New York, New York. It’s always seemed like the “big brother” to my hometown Washington D.C’s “little brother.” The City’s restaurants, bars, and fashion are copied in earnest in Washington, but the edge or “coolness” is never quite captured. That’s probably because, just like one person can copy another’s style, they can’t copy personality. And New York’s personality is what makes it great. It’s big, bold, and beautiful, and unafraid to push the envelope. I hadn’t been to the City in a few years and it was good to be back.
I was in town to visit friends who had long since made the migration from D.C. My mission was a weekend of good food, late nights, and plenty of socializing. Of course, all three were accomplished in full. An unplanned Saturday night quickly went from a slice of pizza (pie as they say) to a party at a beatiful loft condo complete with beautiful people, fine catering, cocktails and conversations until the wee hours.
One thing that always strikes me about people in New York is that they always have something to do, some place to go. New York never fails in that regard. Whatever your pleasure is, the City has got it. Just walking down the street, you see the cafés, pizza parlors, pubs and fashionista’s strutting down the street. No wonder the Sartorlialist can have such a phenomenally successful blog. He has a never ending supply of inspiration from a city of 8.3 million people. But most importantly, you feel the energy. Like Jay-Z and so many others have said, New York “will inspire you.” So as I’m walking down Avenue of the Americas, yeah… I feel inspired. New York makes you want to try and that anything is possible.
A weekend in New York is such a tease. Because before you know it, you’re back on your bus, train or flight out and the whirlwind seems like it was all a dream. Thankfully, New York and the dreams it offers are always there waiting for you.
That’s what I love about New York. What do you love about the City?
The City. Growing up, I was the only one who didn’t love New York City. It’s okay, I thought, but come on. Heads turned; I could read their minds. There’s nothing like New York City, they said. It’s The Place, The City, The Yardstick, the only one that counts. No way, I thought, there’s more out there. In the end they were right. Returning makes my heart beat faster. Who knew?
You can leave The City, but it really never leaves you. You will miss New York once you’ve been. The style, the mood, its way. It pulls, it draws you back; you’ll always return. Coming back it’s there round the clock like you never left. Waiting for your return.