There is something magical happening in New York City in 2015. Every single person that has traveled to NYC comes back filled with energy and enthusiasm. That is not to say that before, people did not feel this way, but this year something has changed. When I first stepped into the JFK airport, I was equally overwhelmed and underwhelmed by what I saw. So many people say that New York City is the best city in the entire world. Thousands of people leave their hometown so they can travel hundreds of miles away to this city. There is a vibrancy that cannot be denied, but, like any other city, its overwhelming population immediately took away the appeal from me. I could not understand why a city where you can barely walk without running into someone else would be the cause of hundreds of moves. Because I had such high expectations, everything failed to meet them. But this year, it was different.
Introducing Taylor Swift. Yes, yes, you may either really love her or not have a preference, but either way, you cannot deny the level of success this new year has brought her. Her new CD, "1989," has made her an international figure. And where did it all start? New York City. No matter how you feel about her, you cannot deny wanting some of those good vibes that she's putting out.
Ingrid Nilsen is a YouTube sensation that recently broke stereotypes within the beauty world when she declared she was gay. Her journey to self-discovery started when she first moved to New York City and it wasn't until this year that she was brave enough to embrace herself.
In a city where acceptance reigns, it is easy to find yourself when you are able to find people that think alike. Take the subway for example. In theory, it could be a really anxious process. Crowded with hundreds of people trying to get to their own destinations, but if you take a moment to look up, you will be able to see the diversity that we sometimes take for granted. The mother with the sleeping child or the guy reading that complex book you have no idea about.
When I visited New York City this year, I found peace and I was able to see the city in a brand new light. Everything that I had previously dismissed, I grew to love. Exploring different sides of the city (and not just the main tourist traps) allow you to see a completely new city. And do not forget about the food. Everything from the pizza to the little, hidden restaurants will have you eating endlessly. If you have a chance to visit the city this year, definitely try. 2015 has shed some kind of magic onto the city and you do not want to miss it for the world.
