summer residence

The Boogie Down (aka the Bronx) is where I'm staying, for the summer at least. I'll also be teaching out here. Where, you might ask? I'm trying to figure that out myself. Please pray for me!

My area, Parkchester, is home to a diverse crowd. Fortunately my building is right next to many eateries, a grocery store (it's no Berkeley Bowl, sadly), a laundromat, a Macy's, and a movie theater...to name a few of the surrounding sights. There are lots of folks around at all hours, which makes for a safer walk back from the 6 train.

After a couple days in Manhattan I took Monday and Tuesday off to venture out into the Boogie Down. In all honesty I didn't wander too far away from my apartment, but I did manage to get a sense of the neighborhood. At the center of Parkchester there's a fountain surrounded by benches where people congregate. It's a very sweet sight to see folks of all ages hanging out and talking.

the center of parkchester, just down the block from me

Now, for a better look at where I live...

the building

the view once I open the door

where the food goes


another view of the apartment


where I freshen up


where I get much needed rest

Yep, this is my first place in the city. My humble abode. Not bad for $415/month. My roomie is a very sweet and considerate young woman who just finished her first year at Pace University.

I feel like I'm a freshman again, and it's not because I'm living with an undergraduate. Feelings of homesickness, apprehension, and confusion are resurfacing along with questions regarding why I made the decisions I made. Don't get me wrong I'm enjoying this great adventure, but this whole move was such an abrupt transition. Shoots...only two weeks ago I was concerned with graduation and now I'm freaking out about where I'm going to teach. It all takes time...I know and I have faith.