New York: 3 places

 New York: 3 places

This Wednesday, following our writing class, I left for New York. I have been to the Big Apple before, but only as a child tourist who cared more about M&Ms world than the Chrysler Building. Things aren’t the same anymore, so I go to New York with a new approach, and definitely more independence (unlike my parents, I don’t want to go to Times Square again, and again, and again). It is 3 of my discoveries , over the past few days spent in NY, that I would like to share with the class. Use them as you will, and if you know me, stay away from them.

One Vanderbilt

I arrived in New York on Thursday morning. We’re talking 7 am, ready to start the day. After checking into our hotel (not without trouble, turns out you need an over-21 to check in, but not to book), walking around the area, and grabbing lunch, I went my own way to one of New York’s hottest new attractions. ​​The Summit at One Vanderbilt is a recently opened observation deck at One Vanderbilt skyscraper. Having booked my ticket in advance for a 4 pm slot, I arrived at the tower. I quickly made it to the elevator, which quickly rose to floor 91, to the sound and sight of a pulse. Over the next 3 floors, I discovered stunning panoramic views of the city, in every direction. To compliment the vistas were interactive exhibits and multimedia presentations, including a helium balloon filled room, reflective works by Yayoi Kusama, glass floors, or even a mirror room. And for the grand finale, I reached the outdoor observation deck. A terrace which envelops the entire building offered jaw dropping views, and of course, I decided to stay for sunset, to witness the city lighting up as the dark settled in. I’ll let you see for yourselves:

Lucien

Saturday night, after spending almost 3 days (and nights) exploring everything NYC has to offer, I went out to dinner with friends, and their friends. We visited Lucien, a French bistro located in the East Village. Loved by locals and visitors alike, the restaurant has a charming, old-world vibe with vintage decor, moody lighting, and a warm atmosphere, shown briefly below. Our reservation was for 10:30 pm. We pulled up at 10:35, and were coldly told that this was Lucien (obviously), and it was a saturday night, so we would have to wait for our table. Not so warm anymore, it turns out. Lucien also happened to be a popular spot for old rich single men, due to its trendiness which probably gave them high hopes of finding young, gullible women. Things got interesting very quickly. I was the only guy in my group of 6 friends, so I witnessed each of my friends getting “hit on” by different versions of the same male. 3 of my friends were Persian, so of course, the only two single, 40-odd year old Persian men in the restaurant thought it appropriate to buy them drinks and compliment their eyes, repeatedly. The same happened with a Canadian man, who told us he had met a pretty woman who was “too young” for him a few months ago, and so was now dating her. All very proud of him for finding someone who would look past his creepiness, we were rapidly served a table and enjoyed a rich and authentic french meal. My friends simply got a laugh out of the experience; no one ever felt in danger, or else we would’ve left immediately. To them, this is NYC, and unfortunately, this happens all the time.

Washington Square Park

New Yorkers love Washington Square Park for many reasons. It is a beautiful and historic public space located in the heart of vibrant Greenwich Village. The park is home to a beautiful fountain, tree-lined walkways, grassy patches, and an iconic arch, all of which provide a picturesque backdrop for countless activities. It is said that “the park has a rich history of cultural and political significance, serving as a gathering place for artists, musicians, activists, and intellectuals throughout the years.” It is a hub of activity, and something’s always happening, as I found out. On a warm Easter Sunday, we walked onto a busy square. Between the flowers and bushes sat a whole crowd. Hundreds of people, all ages, colours, looks, and cultures, shared the green grass, talking, smoking, laughing, plotting, evaluating, watching, shifting… Amongst them, three people stood out (all of which are in the picture below). First, and at the centre of the action, we had the drummer. Banging away on his drum set, he set the pace for the entire square’s energy. It happened to be high, very high. Floating on this beat we had a relatively old man, decked out in his very best suit. Looking dapper, the old man tapped his leather dress shoes on the floor, swinging his pinstriped legs and elegantly shaking his knees to the rhythm of the drums. Right by his side was a woman all clad in hot pink. Her movements were focused less on the legs, and more on the hips, throwing it back and forth relentlessly, mesmerizingly. Together, these three people made Washington Square Park their stage, and we, the audience, couldn't get enough of it. Standing ovations ensued, and what a sight to behold!

These were just three of the countless places I experienced, in all their uniqueness, in the great New York City. Do with this text what you will. It can be a recommendation, warning, commentary, manifesto, threat, or invitation. It does not matter, cause NYC keeps moving, always changing, without a care for what we think of it. Catch it while you can.