Journal 1: Reflection on New York

     New York City. Three small words that does not do justice to the great melting pot that is the Big Apple. So I may be a little bias when comparing New York City to other cities of the world, but hey, what else can you expect from someone who was born and raised in New York? Although, I was born in Queens, I am only a train ride away from the city. New York City has become the backdrop of many of my experiences growing up.

     When thinking of New York City, I first think of the hustle and bustle flow of Times Square. The large masses of people coming from many different parts of the world, the constant stream of yellow taxis, the smell of peanuts from the vendor and the flashing lights beaming from every billboard. I think Times Square is the quintessential snapshot of what New York City represents. It is the city that never sleeps. It is a place of endless possibilities, where people of every background are welcome. What I love most about New York City is that there are always places to go and discover. New York City is always evolving and there is always something new to see. I believe that people are attracted to this city because it opens people's minds through theater, artwork, music, the nightlife and many other things. New York City is where people go to make their dreams real. What I also love about New York City is that you almost never feel lonely. It's as if the city is always your companion. The lights and the noise all become a part of you.     

     I believe that people who want to fulfill their dreams go to New York City because anywhere you look, can be a source of inspiration. For instance, when I think of New York City, I think of the museums, such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art or the MoMA. I remember my first visit to the MoMA, I was in awe of the artwork that was featured in a Tim Burton exhibit. I enjoyed it very much because it opened my eyes to a different perspective on art. Inspiration can also be drawn from the Broadway shows that New York City has to offer, such as the beautiful Phantom of the Opera.  

     When people think of New York City, they of course picture in their mind, a great big city. However, it is not just a place filled with noisy taxis and towering skyscrapers. It is also a place that embraces nature. For instance, the very famous Central Park, is one of my favorite places to go and just climb on a rock and clear my head and enjoy the scenery. I love that if New Yorkers wanted to take a break from the busy and fast life of New  York City, they can just head to Central Park and read a book or simply enjoy the view of the pond and the boathouse. I also love that you can go to farmers markets and buy homemade jam or fresh vegetables from a farm.

     Another thing that I love about New York, is the food. Since New York City is considered to be a big melting pot, it is fortunate enough to be populated by such different cultures. New York City is a place where people come from all over the world. It is a city that embraces the differences in cultures and beliefs.  It is almost impossible to avoid trying new cuisines, such as Chinese cuisines in Chinatown or Italian food in Little Italy. So instead of flying ten hours to Italy to eat Penne a la Vodka, why not simply take a train ride to Little Italy and get something pretty close to the authentic cuisine? With all the different selections of food, it is hard not to feel like a kid in a candy store when I am in New York City.

     Although I have seen some parts of New York City, I believe that there are endless amount of things and places left to be seen. There is a story for every street corner in New York City.  That's the thing about New York City, there is always room for learning and new experiences. I am excited to start this class and I hope to make new discoveries. I am for sure this class will make me more proud to be a New Yorker. So here's to the semester! Another opportunity for New York City to woo me with her beauty!