One thing is for sure: there's nothing like being an observer in this city.

It's like putting on special lenses as you step out to walk the streets, careless and free. Suddenly, everything you witness in this place radiates magic. Despite the sirens and angry cab honks, despite the millions of pairs of legs stressfully stomping bodies back and forth—uptown and downtown, East River to Hudson—despite the hustle of people bumping shoulder to shoulder, there is peace of mind as an observer here. Can you believe it? This is what it's like to be a tourist...and I waited 9 years to finally feel it.

Another thing I waited 9 years to do here?

Compost.