5 Things I Was Not Prepared For Upon Moving To New York

It was January 2015 when my husband and I embarked on an exciting journey to move across the Atlantic, from London to New York. We only had three months to prepare for the relocation and while boxes were being packed and accounts were being shut down, we would receive bits and pieces of advice that kept us afloat and excited. However, no matter how much someone tells you about a new city, you don’t really know what to expect until you get there. Coming from a metropolis like London, we thought the transition would be seamless, and for the most part, it was. Although, with every milestone in life, you have to face some challenges and growing pains, and we had plenty of them once we cleared passport control. Here are the weird and wonderful things that I quickly learned upon arriving in The Big Apple. 

When it Rains, it Doesn’t Really Rain

Summer in New York, the air is thick, the clothing is bare and often enough it can drizzle on you when you’re not prepared. I don’t mean actual rain, I mean air conditioning residue; yes it is just as nasty as it sounds. You see, most buildings are older, therefore, there is no fixed central air system, and to remedy not cooking to death in your own apartment, you have a little box fitted into your window which provides that much-needed relief after you've left your sweat all over the city. These plastic and bulky units semi-protrude out of windows and often perspire themselves resulting in a nice spit shower as you’re walking by. But don’t worry, the electric rain is over by the time you get to the end of the block. 

Credit Rating is Overrated, NOT!

Suffice to say I have never done so much paperwork in my life. The first week we were in New York we had bank accounts to open, social security numbers to obtain, and we needed some sort of phone plan allowing us to be on the grid-like normal folk. However, working in London for over eight years, owning property there, and paying a phone contract from the age of 18 didn’t mean a thing once I arrived stateside. It seemed that I had the credit rating of a homeless ghost and the little man in T Mobile thought it was hilarious. I had gone in to see what my options were for a contract, and was literally told to come back in two years when I was more established! The shock on my face didn’t seem to draw any sympathy on his part so I swiftly left the store to try my charm at AT&T. Warning to anyone moving to the USA, you could be the equivalent of Jeff Bezos in your hometown, but you’ll have to start from scratch all over again, America style. 

““It seemed that I had the credit rating of a homeless ghost and the little man in T Mobile thought it was hilarious.””

— Sabi Datoo-Lalji, London Expat, New-Yorker-In-Progress

Empty Spaces Are Not to be Filled 

It took a few jarring subway rides to realize that if a subway cart is empty, there is a reason. A bustling city like New York where the train works 24/7 to commute passengers to and from their destinations results in a robust and busy public transport experience. So, when a subway car is empty, trust me it is not your lucky day, do not venture into it - you will be sorry. If you don’t pass out from holding your breath, you will risk stumbling off the train at the next stop for relief. The few times I thought the universe was delivering me a seat after a long and tiring day I was met with various types of excrement - hence no one was sitting in that car. Take note folks, there are enough of us in this city to take up space anywhere, so if there is an empty space, don’t risk your gag reflexes and step away from the carriage. 

Photo for Aristos by Gina Lombardo Media

The City That Never Sleeps Sometimes Takes a Nap

Ahh, my favorite encounter. Growing up you watch tv and fantasize about living in the city that never sleeps. How electric the city must feel at all times of darkness - wrong! NYC appears to be a vivacious teenager who can pull an all-nighter and still be fine for her 9 am lecture, but in reality, it is a tired, overworked 35 year old who cannot wait for Friday to roll around so she can sleep at 9 pm. Often times I have tried to pick up dry cleaning at 7:05 pm only to be met with a closed sign that was placed there from 6:45 pm. Or coming home late from work and craving a fried chicken sandwich only to arrive at the restaurant with the cookers off at 9 pm! I think it’s time to admit that New York sometimes gets tired and closes a little early - and that is totally fine by me, I just think everyone else needs to know the truth. 

Snow Days, Shmo Days 

Snow days are not a thing here, I repeat snow days are not a thing here. New York is resilient, prepared and ruthless, and you better bet your bottom dollar that regardless of the nine inches of snow outside, your coworkers are still getting on that subway to get into the office. The city may take a nap now and then, but it sure doesn’t seem to sit still in the midst of various snowmageddons. No matter how much it can pain you to get wrapped up and onto a crowded subway, there is a certain charm in knowing you’re not alone. It’s like we’re all friends walking each other to work. We roll our eyes together when the train is late, we queue up in unison for a hot latte to get out of the cold, and we brave the North Eastern Winters, together. 

Photo credits: Cover: Craig Adderley, Second: Joseph Pearson, Third: Mateusz Majewski