As my time living in New York City is ending, I have many feelings and thoughts that will not all fit in this one post. This last month in town, I have revived one of my favorite activities after work, taking long walks with my camera. In this post I will be sharing moments from this month's walks.
Walking in New York, particularly Manhattan, is much more stimulating than watching a TV show or movie. You get a sense of collective energy (good/bad/indifferent). I will miss being able to walk out the door and do this. Returning for a trip or work, it will not feel the same.
I have a couple of projects planned with my photography, including a book covering 2010-2020, as I watched the phone take hold as an enduring disruption of social dynamics. And then this year already has produced enough intriguing moments for a zine or small book.
During the majority of time that I have been in New York, the act of walking and taking pictures has had a flow or rhythm. It made me feel part of the place as I smoothly navigated sidewalks and safely got around traffic and bikes. That has all completely changed. I have narrowly missed being involved in bike collisions crossing streets with the walk signal. And the increase in terrible smells (urine, feces, hot garbage bags) has made one of my favorite activities more of a source of frustration. It's not as fun as before. The subject matter keeps getting more depressing, too.
For example, this week, in the middle of an otherwise average block with a nice restaurant at the end, I felt like I had to walk through a tunnel of junkies at one point. It was bizarre. When I got home, the same area, 9th Avenue around 20th Street, was featured on a local news report with parents discussing why they did not feel safe with their kids in this area.
Phones are a topic I harp on probably too much due to their significant effect on social structure and my photography career. Today, so many people feel compelled to walk with a phone in their hand and obsessively depart from their present surroundings. Their pausing inevitably clogs up the sidewalk, especially in block-long pedestrian shed and while walking a single file in either direction. It's like being behind a car in the passing lane going 10-20 under the speed limit. It's much harder to feel the flow of the sidewalk without people paying attention.
Ignoring those around you only makes the people who are present work more to not run into you. I have often witnessed someone staring at a phone in the middle of a crosswalk, paying attention to neither the approaching vehicle traffic, nor the "Don't Walk" sign. I'm sure the drivers love it too. It's horrifying each time I see it, and thankfully I have not seen anyone get hit. Is whatever they are texting worth the potential hospital bills, permanent injury, or death? The sad irony would be a driver distracted by a phone hitting a pedestrian distracted by a phone. Perhaps this has already happened
The quality of life in New York City is in an obvious state of decline, despite rents increasing simultaneously and sharply. Living in a first-floor apartment that experiences occasional sewage smells with neighbors that are not so friendly and downright annoying, I have wanted to move elsewhere for quite some time. If I were to stay in New York, it would mean paying more than I am already. It just doesn't make sense anymore.
I realize there has been a lack of explanation for why my destination of Florida has changed to Virginia. To keep my posts more on point after a brief hiatus, I'm going to save that one for later. It's been a rough summer. My girlfriend Alex works remotely, And it's at a time when I can be more helpful at home with my family on their farm. I continue to pursue remote possibilities as well, particularly in audio editing. But living close enough to a city with a lower cost of living and positive job growth is a draw also.
(Produced in a very different era in NYC, but the “bringing me down” sentiment is relatable. The problems were very different then.)
There's a democratic aspect to a big city.
If you are there you can walk around the streets and look at everyone, and at the buildings.
Whether well off or not you can see the same things.
Okay, if you're really down and out you will receive bad vibes, and if you are oozing luxury you will get more respect.
Seeing oneself through others' eyes is a free experience.
Yes, farewell New York. I know that I will not return.
Best wishes to you Tom.
I surfed on over here via your comment in Bill Rice's substack. Glad to have your substack, and good wishes on your move. I understand. I used to adore NYC. Now the idea of setting foot there gives me the creeps. But I'm optimistic, life can be splendid in new ways.