Dearest Clara,
This week has been so much hustle and bustle . . . but I guess hustle and bustle is what you get when you’re in New York. That city just never stops---and that’s a good thing. Every time I head up, I always end up being exposed to something new. You just can’t avoid it in New York. That sense of always experiencing something new there makes it hard to pick out single lessons, since I feel like they’re different from every trip there. But maybe, that’s what New York is all about.
- Try something new every time you go: You could probably live an entire lifetime in New York City and not repeat a meal, a hotel, a theater . . . there are not many places like that in the world. Take advantage to do or eat or try something you would never do at home---that’s what you came to New York for!
- Look for a few favorites: New York is always changing but there are a few things that will always be there for you: a dark corner bar, a bench in Central Park, a Sabrett’s hot dog cart, the holiday displays on Fifth Avenue . . . Find a few things that you love in New York and try to incorporate them into your trips---sometimes, you’ll just need that little bit of the familiar.
- Pack your thicker skin: This city gets a bad reputation sometimes. Here, things move fast, and here, things can move on without you. Sometimes, nothing can crush you like this city---you’ll probably cry at some point. I did. It’s okay---it happens to everyone. New York can definitely be tough---but stick it out. New York is also full of sunshine and second chances.
- Always look up: there are some great surprises on those skyscrapers: art deco details, people going on about their daily lives in full glass windows, billboards as far as the eye can see---this city can do amazing things with heights.
- Marvel at the little logistics: I can never stop being fascinated by how this city works. How do they manage to provide water . . . and heat . . . and trash pick up . . . and emergency services . . . and dry cleaning . . . and some of the best food delivery in the world . . . you name it---I am always amazed by how well everything works in New York---there are so many cities that are smaller or less populated or more spacious and don’t run with nearly the efficiency of New York. And as always, whether it’s the subway driver or police officer, appreciate those that make this city somewhere we can go and enjoy the gifts that all of its other citizens bring.
One day you’ll “be a part of it” too. I can’t wait to hear what you think.
All my love,
Mom