And I’m off! Today I am heading back to the city I hold near and dear to my heart – New York City. Since I won’t be posting during the trip, make sure to check out my New York adventures on Instagram and Twitter. This will be my 7th time going (including a month long internship) and I have yet to tire of the extraordinary excitement I feel when I’m there. As said by Serena Van Der Woodsen, “How can anyone not love New York?” For as long as I can remember, it has been my dream to live in this city. Though I am a Canadian citizen, I will do whatever it takes (legally) to make that dream a reality. For those of you who either relate or don’t understand, here are the reasons why I want to move to NYC. 

(in no particular order)

1. Hustle & Bustle

Everyone has a purpose. Just being in the city motivates me to make the most of my life. Make an impact, make a million … just get shit done. I struggle with being lazy sometimes and what better inspiration/motivator than the city that encompasses you?

2. Broadway

Growing up, I always dreamed of being an actress. Being on stage cured my shyness and the rush of adrenaline was like no other. Though I chose to study business in university rather than theatre, my love for the art remains. That’s why, on every trip, I make sure to go to at least one Broadway show. The talent is incredible.

3. Comedy

Similar to the point above, comedy was a driver in my dream of acting. I grew up performing Saturday Night Live skits to my family and friends. I still dream of being on SNL some day. Aside from SNL, New York is full of great comedy/improv houses. There’s always somewhere to go for a great laugh. Also, if I live there, I’ll finally be able to book tickets for a Jimmy Fallon taping.

4. The Skyline

Everytime I’m heading to the city, as soon as I see the famous cityscape, it takes my breath away – actually though, I’m not just being poetic. It’s so iconic that you can’t help but think “I’ve made it!”

5. City Lights

So what if you can’t always see the stars? The city lights are just as magical. Especially when the Empire State Building is lit up in different colours.

6. Central Park

If you are ever overwhelmed by the concrete jungle, the park is only a short distance away and quite vast. It won’t take long to forget you are in one of the busiest cities in the world. There are parks throughout the city that I love to visit, but Central Park is a true escape. Read, have a picnic, play an organized sport, do some yoga … chillax.

7. Hamptons

I’ve never been, but I just have this image of me and a bunch of friends going to the Hamptons for the weekend. Of course I won’t own a beach house at that age, but we’ll manage!

8. Shopping/Style

You’ve watched Gossip Girl and Sex & the City. You know this city has got some serious style. BUT you also know you can’t afford Blair Waldorf’s Oscar de la Renta dress or Carrie Bradshaw’s Manolo heels. If you can, I’ll window shop as you swipe your credit card through 5th avenue. For the rest of us, there are endless affordable shops teeming with the best fashion trends and unique looks for those who like to make a stylish statement.

9. Food

Probably every type of cuisine you can imagine is served in this city. Even better? $1 for a huge slice of scrumptious pizza! New restaurants pop up everyday it seems, so your palate will never be bored.

10. Events

In New York, there are endless amounts of events. Night after night you’ll have to make Sophie’s Choice about what will be more fun. I’m constantly looking for fun events to attend, and I’m lucky that Halifax (my university city) and Grenoble (my study abroad city) had lots of options. I’m not one to choose a Netflix night over hanging out with friends.

12. Classes

Partake in any hobby of your choosing! Zumba? Check! Painting? Check! Cooking? Check! Improv? Check! World of War Craft? Check – but really?? I could go on, but I sense you’re getting annoyed. All I’m saying is, when someone asks what your hobbies are, you have no excuse to say you have none!

12. Christmas

You’ve seen the pictures and you’ve most definitely seen Elf. I’m going to use this word for the 1345th time, but it’s just magical! The twinkly lights, the gigantic Christmas trees, Christmas music playing everywhere, and more importantly all the artistically beautiful window displays (especially on 5th avenue). I think I’d spend a whole day seeking out all those displays.

13. Movies/TV

Some of the best movies are set in New York – how can you not be starstruck by locations? Being at certain locations feels like you are standing on a momentous spot in fictional history. And when you watch the show/movie after, you’ll catch yourself yelling “I’ve been there!” while everyone rolls their eyes.

14. 24 Hour Metro

An issue I’ve discovered as I travelled to other major cities – public transport ends around midnight (aka when you are just heading out to the bars!). This means you better go to a bar right by your house to avoid a pricey cab ride or a long drunken walk in the ungodly hours. For New York to have a 24 hour Metro system is perfect – it is the city that never sleeps after all. Last time I was in New York, we decided to wander the city at 4am, which gave me a whole new perspective on the city – Times Square empty? Never thought I’d see that! To our surprise the subways were ready to take us home when we’d gotten too tired and too far from our hotel.

15. Adventure

As mentioned under previous points there are always things appearing, happening, and changing. This is a city that you can’t get bored in – especially once you learn the ropes and how to properly budget your time/money. I get bored easily, except for when I travel. If there is one place that I could stay put, New York City would be just it. It’s my adventure just waiting to happen.

That’s the list for now! I’m sure I could go on, but maybe I’ll save that for a Part 2 ;)

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