Welcome to the City that Never Sleeps!  

New York City, located on the north-eastern coast of the United States, is a melting pot of cultures and traditions. People from all corners of the world have flocked to this vibrant metropolis, bringing their customs, languages, and flavours. As you walk down the bustling streets, you’ll encounter a rich tapestry of diversity, where Chinatown’s bustling markets neighbour the aromatic curry houses of Little India, and the sizzling energy of Harlem meets the upscale boutiques of SoHo.

 It’s no surprise that much great music is written about New York City. One of the most famous of all New York songs (and my favourite) is New York, New York by Frank Sinatra.

“If I can make it there, I’ll make it anywhere, it’s up to you, New York, New York”.

Well, I haven’t had the opportunity to live and try and make it in this city, but wouldn’t I love that!

The first time I visited when I was in college and it made me nervous. I was overwhelmed by its tall buildings, busy streets, the subway around which the city revolves, the constant hustle and bustle, incessant sirens and rush hour traffic. Later, I would come to love these sounds.

I heard then that to appreciate NYC, one needs to spend time here and I really didn’t get a chance to do that until a few years later. I remember the second time I visited the city. I quickly learned to appreciate the shapes, colours, clouds, sunrises and sunsets reflected in its tall buildings and watching the city light up as the sun sets.

Since that trip, I kept coming back for more. And each time, my heart would skip a beat at the first sight of the Manhattan skyline. The awe-inspiring Empire State Building, with its art-deco design, pierces the sky, while the sleek and modern One World Trade Center stands tall as a symbol of resilience and hope. The iconic Statue of Liberty, a gift from France, stands proudly in the harbour.

New York can be infuriating, thrilling and noisy, but it is can never ever be boring.

New York is also impossible to see in one visit. For fans of art, visiting the grand galleries of the Metropolitan Museum of Art or the Museum of Modern Art are a sight for sore eyes. This city is home to thousands of restaurants, museums, attractions, plays, and quirky things to do.

My favourite moments include walking through the Union Square, Riverside park or through some of its neighbourhoods like West Village, Battery Park and Brooklyn. What makes these neighbourhoods special? The red-stone buildings, the cobblestone streets, beautiful architecture and tucked away coffee shops of course. Each of these neighbourhoods have their own identity and you just have to explore them on foot to know what I mean. You just need good walking shoes.

New York is a paradise for food lovers. From classic New York-style pizza to innovative fusion cuisine, the city’s dining scene caters to all tastes and preferences. Don’t miss the chance to explore the diverse food trucks scattered around the city, where you can savour flavours from around the world in a single bite. And, of course, a visit to New wouldn’t be complete without grabbing a bagel from a local deli.

The perfect way to relax in the city and leave the crowds behind is to spend the day in Central Park, which I think covers over 150 square blocks. There are lots of paths to walk, cycle, lakes to row in and a zoo to check out. During the summer months, there are often free concerts and theatre productions like Shakespeare in the Park. I love laying out on the grass with a book, or having some food and wine at the Loeb Boat House.

With its gardens, art, food, and greenery, walking on the High Line, is one of my favourite things to do, especially on a nice day. A train track that is now an urban walking park, stretches from the 16th street all the way to 34th street. For anyone who loves to walk, sit with a book, or people-watch — the High Line is a must.

Someone once told me, “In New York, you can just be”. I felt this to be true. The city as chaotic as it can be, also allows you to breathe, to discover yourself, and … to just be. New York is so much more than just a place; it’s a state of mind. It’s a city of contradictions, where modernity meets tradition, and where the aspirations of millions intermingle in a harmonious cacophony.

I haven’t been back since the pandemic and so I don’t know how much it has changed since my last visit. But I can’t wait to see it again!