NYC Photo Diary - December

If you didn't know any better, you would assume that I hated New York. I've been so focused on the bad weather and the bad subways in recent posts that I've completely bypassed exactly why this is the most magical city, and how it's encased me in its garbage-filled arms in a tender embrace. New York is home for now, and I wouldn't have it any other way. Here's why, alongside a giant photo dump of what's been happening over the past few months.

The Dogs of New York - New Yorkers are obsessed with dogs. The ultimate culmination of the obsession with dogs is the annual Tompkins Square Park Halloween Dog parade, which was singlehandedly the most amount of cute (and bizarre) I've had thrown at me in a single day. I've always wondered where people are keeping these dogs, because it almost certainly isn't in the tiny apartments people are renting for a million dollars a month. I've also encountered the phenomenon that every time I see a dog, they're either mid-defecation or urination.

Their obsession with fitness, and with burgers - This is the city of Classpass - a service that, in exchange for a one-off fee monthly, you get access to unlimited classes at hundreds of studios, from trampoline fitness, to underwear spinning. There is a class and a niche for any exercise interest, and being an avid anti-runner, even I can admit that running through Central Park makes up for the wheezing and feeling like you're about to pass out. On the flip side, everyone has an obsession with food here - I have been through my $1 dumpling phase, my authentic Asian beef jerky phase and now I'm anticipating phumplings (pho in Shanghai-style soup dumplings). New Yorkers do food like nobody else - walking down a single street can yield anything from McDonalds to gourmet burgers to artisanal shaved ice. Shake Shack is amazing, and so is Five Guys. Umami Burger and Ruby's have been the two hands-down best burgers of my life thus far.

The nature just on the outskirts - It is SO accessible. Taking a one hour train out of the city exposes you to the most amazing landscapes that are in such a stark contrast to the garbage-filled streets of Chinatown. I've only done one hike so far but am planning to do many more when it gets a little warmer next year, it's just way too easy to be surrounded by nature, even when you live in such a bustling metropolitan city. It really helps to get out on the weekend, breathe a little fresh air in and remember that trees still do exist.

The Australians - We're everywhere. Recently went to a Flight Facilities gig, and the entire audience was Australian - evident when an "Aussie Aussie Aussie, Oi Oi Oi" chant erupted to the sounds of Client Liaison playing a song with both koalas AND didgeridoos in it.
Understanding pop culture - There's nothing like watching a movie and quietly poking your boyfriend in the ribs to let him know that you live in that city, that you've walked past that trash can. We recently watched Birdman, which is set primarily in the Theatre District, and I recently watched Manhattan. It's incredible, and surreal, and is definitely one of those New York moments that strike at any given moment, at any given time. I can now watch Sex and the City and fully understand what a joke it is that Carrie lives in the Upper West Side on a freelance journalist's income, and what Duane Reade is (it's not a person).

Thanksgiving - Stuffing. Apple pie. Pumpkin pie. That's all I need to say. It's also helpful to have a national holiday that's a reminder to be thankful (even though in truth, this should happen every day). This year, I'm thankful for New York.