I had never been to New York, or as I call it, "the big city." I am best described as a "suburbanite." I suppose I'm a creature of habit like my cat, Parker. I feel most comfortable in the suburbs.
There is however another reason I am "Ms. Suburbanite." I do not travel well because of Parkinson's disease. I cannot stay sedentary for any length of time without becoming stiff and rigid. It would likely be physically impossible to be in a car for a couple hours, then arrive in New York, and go for a walk.
The problem was easily solved. We arrived in New York on Friday, had dinner with dear friends, took a carriage ride at night in Central Park, and topped off the evening with dessert at Tavern on the Green. I love New York!
Saturday morning we walked from our hotel to Central Park. The Parkinson's Unity Walk is a fantastic event. There are booths with plenty of PD information, old friends to catch up with, and new friendships to be made.
It was a lovely weekend weather-wise. I was also pleased, actually I was downright jazzed that it was a great weekend mobility-wise. That was very important to me as crowds, confined spaces, and narrow hallways do me in. In other words, I freeze.
One of my first reactions to New York was that I had never seen so many people. Crossing the street I was be face-to-face with countless people going the opposite direction. I admit panic set in because I knew the conditions were right for me to freeze up. But I was determined not to let one of my worst fears take hold. I willed myself to keep walking. You know what? I feel like PD and I beat New York. With the help of all around me, I was determined to go with the flow. Most importantly, I had help from up above.
