In a NY state of mind, en route to world’s happiest city.
Ever since I landed in New York City for the first time in 2011, 22 and starry-eyed, playing Alicia keys’ “concrete jungles where dreams are made of ” on a loop (corny much?), I have been re-visiting at least twice a year and falling a little more in love with each adventure in this chaotic bustling city with its dizzying skyscrapers, sprawling parks, and delicious bagels and pizzas.
The first time I got here, I was here for an interview for an internship with Morgan Stanley. The interview went incredibly well; I kicked ass (Not bragging; this was my first great interview after a series of hysterically-awful ones) and, needless to say, I snagged the internship for 3 months in NYC. But along came another company with a better offer shattering my dreams and robbing me of my stay in NYC (How rude! :P). No real regrets, life took a different spin and while I’m happy to be where I am today, I still fantasize about moving to NYC and calling this place home one day. My caring friends have warned me that the banes may outweigh the boons- “you are going to spend your entire paycheck for living in a broomstick closet; kitchen-restroom and bedroom rolled into one apartment; you will be walking everywhere; getting groceries in snowy winters; jostling millions of tourists on your way to work” and blah blah. But I think I’m ready to trade in the “luxuries” I have for a slice of the big-apple life. It’s probably good to have a smaller apartment; lesser hoarding and easier to maintain; walking is a great exercise and a better way to explore the city (think about all the audiobooks and podcasts I can listen to). My parents have managed all their lives without a car and I’m sure I’ll embrace that life after a couple of months of whining. One real threat I foresee are the bitter winters. Bah, humbug! Surely I’ll adapt?
With all these thoughts buzzing in my head, I took the bus from La Guardia to Manhattan. My plan was to kill a couple of hours around Penn Station before taking the train to Newark, from where I would board the flight to Copenhagen! (Wee!!) My friend Darsh who moved here about a year ago always has great recommendations for things to do. I took her advice and spent three blissful hours – starting with lunch at Khatti Roll company followed by coffee at Culture Espresso and a brief stroll through Bryant Park. Another perfect day in this city!
The loveliest wrap since Pashmina at Khati roll Company
Kati Roll Company is a delightful crowded little space with big retro Bollywood posters and wallpapers and great Khatti rolls. I ordered an Unda Aloo roll (egg roll) and an Aloo masala roll (roll with spicy mashed potatoes) with a cup of masala chai (spiced tea with milk and sugar, yes please) and a bottle of mango lassi! Yes, all for me and one meal, I was quite hungry alright? Pfft! I shared a table and stories with a nice Chinese man in his early forties. The perks of traveling solo, you meet all kinds of interesting people. 🙂
Culture Espresso
The Chinese man helped me roll my luggage to Culture Espresso and wouldn’t take no for an answer. After he left, I ensconced myself at a cozy corner in this adorable café and ordered a cup of macchiato, which was excellent. I also managed to get some work done.
Signing off with some of my favorite postcards of NYC!
Oh what a lovely post. The roll company I did try a week ago, but I hope I would have read the blog 1 week ago when I was in nyc. But next time 🙂
That art mural is amazing! So vibrant and beautiful. I have always had a love for NYC too, but have yet to make it there. Sounds like you had another enjoyable day here.
I think you have the most beautiful website layout I have ever seen! Your post was super interesting and the photos were beautiful (especially of the mural). New York City always seems there is always something going on in and around the city.
LOVE NYC!! I just got back from my holiday there and sad to say, I did not spend enough time 🙁 Was there for 3.5 days and there is just so much to do and so much to see in every corner of the city. I can’t wait to visit again 🙂
Sounds like you had a wonderful layover in the vibrant city of New York
Those roll ups look so good! I try and get back to New York every year because there is so much to discover.
I love this! You have perfectly captured how I feel about NYC. I have only been twice for a week each time but lordy lord did I fall in love with that city! I have promised myself I will live there one day, if only for a couple of months!
It’s always interesting to see where life takes you. What I love though is that you can always choose to visit those spots that you love. I like that you make regular trips back here. Always nice to keep a NY state of mind!
I love NYC. I am there every year which is a lot for an aussie! I love that you managed to find some hidden gems here that are typically so NYC, but that are lovely to find. And the people you meet along the way? That’s the best part right? Love all the little connections we make!
Absolutely 🙂
New York City is so fun to visit! I live in Washington DC, so it’s fairly easy to bus up for a short weekend trip. This is the first time I’ve heard of some of the locations in your post, so I’ll have to check them out next time! I recently had khati rolls for the first time, so I’m excited for Khati Roll Company!