People sometimes think that I just decided to move to NY one day and left my friends and family to chase the dream. This is 1/2 true. I was very lucky, I had a wonderful and loving safety net in the city at the time and my relocation would have been
impossible without them. I am now set up here and I am loving the life that I lead. NY has been just what the doctor ordered like HK was 4 years earlier. I have been in this amazing city since July of 2009. I just passed my 1.5 year mark and to commemorate the occasion I have decided to share with you the NY things that have captured this CA girl's heart (in no particular order).
- The Upper West Side - I currently call the UWS my home territory. I lived here when I first move to NY and was devastated when I couldn't immediately afford to live here. I moved around to east Harlem, west Harlem, Washington Heights, and although I loved Wash Heights and West Harlem there is nothing like my neighborhood now. 2 blocks from CP or Morningside park, 3 trains to choose from, Westside Market within walking distance, and not to mention all the other neighborhood gems due to the vicinity to Columbia, make my little niche a little piece of heaven for me.
- Summer rooftop parties - I was first introduced to these last summer and I cannot wait for their return. They happen on any available rooftop whether that be someone's apartment building or a bar strategically placed atop a NY building.
- Manhattan transplants - Some of the best humans I have ever met in my entire life have been in this city. From all walks of life, from all over the world. I have made lifelong friends who were inspired to move to NYC for whatever length of time for different reasons. And I ♥ them for it.
- The Train - The subway!! Amazing. No designated drivers and no traffic. Well there can be people traffic and sometimes they are delayed but for the most part I am a happy camper. I can nap on my way to work and never ever be grumpy from sitting in 91 freeway traffic ever again!
- Happy Hour - NYC has the best happy hours I have ever seen. Ladies nights in the village, $2 for the lady's drink no matter what she wants. Tanq 10 on the rocks? Shot of patron? Cool. 2$. all you can drink for three hours for $10. What? $1 pitchers? Every day or night of the week you can find a bar that makes you feel like you're getting away with murder.
- NYC Brunch - No city does brunch the way NY does brunch. when you come to the city, Calle Ocho is a MUST do. Yes it is sometimes impossible to get a reservation. But the unlimited sangria, impeccable service, and delicious Cuban food make it all worth it.
- The American Museum of Natural History - Suggested donation is $14 I believe. But I kindly donate $1 each time I go. Wonderful place to roam for hours for cheeeaaapp. Learn something and experience a NY landmark and cornerstone.
- Central Park - Some parts of CP don't even look like they are in the city. Looks like hardcore wilderness. You can come here to escape the speed of the city. Or go boating on the lake, or lay out and get a tan, or go for a run around the reservoir, or read a book by the Bethesda fountain, or walk through with some coffee and a friend, or watch a movie in the park, or watch a play in the park, or visit the zoo, or go ice skating, or... you get the idea. The possibilities are endless and the beauty of it all is that most things are free or practically free.
- The Meatpacking District - need I say more?
- Benny's Burritos - $3 margaritas all day everyday. The best damn guacamole NYC has to offer. Even from those fancy schmancy I make it in front of you places. (Photo lower right)
- New York Cares - the diversity in NY makes it so easy for me to feel like I am making a difference and whaddya know, actually make a difference! donating time is easy peasy in NYC, New York Cares has tons of organized projects that I can just commit to, show up, and help out.
- [Pace] - I have an awesome job here and I get to get my BA for free. Blessing much?
- Delivery - If you are willing to pay the price you can get ANYTHING delivered. Tampons, diet coke, vodka, a hamburger, laundry detergent, top ramen. You name it you got it.
- I can wear whatever whenever and be appreciated not ostracized - People are more receptive to my fashion choices.
These are just some of the reasons why I can truly say that I love New York.
