London vs. NYC Part II

I've visited NYC many times before. In fact I was just here right before the new year. But I haven't looked at it the way I have in the past week in my past visits. I guess I can compare it to one of my relationships in the past. Its like NYC was always there, but you never really thought twice about it because I lived in Chicago, which I always thought was the better city anyway.

Then I moved to London, experienced some of that in the past year, noticing its pros/cons... but then I come back to New York this week with this sudden new appreciation. Its like a girl you were always friends with, then all of a sudden you see this light and then for some odd reason you have this strange attraction for her. You can't explain it, but it just happens.

That's what I have with NYC at the moment. Maybe because I look at it as a future home? Maybe its an "American" version of London? I can't explain it really, but all of a sudden I just have this infactuation with it that I can't explain.

Is it the air-conditioned subways? The melting pot of culture? The women that seem to be everywhere? (I swear there's a 3-to-1 girl/guy ratio) Is it the casual encounters with famous people? (Apparently Stifler (Seann William Scott) walked right pass me, and Oprah's Stedman crossed my path.) Is it the fact people like making out in the streets?

I just can't explain it. I'm anxious and look forward to perhaps the opportunity to live here. I'm actually afraid this one month hiatus will make me regress and miss America too much once I eventually go back good ol' London.

London vs. NYC

Spent some time with a coworker who made the move from London and now working in NYC. He provided some interesting insights on what he missed and didn't miss about living in London.

I've been to NYC many times before, but its interesting to experience it with my home now in London. Comparing it to Chicago, it was easy to see the differences. Immediately, NYC was a lot bigger and seemed more dirtier than Chicago. I didn't see the subtle differences because they were both American cities.

Comparing it to London though, I notice some things right away. Diversity. NYC is definitely more of a melting pot than London. Convenience. I can't believe how many different restaurants, shops, and convienience stores there are in one city block! Yes, there are a few in London, but in NYC, there is definately more saturation. Pace. NYC and London seem to have the same "pace" whereas Chicago has a slower "pace." NYC seems to have more "eye candy" than London!

Sure, this was only a brief taste, but I guess I can see NYC as a natural transition from London if I did come back from the States. Who knows, maybe in a year or two, I'll have another blog talking about my experiences in NYC!

Displacement

I love being back and seeing everyone. But I can't help but feel a little displacement. Maybe its because I'm living at home with the parents or something. Maybe its because I'm not working with the people I normally do. But it does feel different. I think its because I know its temporary? It is an odd feeling though working and trying to get into a daily routine.

That said, it was quite exciting to experience last weekends wedding with Dar and Tim and looking forward to this weekend's weddings as well! The ironic thing is that at least so far, I don't see myself "settling" in as much as I did right before I left. I remember in the back of my mind about a year ago, I was really thinking about when I was going to get into something "serious" and settle down. But not as much now. I guess I'm just confident that it will eventually happen. No rush, no worries!

Coming home...

Beautiful clear sunny day in London! By the time I come back after a month it will probably be back to that gloomy, rainy, cloudy weather.. but alas, 3rd time going home in a year and it will be nice.

Although, yet again, I'm still recovering from a crazy night at one of the coolest clubs in London, Umbaba. Finally got a taste of some decent hip hop and a great Thursday crowd. At least a friend back home served witness as to how we do it in London. Though, my stomach isn't too happy with the many redbull and vodkas. Ugh.
See you all in America!

A year later..

As I sit in my flat a year later, I start to think about the experiences I've been through and how it compares to any other year in my life. Its hard to imagine any other year in my life where I've been through so much from a career and a personal standpoint. I've been through some real low points being away, at the same time hit some really high points. I've tested myself in ways I would have never known possible if I didn't take this chance. Which leads to my top 3 things in my "10 things" list.

3) Career

I've never been happier in my whole entire career than I am now. I'm doing things I've always wanted to do and I'm challenging myself and truly enjoying it. This was one of the main reasons why I left in the first place, and what I'm learning and working on these days only enforce the fact that moving here was a good decision.

2) Travel

7 different countries, 17 or so different cities/towns, different cultures, different people, beautiful architecture, amazing food, and unforgettable memories. Yet, I'm hungry for more. Speaking of hungry, hopefully Budapest is the next target!
I've never traveled so much in my entire life and I've truly enjoyed it. Its quite addicting and I just love exploring different cities and embracing new cultures. If I never moved, I would have never seen and experienced as much as I have so far.

1) Not having regret, wondering "What if?"

Deciding to move or not was one of those critical decisions I had to make that would change the rest of my life. I had some serious doubts on whether or not I should go. I remember signing the papers and I still had some doubts about going. But I did it anyway. I took a plunge. I took a chance. And a year later, I'm glad I did. No regrets, no "what if's."

So there you have it. 10 things:

10) Relying on public transportation
9) Partying more that I ever thought possible in this phase of my life.
8) Following the world cup and cheering on the England team.
7) Appreciation for Chicago Weather.
6) Speaking "English".
5) Appreciation of family and friends.
4) Having a blog.
3) Career
2) Travel
1) Not having regret, wondering "What if?"

Honourable mentions:
Eating Indian food, reading more, writing more, drinking more? =)