Rugby Union in New York?

After leaving Brisbane at noon on the 19^th of November I began my journey to the US of A - travelling for a little over 26 hours (including a 6 hour layover in LA) I found myself landing at JFK airport flying over what looked like fairy lights or in Disney’s Peter Pan when he flies over London. From one end to another was lit up like a call centre switch board (how I do not miss working in one of those). It was beautiful. I was soon met by Harry and off we went to a cute little place in Astoria, Queens – the city’s traffic network is crazy it’s like an ants nest, tunnels leading off in every direction weaving in and out through freeways. I could notice a slight difference to Brisbane!

I woke up the following morning at around 5am due to jetlag and was pleading with my body to let me sleep however it just simply would not comply! So after 3 restless hours I dragged myself out of bed woke Harry up and convinced him to grab some food (most boys will do anything if food is being used as leverage) so off we went grabbed some coffee (pronounced CAWW-FEE) and a breakfast croissant and went for a stroll around Astoria Park which is around 2 blocks away from where I’m currently living. It’s beautiful. There are basketball courts, tennis courts, a skate park, a swimming pool as well as a running track. The park overlooks the city’s skyline and is certainly impressive! The Autumn leaves are finally giving way to  the harsh Winter which feels like has already set in. The fallen leaves have painted the park floor a burnt orange and red colour whilst the squirrels have fun scavenging through them.

I spent the next two days watching the boys play Rugby Union for their team NYRC which is a little unusual considering where I currently am. The Union following is starting to increase in the US with Women’s teams also having depth and quite a lot of competition. I managed to have a chat to a couple of them as I was interested in how they became involved in such an Australian staple sport, a lot of them became involved through American football and then swapped over.  After explaining all of this they then tried to recruit me. I really don’t envisage myself as a rugby player by any stretch maybe they have netball fixtures over here? The boys ended up losing the first and winning the last so finished on a high but with injuries galore between them spent the next two days listening to them whine and moan. (Typical)

We had the intention that night to head out to Manhattan for end of season drinks for the boys however poor Ed wasn’t feeling too well and ended up having to take him to the hospital from suspected food poisoning. Each trip I’ve made to the US has been hindered by at least one trip to the hospital I’m hoping that this is it for the trip and am very grateful that it wasn’t me this time!

Everything is exciting with a countdown!

So the countdown has started until my new adventure begins.

9 days and I will be in an empire state of mind. Jetting off to the city which doesn't sleep, a concrete jungle home of the Knicks and Yankees, iconic TV shows and a statue dedicated to freedom and liberty. The list could go on forever...

New York has always been in my heart. I have been lucky enough to have been there 4 times already and have fallen in love with the city more each time. A little piece of my heart seems to be left behind every time I depart. For this new adventure I'm about to embark on I'm not entirely sure how long I will be away from the Australian shore for but am excited by the prospect of going wherever the wind takes me.

A lot of people have asked me aren't I scared that I haven't put a plan in place or that I'm leaving familiarity, my friends and family for such a long time. It's comforting to know they have so much concern for me but I'm so excited about the unknown which seems so horrid and foreign to most people who I talk to. I've had threats from friends saying they aren't letting me leave for longer than 2 months or that they plan to hide my passport so that I can't go anywhere. Some of my home friends will actually happen to be in New York for Christmas and New Years so the period where I probably would get homesick will be spent with my little unofficial family anyway.

From having lived in New York previously and working at a summer camp I'm so excited and looking forward to seeing people who I haven't seen for at least a couple of years. I plan to go upstate and see Camp all covered in snow which is such a contrast to the rolling green hills I am so familiar with. (pictured here on the right)

Another friend in New Jersey mentioned that they had their first lot of light snow and it's dropped to zero celsius already. I'll probably look like the Michelin Man from wearing so many layers especially when coming from the beginnings of an Australian Summer to being thrown right into a North American Winter. In for a bit of body shock I think!

I've been promised by a friend that he will help me build my very first snow man so will be sure to put up pictures. I'm thinking that I may put a little Australian touch on it (possibly a cork hat, some boardies and thongs) in honour of the beautiful Australian Summer I'm missing out on! I will be sure to blog about it and put up pictures of our dashing snow man!