The Big Apple. The City That Never Sleeps. They say if you can make it here, you can make it anywhere.
All clichés aside, there really is no place like New York. Your wildest dreams and worst nightmares can happen all at once. This summer, my friend Sara and I have made the trek to the city to see if we have what it takes to live and work here. Here are 15 things I’ve learned so far, this summer.
1. Waiting for the subway in July is good example of what the heat of Hell probably feels like.
2. Your RBF will be perfected.
3. Pizza. That is all.
4. You’re going to get lost at least 3 times a day.
5. The bars don’t close until 4 a.m. (if they close at all), so prepare your mind, body, liver and wallet accordingly.
6. You pretend like nothing is out of the ordinary when you see weird things happening on the street. EX: A woman playing the jazz flute in a neon pink, skintight body suit and Uggs.
7. Even when you have the right of way to cross the road, taxis and buses will not slow down or hesitate to run you over.
8. You get so jaded about food prices that $30 for dinner is a cheap meal.
9. Paying less than $10 for a drink will feel like a steal.
10. The best way to spend a sunny Sunday is to find a rock in Central Park and read. After a boozy brunch, of course.
11. Don’t take it as a compliment when a hobo calls you beautiful, and DON'T make eye contact.
12. Everyone you meet will be in finance. Everyone. So, unless you understand securities, markets, quantitative easing or high frequency trading, prepare yourself for a lot of smiling, nodding and pretending like you know what everyone is talking about.
13. Times Square is Hell on earth. It's the absolute worst. Don’t go there.
14. Actually, tourists are the worst. Especially the ones who walk slow, stop in the middle of the sidewalk and take pictures.
15. New York City is unlike any other, and you’re going to fall in love, fast and hard. Get ready to pack your bags, and empty your bank account, because you know this is where you want to be.
