My Days in New York: A Mix of Joy and Sorrow
My days in New York, looking back now, were a mix of joy and sorrow. The main reason I decided to move to New York was that most of my friends in the U.S. gathered there after graduation, either working or looking for work. So, in the beginning, my days in New York were completely free of boredom and loneliness. Although I didn’t like the noisy metropolis, the long commutes, the dirty and smelly subway stations, or the cold relationships between people, having close friends around made even complaining about New York’s flaws a kind of happiness.
A Memorable Weekend with Friends
Later, I remember a certain weekend when a group of close friends and I went wild in New York. More than a dozen of us filled the living room, playing games all night; at dawn, when we were tired, we laid out mats and slept on the floor; after just two hours of sleep, we went to the beach to watch the sunrise. I vaguely remember spreading blankets on the sand and sitting around playing cards; I vaguely remember running and playing on the beach as the sun rose. That laughter and joy belonged only to the closest of friends. Looking back now, I miss those carefree and uninhibited days.
When New York Lost Its Charm
Later, as my friends in New York went their separate ways, the city became nothing but noise. For me, there was nothing left to miss. The “America Full Experience Guide” mentions city tour attraction passes (CityPASS), including one for New York, which might be of interest for reference.
Empire State Building at Night
On Fifth Avenue, I visited this famous New York landmark one evening while strolling with friends in the city center. The endless lights of New York City were in full view, illuminating the clouds in the sky.
Manhattan Downtown
The heart of New York, the most prosperous area, bustling even at midnight, with plenty of tourists. It’s also a great place for shopping and dining.
SOHO
Nothing much to say, it’s all about shopping. Shopping is an eternal theme for women, and SOHO is like a paradise for them. Bargains are everywhere. It’s rare not to leave with bags full of purchases. Along the streets, you can see stylishly dressed men and women; even if you don’t buy anything, it’s a feast for the eyes.
Best Places to Watch Sunrise in New York
This is where we crazily ran to watch the sunrise at Coney Island. In the early morning, the beach was almost empty, with only the occasional fisherman or morning exerciser, who ignored our uninhibited behavior. The scenery there has faded from memory without photos, but the scene of us running and playing on the beach remains vivid. We were playing for the feeling.
Flushing, NY
The new Chinatown in Queens, close to where we lived, naturally became our paradise. Although it’s always crowded, the food there is unique. I clearly remember the liangpi (cold skin noodles) from a small Shaanxi eatery in the basement of a rundown building and the mala tang (spicy hot pot) next door. The taste was no different from that in China. I miss the soybean milk, fried dough sticks, xiaolongbao (soup dumplings), the spicy Sichuan cuisine, Taiwanese food, Northeastern cuisine, Shanghai cuisine, morning tea, and so on. Thinking about it now still makes my mouth water.
Bronx Zoo
I don’t know why I have an inexplicable attachment to zoos. When I was in Beijing, after every gathering and meal, I would suggest going to the Beijing Zoo, even though it was often in winter and there weren’t many animals to see, I still excitedly wandered around. I don’t know if I wanted to see the animals or let the animals see me. I remember one winter, I went with a close female friend, and we were excited to see a leopard taking a walk, calling out to it, but it lazily ignored us, not even bothering to look. No matter how much they ignored me, I still liked watching animals.
Central Park
Located in New York, managed by the National Park Service, and designated as a National Historical Landmark. This should be the largest green space in New York City and another iconic landmark. I’ve been there many times, but I think it’s most meaningful to go with a loved one, just strolling along the lake, stopping to watch freelance artists painting portraits of tourists, or sitting on a bench feeling the breeze. Because the loved one is by your side, everything is so beautiful and pleasant.
New York’s Old Subway Stations
Dirty and smelly, as mentioned earlier.
