A city that doesn't sleep

Lullabies were used to comfort ailing babies. Songs like “twinkle twinkle little star” or “the itsy bitsy spider” and even the never ending “abc’s” were used so much that it now sounds like a cliche. But when I was a little kid, my mom sang a different song, a song which ironically comforted me and maybe even hypnotized me to be obsessed with what the song was about. While all the babies and their mothers rode with the melodies of such appropriate lullabies, my mother and I were astounded with the words of Frank Sinatra and his song, New York, New York.


I have never believed in fairytales or wanted to be somewhere like far far away land nor was I fully bewitched with disney’s antics like Cinderella or Snow White. I guess you could say that I had a boring childhood. But I look at it differently, I was more realistic, wanting real things, yearning for places that existed. (no offense to people who love disney movies) What I mean is that New York was the only magical place I believed in. There is just so much that this city has to offer. Different cultures, different cuisines, different lifestyles, etc. The people, the surroundings just give this lively vibe that lifts up your energy. With just a quick train ride you can get to anywhere at such a fast pace. From downtown shopping at Century 21 at Cortland St. to checking out the CBGB at Bowery, to eating the finest pizza’s at Little Italy in Spring St., to going midtown at Bryant Park to seeing the nicest view of the upper east in the Rockefeller, or settling to the home of Gossip Girl at 5th or Lexington or even Chuck Bass’ the Palace in Madison.

Last summer I spent two weeks there in New York, I remember practically killing my feet by wearing new shoes and walking the stretch of 5th ave. But I do admit that the pain was worth it. My eyes embraced every detail of New York,embraced so much that I had a difficult time blinking. I think what I love the most is Manhattan but I do also love Brooklyn.
Brooklyn still has that suburb feel to it. I kept remembering Jenny Humphrey as we walked along the streets near the bridge, and I think its not that bad, Brooklyn isn't as bad as it is stated in the movies, or more specifically in Sex and the City.
Here are a few things which I love in Brooklyn:
1. Brooklyn Heights


















2. The River Cafe
The River Cafe makes this wonderful imitation of the Brooklyn Bridge but they make it with chocolate on top of the cake, which makes it even better.


































3. DUMBO
I think this is the area where the Humphrey's live.























now back to manhattan, I miss going to Serendipity in east 60th st. or eating cheap hotdogs at Gray's Papaya and best of all, buying pretty and delicious cupcakes in Magnolia Bakery.


and here are some random places in New York that Ill always love and miss

- riding the subway, who can ever forget spotting 5 rats while waiting for the train.
- the view of Brooklyn bridge from the Brooklyn dock by the River Cafe, the architecture of that bridge is just amazing.
- Central Park. Its unbelievable that this vast nature-like park is in the middle of all the hustle and bustle of this busy city.
- Times Square. I think it's the heart of New York. A lot of things are happening all at the same time.
- 5th avenue. Its comparable to Michigan ave. of Chicago. A never ending stretch of boutiques and high end stores. The most notable ones being, Bergdorf Goodman, Henri Bendel, Louis Vuitton and Tiffany's (Site of Breakfast at Tiffany's)
- The Palace Hotel. Being an avid fan of Gossip Girl, I could not hide the sudden rage of excitement when I walked into those famous gates. The Palace Hotel is located at the back of St. Patrick's Cathedral.
- Soho. Its my most favorite place in all of New York. Soho has this artistic vibe, everything is different, cobbled stones in the narrow streets, the loft styled apartments and the quaint stores. I would love to live there someday.

If I continued to blab about New York, this post would certainly acquire several pages. The point is, I love this city beyond words or maybe countless number of words. Ive always thought that Manila may be my home, Paris may be my dream, but at the end of it all, New York will still be my love. And right now, this thought still persists to be true. Like in the words of Sinatra, "it's up to you, New York, New York."