Coming from an already fast paced city like Miami, I was, in a way, mentally prepared for life in the big apple.
There were some pre-conceived notions I had of the city but after living there for almost two years, I’m here to tell you they are not all true. Here are some things I learned:
- Apartment shopping here is no joke – it’s a dog eat dog world and everyone is here trying to find a space. One day an apartment is on the market, the next day they are gone.
- Contrary to popular belief, people are actually nice. I was in the elevator with someone and freaked out when they asked me how my day was. Convinced he had an ulterior motive, I pretended to not hear him. He was genuinely asking how I was and stepped out of the elevator with a “have a great day!” Instant Becky- douche moment
- Sneakers are your best friend. Not that I already knew that before coming but I can assure you – they are my everything.
- Going off of #3 – you can ABSOLUTELY wear sneakers to dinner and clubs – literally no one will judge you.
- Ubers are way way way too expensive. It can sometimes cost $30 to drive less than a mile because of traffic. Try a cab instead or the fastest mode, the subway
- COMFORT OVER FASHION COMFORT OVER FASHION. Most New Yorkers live their day to day lives in all black and trust me, with over a million people in the city, no one is looking at you.
- Long puffer coats are your best friend in the winter. I fought it for so long but, guess what? This Miami girl froze and cried her way all the way to Uniqlo to buy the best piece of clothing I’ve ever owned.
- Doesn’t matter what day of the week you come, Rockefeller Center and Saks Fifth Avenue during Christmas time is possibly the worst place to be in the whole world. It’s beautiful but prepare yourself for more people than Disney World.
- Central Park is quite possibly one of the most peaceful places in the whole world.
- Chinatown is where all the fun places are at. The streets are scary looking and dark but trust me, a fun time is 100% guaranteed.
- The ferry to Ikea from the Financial District is free and oh-so nice. You can see the Statue of Liberty.
- Getting your groceries delivered saved my life. No one wants to get a bulk of groceries in the dead of winter. Been there, done that. Don’t ever want to do it again.
- Most laundromats do drop off (learned that about 8 months into me living in the city) Don’t waste your time! Drop off!
- No matter how clean you keep your apartment, dust is CONSTANTLY accumulating. I would wipe down my furniture in the morning and by late afternoon there was dust all over my desk again. It’s inevitable and you just have to get use to it.
- All the crazies congregate in Washington Square Park (aka the center of NYU’s “campus”) but it’s the best place to grab a bagel, sit and people watch. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
- The best rooftop during the summer is your own (or your friends). You typically have it all to yourself and don’t have to wait in ridiculous lines and pay $30 for a cocktail.
- Kayaking is one of the best summer activities – amazing view + it’s free!
- Anywhere between 30th street and 40th is awful – try to avoid at ALL times.
- Celebrity sightings are very normal and oh so boring. Nobody cares.
- The Lower East Side (where I lived) is hands down the coolest neighborhood in Manhattan. #Confirmed
My time in New York was so special and a time I will hold in my heart forever. Can’t wait for this quarantine to be over over so I can visit my friends, squeeze them tight and celebrate at one of our favorite places, Pulqueria.
love,
Becky Diaries 