Tunnel vision

When getting around the city is so dependant on timetables and transfers, its easy to lose sight of what's going on around you. You focus on what may seem essential. "Did the shuttle make it past 34th street by 7:41?" "Is this train going slower than usual?" Or "Grand Central Navigation plan: pass the old lady, at hallway intersection find pocket between closet case business man and poorly dressed intern with backpack going perpendicular to me - watch out! Slow moving tourist with a stroller." So as your thought process becomes that of a Cylon Hybrid, you may forget to appreciate your surroundings.

I have been taking a course near grand central over the past few weeks, and been graced with the opportunity to eat in the food court. I haven't found anything outstanding, but once you get past the questionably sanitary conditions, it slows you down and you begin to observe again. Mostly I could overhear people discussing their itineraries for the rest of the day. Others are meeting up for a quick bite or reconnecting after spending the day apart. And then there is me, realizing how jaded I have become. The people who I usually curse for being in my way most likely came halfway around the world to come and take pictures of the ceiling like one would want at Sisteen Chapel. I am here every day, and could stand to give them their moment.

Optimistic that I have redescovered my sense of appreciation and sympathy I am now also conflicted. Do I smile politley as weave between people? Or would that be depriving them a true New York experience? I've worked hard and suffered to achieve my NY lifestyle and mentality. I should use that, right?

Either way I have been reminded that Grand Central is not just a venue for the stampede of commuters and etummocs, its a tourist hotspot, a movie set, a place of business and intersection for many walks of life. Those additional perspective make it more bareable for the time, so maybe I should stop to eat some oysters every now and again,