I. Love. Lisbon.
I am so remarkably surprised by this city it’s incredible. There are still many, many cities planned for this trip, but Lisbon has secured its place at the top of my list of favorite cities in the world! While much of the experience can be attributed to excellent timing and fantastic people, Lisbon will forever have a special place in my heart. This sprawling metropolis has everything a person could possibly want in a big city - even just walking through the winding roads is a pleasure.
When it comes to traveling, I prefer to spend my time walking to “the ends of the earth." If there is a big hill - I must climb to the absolute top; if I find a huge beach (like in Faro) - I must walk the entire thing; or if I find a long pier - I must see what it looks like from the end. Much to detriment of friends and fellow traveling companions, I go out of my way to avoid taking public transportation wherever possible and opt for the 2+ hour uphill hike instead of paying the measly 1.5 $/€/£ for the bus simply for the feeling of accomplishment.
This will likely come across as insensitive or even a bit cruel for those of you currently sitting in an office cubicle, but I’m saying it regardless - everyone had a worse week than I did. I've stumbled into a breathtaking paradise that I thought only could exist in video games or CGI movies. I’m not a religious man, but I found heaven in the sun kissed beaches of Lagos... and best of all, you don’t have wait until you're dead to visit paradise.
Within a few minutes I will board my flight bound for Houston and leave New York City for the foreseeable future. It still hasn’t hit me that I will not be returning home to my apartment. I’ve done this little exercise countless times before and it just feels like one of my regular summer trips back to Texas - but this time it’s different.
Today I write from my absolute favorite Starbuck’s location overlooking the mesmerizing Manhattan skyline while on my phone the track Petroleum by Jeremy Olander plays in the background. Since August, I've spent every Tuesday working out of an office in Jersey City. While my morning commute on these days takes over an hour and requires three separate trains, I always make the trek with a smile.
Tonight I write from the living room of my (temporary) apartment in Queens. It’s well after midnight and the room is silent, save for the gentle hum of the refrigerator. The only things I have to keep me company tonight are my laptop and my trusted companion Murray (the sweet rattle snake mug on the right). I’ve spent the evening talking with my parents, filling them in on my week, and rehashing the same conversations about my travel plans - all in all a usual Sunday.
Sitting amongst the ruble that was once my NYC apartment, my roommate and I disassembled everything in preparation for this weekend when we have to move out for good. Since we've never stayed in an apartment for more than a year, the process of packing has become routine for us, but this time around it’s different: it marks the end of the "Costello Residence” and my life in NYC.