For 20 years, “the city that never sleeps” has been my home and the city is my pride and joy. New York City offers a range of opportunities and everything is at your fingertips from food to tourist attractions. Popular shows and movies like Gossip Girl, Law and Order: Special Victims Unit, Friends, and Pose all attempt to portray life in New York City. While there are many pros of growing up in New York City, there are also some cons.
First, let’s get down to business and talk about the thing that everyone loves: food. Since the city is so diverse, there is food from all over the world basically in every borough. For instance, there is Jamaican, Italian, Chinese, Spanish, Indian, Soul food and so much more. Some famous restaurants that I know of include Footprints in Brooklyn, Carmines on the Upper West Side, and Sylvia’s in Harlem. Also, a big part of the city’s culture is Times Square where there are street carts selling hotdogs, corn dogs, roasted nuts, and pretzels.
Since we’re on the topic of Times Square, let’s discuss tourist attractions. When visitors come to New York City, tourists visit Times Square. In Times Square visitors get the chance to watch street performers and shop till they drop. Not only is Times Square convenient for tourists but it is also a place where my friends and I frequently go shopping. Fortunately, Times Square is near Broadway where famous plays like The Lion King have been presented. Other attractions include public zoos located in multiple boroughs, The Natural History Museum, The Children’s Museum, Central Park, and The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Truthfully, there are so many tourist attractions and new exhibits being added to the city that there’s always a place to go.
Traveling around in the city is very convenient because of the public transportation system. Not only is there easy access to the train and bus but there is also a ferry to get to Staten Island. Also, there are taxi cabs almost everywhere downtown, alongside Uber. For only $2.75 anyone can get a Metrocard to travel to any borough and get to their destination within a reasonable amount of time.
While this is all good and dandy, riding public transportation can be an experience. For example, there are often people who act out on the train and attempt to talk to you. Also, there has been a recent increase in crime – forcing riders to be on high alert. During rush hour it can be hard to catch the train and you may experience them closing as soon as you approach the door. When this happens, you might make eye contact with a passenger on the other side lacking any sign of sympathy. On the other side of this event, while on the train you may run into someone attempting to hold the door open. Unfortunately, their actions lead to making the train late at the most inconvenient moments.
Contributing to the convenience of the city, at any hour of the day the deli is waiting for you. Throughout the city there are delis selling freshly made food like the classic Bacon Egg and Cheese on a roll. There is also the classic Chopped Cheese combined with an Arizona beverage. While growing up, residents get the chance to build a relationship with the workers at these establishments. Overall, this adds another friendly face to see in your neighborhood.
New York City’s culture is also represented through clothing like Timberlands – and sports fans go crazy. When taking the train towards the Bronx you can tell when there’s a Yankee game because the fans fill almost every seat. Not only is the appreciation of baseball heavily present, but basketball is also loved. For instance, the famous Knicks have one of the most loyal fan bases, even if they are losing. The culture surrounding sports portrays true loyalty and is something that I would not want to live without. One of the most popular genres of music was born in the Bronx. This genre is Hip Hop and has produced legends like Biggie Smalls, Lil Kim, Nicki Minaj, and Jay Z.
There’s no other city that I would’ve wanted to grow up in and every time I visit home I appreciate it even more. Attending school in a small town has made me appreciate the close proximity of things, especially the food places. New York City will always be home to me and I encourage everyone to visit at least once in their lifetime.