Recap of My Mini Getaway in NYC

*cues Empire State of Mind* I found myself in the Big Apple for the first time this past weekend! One of my best friend’s walked in a fashion show for New York Fashion Week. Of course, I could not miss out on the opportunity to see her slay! Plus, I have always wanted to visit, so it was a win-win. Even though we were only there for the weekend, we literally experienced living like New Yorkers.

If you are thinking about taking a trip, here are some things you should know:

• You will do a lot of walking: If you do not bring your walking shoes, I guarantee you will buy some before you leave. The traffic is horrible, and Uber/Lyft can get expensive, so it is best to use your feet. I walked 16.9 miles throughout the weekend in case someone needed a reference.
• Be prepared to say “no” several times a day: Out on the streets, people are selling jewelry, drawing pictures, taking professional photos, dancing, and a list of other things. They put their all into their crafts, which in turn makes them a bit pushy. I even had one woman try to physically put a bracelet on my wrist after telling her no, awkward much?

• Car honking: All.day.long! Drivers do not even honk for like two seconds. They will lay on their horns until the sound blares through the city. Why do you ask? Maybe angry, maybe impatient…The mystery is still unsolved.
• Subway: As much as they are convenient, do not take the subway if you are a tourist unless someone who knows what they are doing is with you. The signs are confusing, the directions are unclear, and people can get a bit weird down there at night. Please, be safe and aware of your surroundings!

• People can be rude: I actually learned this one while at the subway. New Yorkers mainly tend to themselves and do not want to be bothered. I have never seen people be rude or angry for no reason. Don’t get me wrong, there are some nice people there, but not as many as the impolite ones. 
• The city that never sleeps: No matter the time of day, someone will always be outside. I do not know how people manage to get proper rest because the city is ALWAYS noisy.
• New York-style pizza is a hit: You cannot go all the to NYC and not try the pizza! I went to two different places, and neither one was a disappointment. The slices are hot, the cheese evenly spread, and the toppings are not overloaded. And did I mention, the pieces are the size of the whole plate!

• Never go to Central Park at night: Not sure what my friend and I were thinking, but we should have known better. We got caught up in so much sightseeing, and we really wanted to see Central Park. Well, going at nearly 10 PM resulted in us only seeing many homeless people hanging out. 0 out of 10 would recommend!!
• Things are expensive: From tourist attractions to some restaurants, be prepared to spend your coins. Honestly, I expected it. I hear all of the time that NY’s cost of living is high, and the state indeed lived up to it. And, once you spend your money on all of the fun stuff, get ready to spend the little remaining on souvenirs from the gift shop.
• It’s beautiful: Between the skyscrapers and the cozy parks, you are bound to get some nice photos to look back on later. Also, you cannot forget to visit Times Square at night time. The bright lights shining over the area are amazing!

If you ever thought about making a trip to NYC, please do! People can tell you about their experiences in the state all day long, but it is nothing like experiencing it for yourself. NYC is a must-see. With the right preparation, you are destined to have the time of your life. Once you book that trip, be sure to reference back here!