Posted on September 28, 2014
It was so different 10 years ago. I used to live in one place, with friends and a long-term boyfriend. I used to go to the university and work and my life was nice, but also kind of boring. I didn’t travel that much. Until I travelled to New York and my life has changed. I discovered that there is so much to see in this world: I can meet so many interesting people. I can taste their typical dishes. I can dance to different types of music and understand the behavior and culture of other people. I got addicted to exploring.
I remember that when I first got out of a bus in Manhattan and looked up, my head started spinning. I was somewhere in the Upper East Side. I started walking and I haven’t stopped for hours. This became my tradition, just walk and walk around. I used to walk at night from SoHo where I worked to the Staten Island ferry terminal and I listed to Madonna and danced ☺ The whole NY experienced changed me. I lost the fear of not finding a job, because in NY I found a job immediately after getting there. I lost the fear of being alone, because I was never alone. I had my friend Katarina with me and I met lot of great people, like Beth who I worked with and had lot of fun with. I understood that there is something true about what Frank Sinatra signs: “If I can make it there, I’ll make it anywhere”.
Even though I always wanted to return to NY and live there again, my life took me on a different path. Finally this year, I made it possible to return to NY and visit my friends. It was like coming back home. I know that it sounds a bit exaggerated, but I remembered so many things. I recognized the smells, the tastes, the types of “NY” people, subway, the rush on the streets, the taste of a “take a away” coffee. I realized that I still haven’t found (and I’m not even looking for) a better city than New York. Thanks for the inspiration you’re always giving me. I’ll be back NY!
Here is a short photo story from NY. I decided that I’m not going to write about a typical stuff like “what to do in NY” or “things to do under 25 USD” because you can easily google it. If you had asked me about my tips, I would say: “Go and explore”. Buy a subway card and go to the different neighborhoods in the different boroughs, sit on a bench and watch people. You might observe the diversity in types, races, cultures, fashion styles,…. Observe their politeness, their ability to live together. Taste as much food as possible, drink one martini and try to get somewhere on a rooftop for the sunset…
Here are some typical scenes that you can see in NY:
This time I explored Brooklyn more than Manhattan. I went to Coney Island and spent a beautiful sunny day on the beach. I visited Bushwick and found some murals done by my friends (that makes me always happy!). Sometimes I wandered around alone and sometimes I spent the days with my friends who live in NY. It was especially great to meet Beth who I haven’t seen for 8 years. We went to visit a restaurant called “Antique garage” where we used to work together. We also went to 230 Fifth, a roof top bar that was opened 8 years ago and that time we were among the first customers. It has a world class view – on the Empire state building. Thanks Beth for a great experience! 🙂
Last but not least, here are some “NY details” that caught my attention 🙂
My last words go to my hosts in NY. I would like to thank to Justine and Andy for offering me a couch. I couldn’t have a more “typical” experience than staying with the locals – and especially in Jackson Heights where it’s possible to taste food from wherever 🙂
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