Dear New York City,
My first impression of you was that you were exactly like the movies said you were: full of loud people who communicated by yelling and honking at each other. You also had beautiful people with all the designer brands on their arm and were the center of the universe.
But, that’s only the surface. You’re not any of that really. You’re more of a surprise than an expectation.
I will say you’re city stinks. No, it literally reeks of horse manure and piss. Then again, your public restrooms actually had urine on the floors. I guess the whole city is more grit than glam! That’s not a bad thing though. You have character.
I’ve also decided that your citizens aren’t *that* rude. They just know where they’re headed and won’t let anyone slow them down. I can appreciate that. Though I did worry when they would walk into oncoming traffic as they crossed the street. I guess they don’t like to wait for the “walk” signal. I still can’t decide if they’re bold or simply crazy.
I visited a few of your high end stores with real trepidation that I would be given the Pretty Woman treatment. You know, the “we don’t serve your kind” vibe. I didn’t. Burberry and Louboutin seemed to think I could actually afford their things! It was a compliment to my ego.
Lastly, the impression that everyone had designer handbags was blown out of the water when I encountered the numerous fakes on the street being sold. Anything will do right?
I will give you one thing New York. You may not be the center of the universe, but you *are* the ultimate mothership. You have everything that a person could possibly love. You’re just surrounded by a lot of horse manure and piss.
Love, Kristen
PS. Your food is ridiculously good
PSS. In case you were wondering, my personal mothership was Lindts Chocolatiers. Truffles. I’m all about truffles.
There’s people who love that city with a passion. I don’t understand it… but I’m not a city kind of guy.
Those kind of people think I’m strange for my love of mountains and seclusion.
No I get it! I think there is so much to see and do there that it can almost be overwhelming!
The only city I would like to go back to is Munich, Germany. It’s the perfect blend of history, modern and an authentic European city. If you ever get a chance please go there!
I would love to see Munich one day! Gotta get a bigger travel budget first!
It’s worth every penny you save up for!
Duly noted! I’d love to go see Europe at some point! So many places to visit!
Good to know!
I try to express my views of a city but New York was a challenge. It is definitely overwhelming and hard to put into words!
I bet! It’s on the list, but not at the top as I find big cities are similar often so would prefer to see the small places. Feel like you have to see NYC at some point though.
I think my favorite city so far has been New Orleans. It has a culture completely separate from anything I’ve seen in the United States. I loved the music and the general atmosphere there. I’m hoping they get this through this next hurricane season in one piece.
I get it, I felt the same way about visiting New York, not at the top of my list and only went since we decided to travel across the northeast a bit. It’s definitely an experience 🙂
Oh I’ve heard New Orleans is wonderful!
I absolutely love it! It’s definitely one I’ll visit again!
I LOVE New York! I also was afraid when the people just walked across the street without waiting for walk signals, too, & oh my gosh, their food!! Everything they serve is delicious.
Enjoying these open letters so much, Kristen! Thanks for sharing your experiences with us. 🙂
The food was so crazy good! I wish I had more time there just to eat! Even their street food is good!
There was at one point, a woman taking a photo in the middle of a busy intersection. I’m sure it got a lot of likes on Instagram 😵
The open letters were fun to write! I’m so happy you’re enjoying them!
I would love to just spend all day eating in NY for a trip LOL, that’d be amazing. Super crazy about the lady taking a photo in the intersection but, it barely moves, right? I’m glad she got her IG Shot & got out of there alive. 😉
<3 <3
I think if I ever went back to New York it would be solely for the food. They could literally do no wrong. 🤤
I travel anywhere solely for the food LOL
Now that you say it, I’m pretty sure I do, halfway through any trip I ask if it can be a tour of food. 😂
New York is an acquired taste for sure! I hated it for about a year, but it grew on me. I ended up living there for 3 years. I absolutely love New York now.
It’s the kinda place where you just can’t seem to see enough!