Step

Moving to New York means moving to a Vampire Weekend song, at least one off Modern Vampires of the City. They feel so inextricably linked to the city. I know Step is actually about Ezra Koenig's musical influences and obsessions but, before I knew all that, it was just a song with some lovely nonsense poetry and a stunning chorus feeling its way through growing up. I still can't help thinking about it as a rite of passage song. Which is right where I am right now. The gloves are off. The wisdom teeth are out. I'm stronger now. Ready for the house. But I can't do it alone. So here are some choice Koenig nuggets, set against the most beautiful monochrome New York cityscapes this side of Woody Allen's Manhattan.

(Age is an honour - it's still not the truth)

 

Woody Allen's Manhattan

Feelings!

Just two and a half weeks left in South Africa before we fly to NY via the UK! Still kind of unreal, but today, as I had to check semester dates (to let FNB know how long I'll be "traveling" & needing special international access to my SA cheque account - don't consider relocating unless you have a stomach for admin...) & just being back on NYFA's website (also a place of administrative dread in the past year and a half) drove it all home - the excitement has arrived.

About twelve years ago now, on super slow dial-up, via my parents' phone line, while I should have been studying for finals, I remember searching for international film schools (probably on Yahoo in those days) and setting my heart on the New York Film Academy. I can't even say why, but it was love at first sight. Over a decade later, I am finally on my way there. That makes me feel like a late bloomer - and kind-of old - but also happy. Better late than pregnant never.

So here we go - I suspect the next two and a half weeks will be a mad rush of admin - and feelings! If you see me, hug me.