Coming from the City, I didn't know how good I had it. Walking around in seventh grade alone (super safe), not needing a license, and not being limited by your parents schedule is not something I ever thought of as a privilege -- still can't say I understand that side of life. The motivation to walk out of my apartment door into the exciting world of New York City with endless food and activity option can't compare to going to Martin to study or College Center for major limits.
Here are 10 reasons I miss NYC (don't judge).
1. Not needing to use a car.
Although I have my license, and driving is fun, the money I spend on gas is something I never had to think about. The idea of just walking outside to get groceries and not worry about getting a parking spot when I get back gives me the motivation to finish the semester strong.
2. Soul Cycle.
Yeah, we are all haters. But at the end of the day the vibes, the music and the workout are like no other (and the Lady Gaga and Caroline Kennedy sightings are always an exciting time.) despite the price, I can't wait to get back on those bikes.
3. Central Park.
Who needs a backyard, anyway? Sheep's Meadow, the castle, the reservoir, the City's park is more than just a patch of grass, and no one can beat it. As great as Hartman is on a sunny Lancaster day, I can't help but feel the sadness of missing whatever new activities are going on in my backyard.
4. The water.
Oh, gosh, when I first got to school my biggest struggle wasn't missing family, missing my bed or missing pets, but missing the good old tap water. There is nothing better than being able to go to any faucet in my house fill up a big glass of water and chug it. The excitement I have written with might be sad to you non-New Yorkers.
5. The food.
Pizza, pasta, gummus, gnocchi, beef, vegan food, smoothies, kale, Zabars, H&H Bagels. Ugh, the options are endless. They are probably eventing new fantastic food groups as we speak in the city. I can't wait to get back on the Upper West Side and dig into the best mac n' cheese ever via The Smith.
6. The food hours.
Being able to eat pizza for breakfast and pancakes for dinner has always been a talent of mine; little did I know it was a skill I learned from my very own hometown. The hours of all the restaurants make me so proud to be a New Yorker. I'm sorry, but I don't get how closing your kitchen at 10 p.m. is ever acceptable.
7. The pace.
Everyone knows that we New Yorkers like to move fast. The anxiety I feel when a waitress takes more than five minutes to let me look at a menu, or people talk and see the scenery while walking to class is unexplainable. I can't wait for people to walk by me and yell the sweet sentence, "I'm walkin' here" -- which is not what we say nor what we sound like, but more a "f**k you." Come on -- who has time to look at a once in a lifetime view of an almost extinct bird; you have places to be.
8. Cars honking and people screaming while I'm going to bed.
The sweet sound of nature's silence will just never put me to bed; get the ambulance, firetrucks, angry taxi drivers and all the loud New Yorkers up in here for me to pass out.
9. The museums.
Being able to have access to the most amazing art in the world, is obviously taken for granted until you leave. I can take a five minute train ride, 30-minute walk and see some of the most beautiful art in the world -- how lucky am I?
10. The energy.
Being surrounded by 8.3 million people might sound overwhelming, but there is nothing better than waking up and seeing how many different people there are. there is nothing more special than NYC.
See you soon.
Sincerely,
A New Yorker
