During the decade after I left my heart in New York City (back in 2007), I continued to dream many different variations of a dream of my inevitable return. Flash forward to last January, when a steal of a flight deal from YVR to NYC finally led me to start spreading the news that I was leaving on a (commercial) jet plane to the Empire State for Round 2!
Here’s a summary (with snapshots) of my adventures in New York during the first two weeks of March 2019.
Back in 2007, I took my first ‘Big Girl’ trip by venturing to the Big Apple itself—New York City.
With the hustle and bustle on the streets and the contagious vibes of diversity, creativity, and possibility which pulsates throughout the city, I fell in love with New York instantly, and to this day, my heart remains there.
New York City, New York and Los Angeles, California
I am a city girl. Always have been, always will be. I was born and raised in the ‘burbs of Vancouver but constantly longed for a permanent residence in the middle of the metropolis. While I love Vancouver for its Canadian pride, earthy atmosphere, majestic natural beauty, and yes, even sometimes its rain, I sometimes feel stifled by what I believe to be its yet unfulfilled potential to be as great as it could be. People have called Vancouver the “No Fun City” for this reason.
I have only ventured to New York City and Los Angeles once each – NYC during Spring Break 2007 with my Grade 12 art class and LA last Summer 2013 by myself, both times before or after my respective graduations from school, actually – but I never felt as at home as I did during my weeks in those two cities. There are countless things to do, sights to see, and people to meet in this pair of vibrant and diverse places. You could browse through the art museums in Manhattan or go stargazing in Hollywood, and that’s just on the first day!
I was fortunate to visit New York and California during the winter and summer seasons, but I would love to experience life in both coastal cities all year ’round. Springtime in Central Park and Christmas in Southern California? Sign me up! A balance between the hustle and bustle of the City That Never Sleeps and the laid-back, take it easy vibe of the beaches of the City of Angels would combine the two lifestyles I seek. And sure, navigating these mega cities may be daunting, but I think there’s something so exciting and inspiring about being one of the millions of hopefuls who go to NYC and LA to make their dreams come true, and I wish to be part of that group.
Elizabeth Rosalyn 