The Ten Commandments of NYC
I spent my summer in the Big Apple. I had never been to city before, even as a visitor, but living there you learn a few things real quick. If you don’t, well you might get left behind. Here are the ten commandments I lived by:
Waiting on the subway.
Night time view from the Empire State Building.
The subway. I landed in the Big Apple around 5pm on a Sunday evening, and had work at 10am Monday. Nervous about the subway, I went to work at 9pm the night prior to make sure I had it. I’m originally from Oklahoma and used to driving everywhere. Taking the streetcar in New Orleans was my experience as far as public transit went. Here’s what you need to know—if you know if you’re going Uptown or Downtown, you’ll be fine. Use apps, maps things and pay attention to stops. It’s not as bad as people make it out to be. Just a little crowded sometimes, and hot while you wait in the summer. Buy the week pass for $35 if you will be there a while, it’s worth it.
“The city that never sleeps,” is false. When they say this, they are talking about the drive. It’s a very career oriented city. People are just trying to make it, but with that being said, certain brunch spots won’t open until 10am on the weekends, and bars often close by 2 or 3am. Compared to New Orleans, this is early.
People are nice. The stigma that people in New York are mean, I found to be false. Yes, they’re busy, and sometimes walk and talk fast. However, I saw locals helping visitors with directions several times.
If someone is walking fast, they most likely are from there and/or on their way to work. If they’re slow and look like they have no idea where they’re going, they’re tourists. Decide which you will be and own it.
Oh, and while I mention walking. I walked between 3-10 miles each day. So pack your walking shoes.
It’s hard to find green space. Take your time in Central Park, Prospect Park or along the river parks. If you’re like me, it will get you away from the hustle and bustle and decompress.
Be proactive (no pun intended) about your skincare. The city is full of pollution, and if your skin isn’t used to that, you will notice. Especially if you’re taking the subway, wearing makeup and sweating. Your poor pores! If you’re from the South, like me, you might find your skin drying out a little, too.
The magic doesn’t come easy. Meaning, all my life I dreamed of visiting NYC. I watched it on movies, and dreamed about it. It’s great if you’re visiting, but if you’re living there be prepared for a things such as high rent, buying an AC in the summer because yours doesn’t have one and the cost to eat out. At the end of my internship, I spent a week in the city as a tourist, and it was wonderful, but understand that isn’t the life most people in NYC are living. If you’re young, you’re most likely living with a few roommates in a small apartment.
Take advantage of happy hours, and reservations. I turned 21 at the end of my stay, so I can’t say I followed this commandment. You might be paying $20 or more for your meal, so take advantage of the happy hours. No need to pay an additional $20/drink. Some restaurants won’t do weekend reservations, or reservations at all, but if they do, book ahead.
Explore every neighborhood and make the most of it. I looked around in the subway often. I saw moms wrangling young children, elderly, homeless, people on their way to work and tourists. All from different backgrounds, races, ethnicities, cultures, speaking various languages. Every neighborhood in the city has something new to offer.
If you need recommendations on where to eat, or what to do comment on this post or on my Facebook or Instagram.