New Year, New York
New York is undoubtedly one of the most iconic cities in the world. So diverse, fast-paced, chaotically cultured and so modern yet old world at the same time.
While it may seem counterintuitive to backtrack to my November trip, I figured it’s best to reflect in order to move forward to 2018. Shall we?
Here’s 10 Reasons Why New York Never Gets Old:
1. The City That Never Sleeps
You don’t say… (cue eye roll).
If you’re a nocturnal freak like me who thrives when the sun sets, you get it. There’s so much to do at night in New York other than hitting a club.
Just walking the streets alone, you’re never alone: literally and figuratively.
“I love New York… you’re never alone but always on your own.”
~ Blaire Waldorf (Gossip Girl)
2. Celebrity Sightings
Yes I know it may be totally uncool to lose your shit when bumping into a celebrity in the chic or could-care-less streets of New York. However, for as long as you do it with finesse, respect and leave your screaming for later, you just might win them over and take you by surprise.
Exhibit A: Liam Neeson!
So how did that happen you might ask? While I gave the written blow by blow on Instagram, the fan-girling realness within those very moments are all on today’s episode! So you HAVE TO WATCH!
3. Broadway Binging
Others do Netflix (okay fine, so do I but I was trying to make a point), while others do Broadway.
Anyone who enjoys a good musical – movie or stage, could easily indulge in New York’s Broadway musical marathons.
Wishing for more time and spare seats as many of the popular ones are sold out, here are the ones I got to watch this time around:
MISS SAIGON
Oh Miss Saigon (for the 4th time), which for me – best performances of them all!
Since launching in London in 1989 and 1991 in New York, it will finally come to a successful close this January 13-14, 2018.
Spectacular performance, most especially by Filipino thespian playing the Engineer, Jon Jon Briones.
HAMILTON
Currently, the hottest Broadway ticket is for Hamilton. Miraculously, got to score awesome orchestra seats as they are always sold out with a 6-months waiting list.
The musical goes above and beyond your traditional music score as all the songs are in rap, hip-hop soul music, to name a few.
What is most impressive is how American historical events were effectively translated into lyrical rap rap, mixing classic with edge.
Talk about a fun way to educate yourself. Definitely a game changer in the musical world.
Anastasia: The Musical
If it isn’t already obvious how much of a history fanatic I am from my Instagram, the mystery behind the death (or life) of Russia’s Princess Anastasia still fascinates me.
While most are fans of the animated picture, I continue to follow the history of the last Emperor of Russia, Nicholas II.
Heartwarming and a crowd favorite, if you love the cartoon version, you’ll definitely love the Broadway version of Anastasia The Musical!
Phantom of the OPERA
If you’re a musical junkie, Phantom of the Opera, together with Les Miserables and CATS are just some of the classics.
Phantom is one of the first foreign musicals my mom took me to in London when I was 12 and my life changed forever.
I still cry and sing along to Christine. Only this time with a plastic cup of red wine for the win, haha!
School of Rock
Still going ape shit over how AMAZEBALLS School of Rock is!!!
Even my family couldn’t keep themselves from sharing their excitement by videobombing me while I was recording for the episode, haha! Watch cuz I got proof!
For starters, the Hollywood movie starring utterly hilarious Jack Black already won me over. The Broadway musical is so damn phenomenal that my whole family along with the audience sang, danced and cried without a dull moment!
However, amongst the five, School of Rock is by far my favorite one! All the original tracks from the movie are in the play which makes you sing along from start to finish!
4. Fashion Feast
New York is home to the fiercest fashion in the world from street style of everyday New Yorkers to seeing exhibits dedicated for the love of it.
The Louis Vuitton: Volez, Voguez, Voyagez, an exhibit that showcases all forms of luxury travel from its beginnings to its powerhouse collaborations and ultimately the brand we all know of today.
Such an impressive collection that is serious travel baggage goals and of course, all the red carpet gowns worn all through out history from Old Hollywood to young stars of today like Alicia Vikander.
Of course what better way to market your product than to make it free admission but sadly it only ran until December.
5. Grab A Bite
Anytime of the day or night, you will always find awesome places to grab a bite in New York City.
Carmine’s is probably one of the best hearty Italian meals I’ve had in LIFE, lol. The shrimp parmigiana, giant stuffed artichokes and seafood linguini were insanely delicious!
See more of this celebrity hotspot on today’s episode.
Then finish off with some good old New York Cheesecake at the local institution, that is, Junior’s! I share a bite or two in today’s VLOG!
6. Festive Spirit
Regardless of how cold winters can get in New York, there is always a distinct warmth that only this city can bring especially during the holidays.
You will never be disappointed in iconic places as Rockefeller Center and Bryant Park.
In fact, i featured Bryant Park for my Christmas episode featuring Rovaniemi! Have you seen it?
7. Quench Your Craving for Culture
Both locals and tourists have something to gander for hours on end from world-class museums like the MET…
It’s also where I met Liam Neeson as seen earlier….
The Guggenheim Museum…
… the United Nations….
…. and historical landmarks like Grand Central Station…
…. St Patrick’s Cathedral where I shared a very personal post on Instagram…
https://instagram.com/p/BbtS4BDB7ES/
8. Beyond the City Streets
And when you’ve had enough of the city, the ultra exclusive area of the Hamptons awaits – during the summer that is!
I take you around the summer residence of the rich and famous during off season in today’s episode.
I got to see one of my fave chefs, Ina Garten, aka Barefoot Contessa‘s Hamptons home and sampled seriously ridic, stuffed, fried croissant at West Hamptons!
9. Imperfectly Perfect
Ironic, for such a fast-paced city that keeps you on your toes, awed-yet-also-overwhelmed-tourists gravitate towards the bustle of New York.
I mean, people can be quite brash, cold and then there’s vendors preying on unassuming tourists. Yet that same energy is what makes you feel alive.
You wanna fit in. You have this unspoken desire to say you can survive the streets of New York no matter where you’re from.
10. Resilience Unlike Any Other
I admire a person with tenacity, with resilience that no matter what life throws at them, they persevere: that for me, is New York. She is relentless.
That even if you decide to look back at tragic events like 911, you keep your head high and move forward with grace.
This written post is somewhat different from the VLOG so make sure to watch it! Can you spot the difference of what I forgot or purposely left out?
Hope you enjoyed this post as there’s more to come as always so pls subscribe to my YouTube channel!
What do you love about New York?
Love & light,
B
Location: New York, USA