By Emilia Corrales, Staff Reporter
November, 2022
AP US History teacher Matthew Grey is a teacher, a husband, a cook, and a musician. But he’s also a former New Yorker. The Cardinal Post talked to him about his adventures in the city and his tips for thriving on the streets of New York.
What is the most barbaric thing you’ve seen in New York?
Matthew Grey: The most barbaric thing? I was sitting in the subway and there’s always art performers that would get onto the trains and one time a mariachi got on one side and a great dancing crew got on the other and they tried to play over each other, it was the loudest stupidest thing I’ve ever heard. None of them got any money, and everybody was furious. They both got off at the next stop and started fighting each other, Screaming at each other “You’re ruining my thing, what’re you doing?”
What’s the best pizza place in New York?
MG: There’s this place in New York called “Two Bros.” They’re not the best in quality but you get a giant slice for like a dollar and they’re open until 6 a.m. so you can get durchy* filling decent pizza and they’re like all over the city, got locations. They’re big and they hang out on a paper plate.
What are some street tips or street smarts you should know before going to New York?
MG: I would say trust your instinct. If you’re going to walk down the street and you’re like something tells me I shouldn’t do this, don’t do it. Even if nothing’s wrong, if you get the vibe that some things are off … Just keep your head up, don’t be totally lost on your phone or not paying attention at all to what’s happening around you. You could have your headphones in but situationally. Like if you are out at night and it’s crowded then, yeah, you could have your headphones in. If you’re like the only person around and it’s dark and sketchy then yeah maybe take one out or like both of them you know? Another one is if someone is like hey lemme talk to you be like “Hell no!” because that never ends well, best case scenario is they just want money.
Where should you visit if you go to New York?
MG: I’m super-partial to the part of Brooklyn that’s where I lived, so it’s my favorite. I like Brooklyn Heights and Dumbo. They’re like really old factory areas that are beautiful.
What is the fattest rat you’ve ever seen and how big was it?
MG: Alright, the fattest rat I ever saw was probably like a foot long it was maybe five or six pounds. It was the size of a young cat. I saw it get into a subway car moments before the doors shut. There was no way to get off, until the next stop so everyone was just stuck with this giant rat hanging out in the car with them. I don’t know it was probably 5 to 10 minutes and I’m very glad it wasn’t me.
Is there anything else you wanna add?
MG: Yeah, because of this now I have more and more students coming up. ‘As Emilia tells me you’re from New York and like you lived in the hood and like tell me more I’m interested in what’s happening!’ So I’m glad my reputation is preceding me now. Everyone should know: Don’t mess with me. East Coast, you know. I appreciate you doing this.
*Not too good, but decent
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