New York City is one of those places you can't help but be nervous about visiting. How many tv shows are based in New York? Movies? Before you've ever even stepped foot in NYC you think you know what it will be like. I mean, some of the best shopping, restaurants, and companies are based out of New York. It's a world of promise, excitement, speed and fantabulousness. So they say.
I've been to the Big Apple twice before in my life. I've walked up the spiral staircase to the top of the Statue of Liberty, I've peered over the rails of the Empire State Building to the tiny people below, walked through Central Park, stood in Time Square, seen a Broadway musical, navigated the Subway, been on a double decker bus tour, stood on Wall Street, seen the memorial for the Twin Towers, and even stood next to Nick Cannon on the street during a live taping of Mtv's TRL.
Can you tell the last two times I was in NYC I was in my teens?
Stop judging.
This was the first time I've stepped on New York soil as an adult. This time there were no touristy events, no must-sees, no agenda really. This time it was simply two old friends meeting, getting gussied up, and doing what twentysomethings do best, going bar hopping.
And you know what I realized?
The fabulous, amazing, best city in the whole world, is just like any other big city.
Except here you can watch tv while you're in a cab.
I've been to the Big Apple twice before in my life. I've walked up the spiral staircase to the top of the Statue of Liberty, I've peered over the rails of the Empire State Building to the tiny people below, walked through Central Park, stood in Time Square, seen a Broadway musical, navigated the Subway, been on a double decker bus tour, stood on Wall Street, seen the memorial for the Twin Towers, and even stood next to Nick Cannon on the street during a live taping of Mtv's TRL.
Can you tell the last two times I was in NYC I was in my teens?
Stop judging.
This was the first time I've stepped on New York soil as an adult. This time there were no touristy events, no must-sees, no agenda really. This time it was simply two old friends meeting, getting gussied up, and doing what twentysomethings do best, going bar hopping.
And you know what I realized?
The fabulous, amazing, best city in the whole world, is just like any other big city.
Except here you can watch tv while you're in a cab.
I love NYC, and if I could I would totally come back and visit next weekend. We had a truly amazing night out. I still get all flabbergasted standing outside the doors of Random House, walking down the street and looking to my left and spotting Central Park still blows my mind, and flying past the Statue of Liberty is most definitely an out-of-body experience, but as I stood in a random bar catching up with friends, or eating slices at a hole in the wall pizza place at 2am I couldn't help but feel like I was just in any other big city in America.
New York I'll be back again, but just between you and I, you don't scare me anymore.
Ashley, the Accidental Olympian
New York is one of my favorite cities in the world. I often wonder if I was meant to live there, but then I remember how much I NEED the water so I tuck NYC in my heart and visit whenever I can.
P.S. That pictures speaks volumes!
Posted by: Junket | 03/07/2010 at 10:13 AM
You forgot to mention the mozzarella sticks!!
I love this city so much more now that I live here, it gets better and better each time I walk out my front door. However, one stipulation, I cannot stop spending money! Every step I take, money is flying out of my hands. Here is to being broke Ash. I now know what you mean by counting pennies.
Posted by: Joy Jenkins | 03/07/2010 at 01:40 PM
JUNKET -- When I was in my teens I was convinced that I was meant to live in NYC. Now that I've lived in Seattle, and gone and visited NYC as an adult I still love it, but I know I could never live there. I did promise NYC I would visit often. We have a long distance love affair.
JOY -- You're right, how could I forget about the mozzarella sticks?
I can totally see how NY is a total money pit. My best tip for saving cash is staying home and watching tv. :) Glamorous right?
Posted by: Ashley, The Accidental Olympian | 03/07/2010 at 02:57 PM
Hi Ashley,
So glad you had a good time in NY! Next time you're here I need to buy you a drink. The thing about living in NY is that while I love it every day, I also fantasize about California every day. The grass is always greener I guess. But yes, it is just a big city, and the scary thing about globalization is that big cities are starting to look more and more like each other. But it's still New York :D
Posted by: Rachel | 03/08/2010 at 06:50 PM
RACHEL -- I so would have contacted you for a meet up had I not been in NY for only one night. Next time it's ON.
Posted by: Ashley, The Accidental Olympian | 03/09/2010 at 07:58 AM