Life as a New Yorker

Living in a city like New York City helps you to appreciate a number of things that was readily available back at home. Things like clean-air...quiet mornings...friendly faces from strangers on the street.


I have learned to grow accustomed to life as a New Yorker. I live approximately 20 minutes away from work right on sixth avenue, and hence walking to work in the morning seemed like the easiest way to get my little bit of exercising done while getting some "fresh" air in the morning prior to a full day at work trapped in the office. However, every morning, despite having ear plugs on going to sleep every night, I still get woken up by the severe honking from the streets of 6th avenue. I always wonder what is there to be so angry about at 8 in the morning that would require such severe and prolonged honkings that would effectively make everybody in the surrounding area depressed and angry. Anyways. Maybe it's just me.


I've experienced many new things since I've been in the city. I went to see Wicked, an amazing NY musical based on the story of the Wizard of Oz but the story line revolves around the two witches - the good and the bad. It was an amazing show. The music, the witty dialogues, and the grandeur of the whole performance made the show an exceptionally memorable one.


Further, I went to watch Madame Butterfly at the New York State Theatre a couple of weeks ago, and the New York Philharmonic performing Bach's St. Matthew's Passion on Good Friday at Avery Fisher Hall - both at Lincoln Centre. Not really sure I'm a huge opera fan, but the last scene when the sergeant ran on to the stage and screamed "BUTTERFLY!" while Madame Butterfly slithered a knife over her neck and died was quite impactful. The New York Philharmonic was absolutely amazing. Bach's amazing. The account of the entire story of the events leading to the crucifixion according to the book of Matthews was particularly powerful on good friday, when I went to see it. Initially our seats, which were towards the back in the orchestra section, were not great, so I was snoozing the whole time...But during intermission, a couple exchanged seats with us because they had to leave early and had not expected the performance to last as long as it did. Their seats were amazing - 7th row in the middle section. I was able to look at the faces of each of the performer, and I could appreciate finer details of the music sitting up close. Note to self - next time at the NY Philharmonic, seats rows 10-11 would be ideal where you can get a more complete view of the orchestra. Next on my agenda would be an opera show at the Metropolitan Theatre, and a ballet show. And don't forget a day at the Yankee Stadium!

Other notable things that I've done in the last couple of months include a day at the Spa at this 60,000 square feet Korea Spa in Queens (don't quote me on the square feet - but it's huge indeed), a few clubbing outtings which ALMOST got me hungover but not really, and a few good dining outs and drinks. Restaurants visited included Nobu, Perilla, Boathouse at the Central Park, Cafe Gray, etc...Plus, given how big of a Jap food fan I am, I've been visiting a new ramen place every week. Ramen Setagaya has the most amazing shio ramen I've ever had (though I was never a shio ramen fan to begin with..but it was amazing!!!) I've also tried Raraiken's miso ramen, and I went to Udon West's nabeyaki udon. Enjoying my authentic Japanese comfort food here!

Never thought that I would find myself in New York, and my life today is certainly nothing like what I had anticipated ever before. Life's certainly has its twists and turns, and I wonder what's next for me. In the mean time, I'm going to enjoy New York - yes, including the nasty air, suffocating subways, and the arrogance that seems to be in all New Yorkers. I guess I'm turning into a New Yorker myself.