Someone said somewhere that NYC is a city that pulls you in for an embrace while punching you in the face. I came here to test out the lyrics of the song - "If I can make it there, I'd make it anywhere." There are lots of hard things about living in the City but trials are a part of life and I find NYC trials more than #worthit. Everyday, I am grateful that God has allowed me to not only survive but thrive here. (John 10:10)
How do I love thee, NYC? Let me count the ways :)
- Subways - I love the self-sufficiency, independence, and personal time they offer me. I get so much reading done. Plus they're much cheaper than cars. No, I don't miss the stress of possibly getting into an accident, the hassle of finding parking, or the cost of gas/insurance/registration/maintenance/etc.
Cue Ella Fitzgerald's "Take the A Train" :) - Temple - Never has a temple been so accessible to me. Only 25 minutes away on the subway and I don't have to ask anyone for a ride.
Went to the House of the Lord on my birthday - Broadway - Music, dance, and theater in their highest form and I could go everyday of the week...if I could afford it.
Started off 2015 right - loved seeing this beloved movie musical on stage! - Dance - Studios & clubs galore! Here, I can watch the best, learn from the best, and dance with the best! (see my dance blog)
Taking classes from the pros - Music - Access to some of the best venues in the world (Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, tons of jazz clubs, etc.), not to mention being surrounded by super talented musicians.
I got to meet the legendary jazz vocalist Annie Ross before watching her perform! - Food - aka foodie heaven. The biggest, most diverse smorgasbord of cuisines in the country. High rents prevent us from eating out every night and walking everywhere keeps us from getting fat ;)
I had my first escargot in West Village - Parades - the biggest and the best, for all sorts of occasions. Guess which one is my favorite...
The Dance Parade, of course - Nightscape - there's something about densely packed specks of light against a dark sky, especially reflecting against the water. You gotta leave Manhattan to see the best of Manhattan at night :)
Just cross the Brooklyn Bridge to get this spectacular view - Parks - there's a lot of beautiful green spaces to escape from the concrete jungle. I can't even pick a favorite, I am so in love with so many NYC parks. The flowers, the trees, the fountains, the statues, the performers, the food, and people-watching is a totally legit pastime! Spring is my absolute favorite :)
Central Park - Waterfront - Manhattan is, after all, an island. I was born on a tiny island (Hainan, China) and lived on another tiny island (Guam) for the first 8 years of my life before moving to the beautiful Seattle area so my soul craves large bodies of water nearby. In NYC, I'm never far from the water and its power to restore my spirit :)
Also, NYC beaches are pretty decent - Bridges - what is it about the beautiful lines of a bridge that just makes a scene so much more majestic? NYC depends on lots of bridges to keep the City running, but I just revel in their beauty.
- History - as a shameless American history nerd, I love encountering it throughout the City. SO MUCH has happened here and it often feels surreal to be in the midst of such rich history that have shaped the country and the world.
Ellis Island Immigration Museum - it's a tourist trap for good reasons - Architecture - I will forever look like a tourist, gawking at the gorgeous and diverse structures everywhere I go. Almost all periods and styles are represented here, from the grand old row houses to the newest steel & glass skyscrapers. I marvel at the structures we work, live, and play in.
Whenever I look in a window, I think "What human stories have played out in there?" - Diversity - the only thing more diverse than the architecture and food are the people! NYC draws people from all over who come live alongside New Yorkers who have been here for generations. I love that this City is full of dreamers. Most of us are here to take something, but we inevitably give back to the City that keeps on giving.
Celebrating National Dance Day with people from all walks of life at Lincoln Center - Universities - I love education and have enjoyed working at universities for the last 5 years. I also feel incredibly blessed to be studying at Columbia University. NYC has so many schools of learning that enrich the community not only intellectually, but culturally and economically.
1st day of grad school at Columbia University :) - Visitors - everyone wants to come to NYC, so eventually my friends and family come visit me! I get to save travel fare and play tour guide. NYC staycations are the best!
My little bro and I at Coney Island - Art - even if you aren't a huge art fan, you will be impressed by the famous pieces on display in this City.
The life-size Jackson Pollock pieces are much more impressive than the textbook versions. - Free outdoor activities - especially in the summer. There is so much talent in this City, people are giving it away for free!
Free Downtown Dance Festival at Battery Park - Dynamism - it's the City that never sleeps but it's also the City that never stays the same. It's always changing and revamping itself. And what's more exciting, every person who comes here plays a small part in shaping NYC for the future.
The graffiti artist Banksy is leaving his mark and message all over NYC - Movies - NYC is in so many movies. It's fun living in such a famous place!
Rockefeller Center @ the Christmas tree where Kevin reunites with his mom in Home Alone 2 :) - Fashion - People-watching in NYC is a lesson in style. It's functional but hip, unique but distinguishable, risk-taking but understated. I've had to update my wardrobe quite a bit since moving here but I love it. It forces me to be more creative and mindful of how I dress :)
My evolving style - NYC has won me over to leggings and boots
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