me