After spending five weeks in New York City this past summer, I've learned to move through the crowds of people like a choreographed dance. Living in the city involves taking the subway at least three times a day and spending at least an hour waiting the the stuffy subway stations, but that is part of the culture. You haven't truly experienced New York without the sweltering heat and the crammed subways on a rainy day. Here I have five activities that I have found to help me develop my understanding of the New York Life style.
5: Times Square
Going to a crowded area like Times Square is a unique experience every time you go. If you haven't been, I suggest going with a few friends and looking around at all the different people. It might be better to go there during the holiday season to see all of the different decorations. There might even be fewer people so that the crowds are easier to navigate. Learning your way through the crowds helps develop a strong sense of the New York culture. One of my favorite pastimes during the summer was exploring the different crowded areas and finding cool sculptures or places to take great pictures. The nice thing about Times Square is that you can still visit even after the seasons have changed.
4: Food Festivals
While Chelsea Market may be more realistic when the weather turns cold, food festivals and events like Smorgasbourg over the weekend are a creative way to try new things and bring out your creative side. It's best to bring friends so that you can share meals and split the costs. You will never forget your favorite meal that you discovered in New York at some crazy food festival with your best friends. Below are some pictures of the different foods I tried for the first time. The different pop-up shops had a variety of foods including, lobster truffle fries, Japanese fluffy pancake crème brûlée, ramen burgers, and strawberry ice-cream with toasted marshmallow.
3: Adventures in New York
Go for a walk, despite the cold weather in New York during the fall and winter seasons, you can take the subway to a place you have never been to before. You never know what you might find in some quiet street between two skyscrapers. After walking for a little while, my friends and I found a the Greenacre Park (217 E 51 st), the Highline, or Lincoln Center. You never know what the secrets of New York will bring. Greenacre Park has tables and quiet areas so that you can focus and find yourself. It is just as memorable in the fall as it is in the summer.
2: Cooking Class
Take a class. No, not an academic class, take something that you are interested in. When the cold comes around, a cooking class is a great way to embrace the culture of the famous New Yorkers throughout the city. I took a class at Atelier Sucré (104 E 7th st). The class I took was on making madeleines and tartes. During the winter seasons, they offer chocolate workshops, homemade pizza classes, and french macaroon courses. Even if you aren't a great chef, classes with experts somehow make everyone the next Top Chef. You never know, you might discover your passion from a small class in the city!
1: Become a photographer
My all time favorite thing to do was, taking photos of the sunsets in between the avenues of New York is a creative way to encapsulate all of the adventurous nights and memories you make in the city. It's also a fun challenge to do between your friends. In the fall you can take pictures of the changing seasons in places like Central Park or Bryant Park. Editing the pictures can really give it that final touch that makes you seem as professional as you can get with a regular phone. My friends and I would stay out late at night just to find the best pictures and make even better memories. No matter where you go or when you go the city has so many opportunities to take pictures