Benjamen

Living in NYC, I am in a concrete jungle. Isaac Asimov referred to this great city as "The Caves of Steel." I very much feel trapped in this cave, as I am out of place: not in my essence. There's no where to escape to, no crickets at night to sing me to sleep, no true "life." Imagine riding to school everyday amongst the traffic, or more so against it, while breathing in the stink of the polluted air -- it is not pleasant. It is not natural. My only temporary escape is the competition of basketball or the soothing pain of the weight room -- then there is always music and novels. Don't get me wrong, NYC is a wonderful place. It's a mass of rich culture and knowledge. A place where the world runs through. A place where anyone has somewhere to go -- well, almost anyone. There's no question that I am who am today partly because of this city, but my essence is in nature. My love is for the outdoors. Whether it be hiking through the woods, climbing up a mountain, biking down a valley, or playing football or basketball, the outdoors is what gives me pleasure. It's what gives me life. It's what gives me peace. There's nothing like waking up at sunrise, going out for a morning run, and smelling the fresh sent of dew. So, when I'm done with NYC, I will be done for good. In the mean time, I will enjoy...