New York definitely wasn’t the easiest or cheapest option when it came to the first stop on my trip – but I wouldn’t have started it any other way.
Ten years ago, as a young, naive and newly 17-year-old, I went to New York for the first time with my two best friends Paula and Cindy. We had 10 days, an unlimited Metropass, and the city at our fingertips. We stayed out in the Avenue U area of Brooklyn, near Brighton Beach, with Paula’s father. It wasn’t a swanky experience by any means – we all shared one bed, sleeping three across width-wise – but it was when I fell in love with New York.
So when the opportunity came up to start my gap year in NYC, with Cindy and Paula, on the 10-year anniversary of that first trip – the only answer was “Yes!” Anything else would have been a disappointment. And for completely selfish reasons, I was delighted to keep my closest girls with me for a few extra days before I jumped into the unknown.
In the past 10 years we had all been to the City several times, so this trip was different than most. We didn’t care about seeing the usual tourist spots, so the trip really became about enjoying ourselves, and gaining experiences. We focused on eating well, doing those random things we’d managed to miss the first 4 times we were there like walking the Brooklyn Bridge at night, or exploring the Columbia University campus – instead of shopping till we dropped.
The best part about New York is that you can live as lavishly or as frugally as you want. You can eat a meal at a 4-star restaurant or you can grab a $1 slice of pizza, or a $5 deli counter sandwich that will keep you full till dinner. That mixture of high and low pretty much exemplifies how I prefer to travel. Being on a super tight budget all of the time can get pretty draining. Knowing when to splurge just a bit is a the key to staying sane on the road.
It was a quick three days, but more than anything, the trip cemented what I already knew – that you can buy all the designer clothes you want, get married, buy a house, or travel the world for a year – and it would all mean nothing if you didn’t have the kind of friends by your side who make you feel calm and complete.
I love you girls like sisters – but you already knew that.
TRIP BREAKDOWN
Where We Stayed:
Park South Hotel, 124 E 28th. www.parksouthhotel.com
This hotel was fantastic. Paula snagged us the room at a great rate, ($75 pp/per night). The service was great and they have a super cute rooftop lounge that we took full advantage of.
New York Loft Hostel, 249 Varet Street, Brooklyn. www.nylofthostel.com
I stayed for an extra night after the girls had left. It will run you $50/night, but that’s a great deal compared to anywhere else in New York. As far as hostels go, this one is a dream. It has a gorgeous kitchen, living space, outdoor patio and a very helpful staff. It’s right off of the Morgan Avenue stop on the L-train. I will definitely stay here again, next time I’m in NY.
Where We Ate:
All’onda, 22 E 13th. www.allondanyc.com
We had our one nice splurge dinner here. The food was fantastic and the service really made it a great experience. I had the buccatini with uni (sea urchin), it tasted like the ocean and it basically impossible to describe – just go eat it. (About $50 pp)
Three of Cups, 83 1st Avenue, www.threeofcupsnyc.com
If you’re looking for a great boozy brunch in a beautiful atmosphere, go to Three of Cups. We had such a great time here, the food was delicious and we never felt rushed – and starting your day with a few strong mimosas is never a bad thing!
Transportation:
We each bought an unlimited Metropass ($30), which I highly recommend if you’re in the city for longer than a couple of days. We used it all of the time, and knowing we could hop on and off whenever we needed was a blessing.
Entertainment:
Our main night out was to the Comedy Cellar, which includes a $14 cover plus a two-item minimum (this could be 2 drinks, or a drink and a menu item.) I can’t recommend this enough, for about $35 dollars it’s a great deal and you’ll laugh your ass off. Also, you might see a celebrity, because established comedians regularly drop in unannounced to test new material. The night before we went, Aziz Ansari dropped in, and although we didn’t get to see Chris Rock’s surprise 9:30 set, we did get to seem him leaving the building which was just as good! Haha.