Tonight’s drive through the city felt like channel surfing. With my remote I traveled neighborhoods, memories, and my own thoughts.

It all started because I had to pick up a textbook downtown (another random story). I entered through the Brooklyn Bridge, and traveled past my office, only to loop further downtown to pass by another old building which I used to work at.

The building was still there, remaining active through the ever-open deli, but downtown was unquestionably different. There were less private cars waiting to pick up financial superstars, and the once dark canvas of dark cars, dark roads, and pitch black sky was now spotted with yellow cabs, a breed previously somewhat rare in the Financial District. The private cars were a dying breed against their yellow counterparts.

As I continued driving north I passed the hotel I used to stay at. The inside looked as enchanting as ever, presenting a clean sense of bright lights reflecting gracefully off the smoothed marble seemingly used on all walls, floors, and furniture of the hotel.

Approaching Chinatown I drove by two police officers entering as well, trotting into town on horses who’s large stomps could be heard through my car’s doors. I won’t forgot the collapsing of their heavy feet on the even heavier concrete.

Chinatown’s bright lights and foreign alphabet was more alive than downtown’s gloom.

The foreign rainbows of the neighborhood was quickly invaded by a clock tower in the distance. Lit in soft blues, the light reminded me that I would soon reach Union Square. A few more blocks of driving brought more distant buildings into view, including the Empire State Building. The distant buildings transformed the skyline into a welcoming kingdom, one not too dissimilar to something Walt Disney would imagine.

My passage through the East Village was like a memory from youth, in both its brevity and presented enjoyment. I only remembered this moment of my trip because my car paused at a red light.

The trip continued into more familiar territory, and I was thrilled when I caught a magic parking spot, but I’ll keep that story for myself.

Pulling into my spot, I thought over the last twenty minutes, and walked from my car as my travels came to an end.