A Novice in New York City 🗽 - Seeking Good Intentions

Times Square area with all the lights perhaps the most iconic view of New York City

That’s right, I’m in the big apple babieeeeee! Although I have been to New York City a few times this is the first time when I can choose my own adventure. I found a cheap flight for my upcoming trip (stay posted) out of JFK and figured “Heck”, I’ll do a few things in the city before I leave. This is what I got up to before I crossed the Atlantic! I had a great time there, although I felt a bit overwhelmed by the size of the city. Between the sheer heights of the buildings, the immensity of the city, and of course not walking like a ‘city person’- I felt like well…. like a Novice!

From the window of the train taking me to NYC, you can see the Brooklyn Bridge in this shot with the skyline behind it

Central Park

The granola girl that I am was eager to see Central Park. While the fall foliage was second-rate for this New Hampshirite; you can’t beat seeing the city poking through the trees. This park is quite large and is perfect for a picnic and just taking a breather from the bustle of the city.

The High Line

What to expect on the high line: Friends and families walking along what used to be a train track. The High line is an escape- with native landscape and the cityscape peeking through.

The street art on the bottom right was created by Jordan Casteel. I was very excited to see another piece of Jordan Casteel’s work in the MET museum. I learned that she has a very involved process that brings so much emotion and detail to her work. The photo on the bottom left is called Tolerance #2 which symbolizes peace, with Mother Teressa on the left and Gandhi on the left. Tolerance #2 was created by Kobra.

The New York Public Library

This is the ceiling of the “reading room” which has portraits around the outside walls.

This outdoor cafe and the sitting area were filled with families and friends. They were building an outdoor ice skating rink, wow the seasons really are changing! In the back right, you can see the New York Public Library.

The ceiling over the stairs in the New York Public library.

I will be honest, I was a bit disappointed by the New York Public Library. There are no books for the public to see. The books are at other library locations throughout the city and in special collections unavailable to the public. The library is more of a museum that symbolizes the city of New York’s dedication to knowledge and education since being built in 1895.

The ART

Nothing too major… Just the coveted Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City (also known as the MET). I can’t wait to break down what makes this one of the best museums in the world- in my opinion of course.

Reason 1:

The museum creates a whole environment so that you are fully submerged in the period. The American art section, as you can see below on the left, is similar to the time with wood paneling and oil paintings. On the right, you can see the Egyptian section that has water around artifacts. Left- a wing dedicated to America dating from the colonies to today.

Reason 2:

It is huge. Now sure it’s not as big as museums like the Louvre but it is very big. I was there for about 4+hour and did not read a lot of the descriptions; I still did not make it to over half of the museum. I recommend prioritizing a few areas that interest you and taking your time and absorbing what you are seeing and learning. Otherwise- you will probably just check out mentally because it can become overwhelming, and your senses can become overloaded!

Reason 3:

I was surprised by the number of mediums at the museum. There was a section dedicated to prints, photographs, and paintings. There are also sculptures, religious art, furniture, instruments and so much more.

There was one painting by Ukrainian Artist Arkhip Kuindzhi displayed in the Museum. The Kuindzhi Art Museum in Mariupol which was dedicated to his art from the 19th century was destroyed in an airstrike. Many artists try to capture change and fragility in their work- this made me realize that the preservation of their work across time is also fragile.

More on the Protection of Art in Ukraine

The Night Life

There are plenty of options for nightlife in NYC, after all, it is “the city that never sleeps”. With thousands of clubs to pick from, concerts, musicals on broadway, and sooo much more there is something for everyone. I went to the Fat Black Pussycat, which is around the corner from the Comedy Cellar, and saw a comedy show. I didn’t know what to expect since I don’t really gravitate toward comedy entertainment, but I was pleasantly surprised! I had a great time. Always try new things- you never know what you might enjoy.

Thanks for the memories D, great to see you C