Backpacking While Black

New York City, March 2007: Day 3, March 9, 2007 (Hail the conquering hero...)

The last day of my business/leisure trip to Gotham City was uneventful. After spending some quiet time in prayer with my girlfriend and on my own, I showered, dressed, packed and checked out of the hotel. Braving the slight chill with semi-damp hair, I hailed a cab at West 36th Street and 10th Ave. Not to sound racist, but every cab driver I’ve ever had has been of either Arabic, Indian or Persian descent, but not this time. I found myself in the company of a West African. I was instantaneously chatty. I got most of his life story and he got most of mine. It made the ride through the traffic at the Midtown Tunnel pass by quickly. After he dropped me at the airport, I gave him my card and asked that he look me up if he’s ever in Atlanta. I felt good to make a foreign friend in somewhat familiar city.

After going through the ordeal of checking into the flight, checking my bags and going through security, I finally found myself relaxing with a nice sized breakfast sandwich from an airport Burger King, gazing out the window watching planes land. I found peace in watching huge pieces of metal and electronics glide through the air only to touch down safely at over 150 miles per hour. It was calming.

I was happy to go home after such a successful event. More so, I was glad to get back to my girlfriend whom I had grown to miss over these past three days. The flight back was quick seeing that I had fallen asleep as soon as the plane left the gate. I arrived home in Atlanta to a welcoming office and an even more welcoming girlfriend who missed me just the same.

posted by Dre' @ 3/09/2007 01:29:00 AM