I love New York :)

Its been 2 years, and at times I am surprised how I have been away from home for so long without my friends and family, who mean the world to me. I love New York because it really reminds me of Mumbai a.k.a. Bombay ( this is the name I prefer). So today, I want to jot somethings that I really love about the Big Apple.

1. Its fast paced just like Bombay. 

People are always running -- Working hard and partying even harder. Everyone on Friday has a smile. I live on  Blvd East - a beautiful neighborhood overlooking the Hudson and facing the Manhattan skyline - its drop dead gorgeous ! So, I take a bus from Port Authority - a hub for New Jersey Transit. At 4pm, the bar near my Gate is pumping crazy music, everyone is getting set to welcome the weekend. Even though at times, when I don't have a concrete plan, just looking at so much excitement around me makes me very enthusiastic. 

2. The food.

The diverse culture/immigrants that New York attracts brings cuisines from all around the world. Like French, Thai, Turkish, Indian, Malaysian or even Sri Lankan food - New York has it. Manhattan is home to over 48 cuisines, but one of the best aspects of eating in New York is that no matter where you go--from a diner to a corner bistro--you will almost always have a terrific meal. 

Few of my favorite joints are:

Mamouns Falafel (Best 4am food)

Benitos (A chic Italian Restaurant)

Dos Caminos (Love their fresh Guacamole)

Tiffin Walah (When I miss Bombay roadside food a.k.a. 'Chaat' too much - this is where I go)

Garden Kitchen (Veggie Burgers - it is!)

New York - Deli Pizza's (They're all sooo good)

Pranna (Asian Fusion)

Roomali (Some goooood "Masala Chai")

Jaiya Thai (Take care when you say "Spicy" out here -- they mean it)

Matsugen (Vegetable Sushi is standard but at this place - its great!)

Max Brenner (Chocolate, Chocolate, Chocolate and more Chocolate - its sinful) 

Ilili (Authentic Lebanese)

Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory (a spectacular location in a twenties fireboat house on the Brooklyn waterfront)

.....

3. My peer group

I have met some amazing people and have made some great friends. At some point in life, when you have your friends, networks, contacts in place, there is really no need to go out to make new friends or you don't feel like putting that effort to get to know someone better, as just A Friend ! Coming to New York has helped me meet some people and foster some relationships, I can never imagine my life without !

4. You can never be bored here !

Broadway Shows

Sure, it's crowded and choked with vendors peddling T-shirts, sketches of celebrities and throngs of screaming fans outside the MTV studios, but standing in the human whirlpool of Times Square is a must, simply for the sensory overload. Catching a broadway show is essential. From Wicked, Billy Eliot to Lion King, New York theater has it all. 

Nightlife

It's not for nothing that New York is dubbed the city that never sleeps. No matter if it's a Monday or a Thursday night, there is always someplace to get into trouble in New York, whether it's a bar, nightclub or lounge.

Shopping

It is very easy to come to New York and do nothing but shop. The city has some of the best department stores, such as Barneys, Henri Bendel, Bergdorf Goodman and Saks Fifth Avenue. For more specific products you can hit Fifth and Madison Avenue, where's you'll find such shops as Harry Winston, Cartier, Jimmy Choo and Tiffany. For funkier stores, head downtown for cult favorites Jeffrey, Mayle and the Rock Star Baby, for the youngest fashion mavens.

Just want to Chill

TheCentral Park is the city's 843-acre backyard. Strolling through Central Park, or taking a horse-drawn carriage through its winding paths, is a quintessential New York thing to do. Otherwise, bring a blanket and have your own picnic.  

5. It is the playground of my 'Epiphanies'

I realized ::

How ambitious I am ::::  If you take responsibility for yourself you will develop a hunger to accomplish your dreams.

The people who are truly my support system and I just can't do without

And the most important:::

If you want to know your past - look into your present conditions. If you want to know your future - look into your present actions.