19 November 2009

Winklespruit, KZN

New York City

Geologist/Student

…it's the energy. Find Armand Van Helden's NYC Beat, put it on, loud! Close your eyes and use the power of your imagination. Add sirens and a million yellow taxi hooters, people shouting and the drone of Friday afternoon traffic. Mix in some of the world's tallest and most awe-inspiring buildings. Throw in 170 spoken languages and nearly 20 million people. Splash the scenery with flashing neon lights and camera flashes. Sprinkle in street performers, beat-boxers, hip-hop and breakdancers.   Paint a deep blue sky overhead and bake in 30 degree summer heat. Cut with aggression, a freshly brewed decaf-no-fat-skinny-latte and pumpernickel bagel with the works and you are one step closer to the recipe for the craziness.


I have lived throughout SA, London and now New York – and NYC has been the toughest place to adjust to. People don't relax in the city, everyone is constantly on edge. I was nearly attacked by a little old lady one afternoon after trying to help her cross 2nd Avenue.   I miss the warmth and humour of the South Africa people. I miss the politeness and romanticism of London. While there is no huge SA contingent like Southfields or Wimbledon in the UK, the Americans do seem to enjoy our culture, especially judging by the popularity of the SA wine bar ‘Xai Xai’ and restaurant ‘Braai’, both on 51st Street.

Besides all the crazy touristy things NYC is so famous for, weI have found some seriously cool ways to spend weekends in the city. A lazy summer Saturday in Central Park with a picnic basket and a bottle of wine is quintessential New Yorker.   Cedar Hill is our perfect paradise in the middle of the chaos. The Rivington Hotel in the Lower East Side is the popular Sunday retreat for underground NYC house beats, with DJs spinning to the sun, which sets over the awesome Manhattan skyline. The view is spectacular and you have a 360-degree view from New Jersey, across the Financial District, and along the Brooklyn Bridge, Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens and up towards the Bronx.   Times Square is another sight to behold, and a place true New Yorkers vow to avoid at all costs (tourist central). But make the effort to be there in the early hours of the morning, 2 or 3am when the crowds are asleep. The neon lights and TV screens illuminate the skyscrapers, and the heart of the city is enveloped in a peaceful glow. This is truly the city that never sleeps. Come once and you too will be drawn in by its wonderment!