It’s officially been one year of living in Manhattan!!
A year ago I turned down jobs that felt wrong and drove hours just for an interview. “What if I don’t even get the job? I should just take the job offer here and live at home. Am I being foolish?” I felt insane, scared and indecisive. With a leap of faith, I managed to land both my job and sign a lease all in one day. After a year here I am sharing some of the things I love most!
- The people – Excluding the subway creatures, the people in New York City are like no other. There are so many different walks of life here. It really is the best place to people watch and connect. More often than not people are willing to slow down, be kind and help you out – subway directions and all.
2. The subway songs – The subway is quite the NYC experience. I love when I get off a train and there is some amazing performer playing!
3. Central Park – My favorite place in the city. It’s amazing to have such a big green space in the middle of it all. Bow bridge is a great place to watch the boats circle.
4 – The speakeasy scene – Going out to a small, cozy and dimly lit bar that feels like we’ve stepped back into the 20’s is just my speed. These are my favorite spots in the city!
5. Late night bites – they don’t call it the city that never sleeps for nothing. So much still stays open really late or even 24 hours!
6. The sea of yellow taxis – Something about them feels NYC classic. Cheesy? Probably.
7. Pizza – Nothing beats NYC pizza. Nothing. Oh and it’s $1.
8. Energy – The energy and the buzzing of the city in New York is a one of a kind electric feeling.
9. Opportunity – You really feel like you can be and do absolutely anything here.
10. Adventure – Every corner, every person, every place feels like an adventure in a small way. It’s amazing to have lived her for a year and still find so many hidden corners or neighborhoods I haven’t been to yet! Plus the great thing about NYC is that you can feel like a tourist in your own home everyday.
11. The views – I feel that anytime I find a new rooftop spot, the view only gets better. The skyline is breathtaking every time.
“I get out of the taxi and it’s probably the only city which in reality look better than on the postcards, New York.” – Milos Forman
12. Shows – Nothing beats a date night to a comedy or broadway show!
13. THE FOOD – The restaurant lists are endless!!
14 . You can wear whatever! I find it so interesting and amazing that you can really wear whatever here. Any style is NYC style.
“I love that about New York: You just dress the way you want to dress and feel really comfortable because nobody is judging. You can just be yourself, and it’s perfectly normal.” -Henrik Lundquist
15. Learning to be more assertive! This city has really taught me to go for what I want and sometimes say what I feel (in a good way)
16. Convenience – The beauty of having a grocery store, wine store, sake bar, laundry mat, garden and drug store all on one block!
This place felt really daunting and scary to me my first year as I’ve shared but I have truly grown to love it. I’ve learned so much this year. I’ve gotten to explore and run around the city that never sleeps. To the city that has taught me more about myself and others than I could ever imagine. To the city that I love, thank you. P.S. That thing that you think is insane? You should go do it.
Here is my NYC bucket list! All of these just rolled off the top of my head! Save this and check them off for your next bucket list adventure!
I’ve linked some of my favorite NYC things if you want to bring a little piece of the city to you!
Always,
Madison
