Ten Reasons I Moved Back To New York

Tuesday, September 20, 2016


Ahh, New York. You kicked my ass, my friend.  You stole my purse, my license, and a whole ton of cash.  Yet...

There's something about New York that's always got me gravitating towards her.  Lately, I've been reminiscing about what drew me back to New York after I left in 2011, returned in 2013, and departed once again in 2015.

1. FOOD
My first meal in New York City in September 2006 was at Tony DiNapoli's.  I never looked back.

2. People watching
Literally anywhere.  Sitting on your stoop.  Standing on the bus.  Glancing our your window.  Folding T-Shirts at the laundromat. Tossing out your trash.  On the stairwell to your apartment.  On the subway platform.  People -- they are everywhere and they are doing some of the weirdest things.  Try to tear your eyes away, I dare you.

3. Public Transportation is somewhat reliable
Okay, okay, I know that statement is incredibly false, but at least figuring out where you need to go and their readily availability makes Public Transpo in NY one I've yet to seen beat.  And let's admit it is relatively clean.  With the amount of people riding on it daily, it could be far worse than it is.

4. Robert Moses State Park
There is no place like the beach.  People who've never visited Long Island beaches like to argue with me ("New York doesn't have a real beach!") but to see it is to believe it.  Sure, Jones Beach is super close to the city but the atmosphere at Robert Moses State Park (Field 5 specifically!) is relaxed and friendly.  Maybe a little too friendly because you can find lots of topless sunbathers here.

5. Central Park
In my first semester of college, we were paired up and told to tour a piece of New York City and report on it.  I was blessed enough to get Central Park.  I love the hills that don't feel like they belong, the bicyclists who will mow you down, and the ridiculous amount of brave squirrels trying to snatch your pretzel away.  New York City is always changing but Central Park seems so...firm.

6. The ability to walk anywhere and into anything
When I lived in New York, I know my legs were legit.  You wanna get somewhere fast and the subway is packed?  Better get to stepping.  I could walk to the grocery store or the movie theater or any type of food my little heart desired.

7. Canal Street
Ugh.  Canal Streeeeett.  I don't even know if Canal Street is what it once was, but it used to be the land of fake designer labels.  I used to get a rush haggling in a small closet over a fake Coach bag.  75% of the time, I walked out with nothing, I just liked being able to argue over a price.  And it was always so full!  There was definitely some prime People Watching.

8. Bread is better
I love you Pittsburgh, but your bread is awful.  I don't know if it's something in the water or if it's going to kill me--I don't really care, I just want it back in my bread products.  I would kill for a bagel right now.

9. Drake's Cakes
When I would visit my family, if I didn't have Drake's in my suitcase I wasn't allowed into the house.  Really not kidding, they were severely disappointed in me.  Luckily for me, they started selling them at the Wal-Mart in town or I don't know if I would have been allowed to move home.

10. Anonymity
What I loved most about New York is the ability to go anywhere looking amazing or like death.  And no one cared.  If I felt like putting on some makeup to match my PJ's and run to the deli, I could.  The chances of running into someone I knew were incredibly minimal.  That's a powerful feeling, like the Cloak of Invisibility.  So basically, living in New York turned me into Harry Potter.

4 comments

  1. I love this post! I'm still such an NYC newbie and there's little treats hidden in here for me to check out: never heard of Drake's Cakes; and I haven't been to the beaches (although I should have, New York summer nearly killed me). I also giggled at the squirrels, they totally have a devil may care attitude.

    I'd love to do a collab with you, things you recommend in NYC for me to visit, eat/drink at and experience and your living vicariously through me? Let me know what you think?

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    Replies
    1. Oh my God, Devil Dogs from Drake's are ahhmazing! If you find time, try to take a trip out to Fire Island. It's so lovely in the fall! You get there by the LIRR.

      I would love to collab! I'll shoot you an e-mail :)

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  2. My family and I kept moving from one place to another since I was a kid and I also love the anonymity. Hihi :)

    Augustin Ra | Indie Spirit

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi! It's like getting a chance to be your best self over and over again!

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