photos and text by Theo Blaustein
Growing up in a small town, tons of people know who I am whenever I leave the house.
I never have the chance to be truly anonymous and go on my own adventure.
Which is why going to NYC for my 19th birthday was so special.
My dad and I got to weave through the streets unbothered, and unknown.
Fresh off the train at Penn Station we grabbed an amazing slice from Don Pepi Pizza (it was a 10/10.)
After that, we went above ground, and worked our way east to the High Line.
It was insane to see so many people moving like an organism through the array of murals, statues, and trees.
We took an exit off the High Line to go peek at some galleries in the Chelsea arts district.
Most of the work was unimpressive, but I got to see an amazing exhibit of some very creepy and masterfully engaging portraits by Joseph Yaeger.
Once we were done there, we wandered through the city a bit.
It’s crazy to see so many people weaving through the streets, each on their own individual missions.
We eventually made our way to Hudson River Park, and found the perfect bench.
As I sat there, I got to take it all in. Dad and I had really made it off the farm, to one of the coolest cities ever.
After we were done luxuriating, we made it to Little Island, which rises from the Hudson River with concrete pillars topped with greenery. (Shout out to Dean Allison for the recommendation.)
We walked in, and at the top is an amazing view of the city.
(My dad joked that he was breaking the rules by looking at the view and not taking a selfie.)
We then made our way to Chelsea Market, where we ate at Very Fresh Noodles, and I had some of the best noodles I’ve ever eaten (they were spicy and tingly, which is a dish from northern China.)
After a long day, we walked back to the train station, with full bellies and our fill of adventure.
I have to say, New York is really one of the coolest cities I’ve ever been to (H-Town is still number one in my heart.)
The next day was my actual birthday.
Dad and I walked from Penn Station (after grabbing another phenomenal slice) directly to Grand Central to catch a subway to the Upper East Side.
So many people jam packed into such a small space, it felt like being a sardine.
Why would I ride in a tuna can you may ask?
Well to go see Taryn Simon at the Guggenheim of course.
Getting to make my way up the rotunda and figure out the puzzle that she laid out through her work felt like being a detective.
It was a wordy exhibit, which made it difficult to navigate at times, but other than that it was amazing.
I also got to see a Picasso, which is pretty sweet.
After that, we met up with one of my best friends from New Mexico, who’s killing it at Vassar right now.
We took a stroll to Central Park, and caught up on a park bench.
Getting to see a friend who knows me so well on my birthday was extremely special.
(Shout out to Luz, you’re really the goat).
After that we booked it back through Times Square to catch a train back to Jersey.
All in all New York City is the shit.
Anyone can belong there, and people are allowed to be themselves without judgement.
I would encourage those of you who haven’t been to go check it out, and those who have to return.
Go on your own adventures, and make memories that will last a lifetime.
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