Figured it could be a good thread to hear stories. I was curious; what your first time in NYC was like? I’d really like to hear the stories of some forum members. Like the whole experience? Was it overwhelming, confusing, scary, nirvana? What did you do your first time and so on? 
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My Experience:
Like for me, my first time was actually at the age of 13 believe it or not where I was conscious to know what I was doing. I know… and I’m in NJ too so you’d think I would of gone earlier. I was actually in Philly a lot when I was younger but never NYC (Philly didn’t prepare me for the concrete Jungle). Although my parents when I was a baby, like a couple of months, went to the WTC observation deck (which I don’t remember because I was like 6 months old, and it sucks because I actually never went to the original twins where I could remember and appreciate it).
Anyways, first place I ever went to was to Chinatown. You’d think the usual Times Square, but nope… good old Chinatown with the Nigerian Gucci sellers and small Asian women who take you to a basement and unveil a treasure cove of counterfeits).
Took the PATH with my father, and went to Chinatown to eat food, and buy a fake Rolex (before the crackdown, but they are still there). I remember so many people. It felt like a sea of people. The skyscrapers, the insane crowds… it felt strange and scary to me. Chinatown has a special place in my heart. I actually would not mind living there. Its kinda a shame that the grittyness has been reduced, but its still an excellent neighborhoods. One of my favorites.
But I remember the energy. The rush… like a good crack high (What I guess it must feel like). Its this kind of feeling where you actually become sad when you leave. I wanted more… I was addicted.
And to this day… I still am!
I think what I really like, and to this day holds true, is the street life. I love the fact that I can be walking down the street, and hear yelling, looking on the corner and seeing some guy talking to himself, the endless stream of traffic, the sirens, and it goes on. The street energy is what makes this place amazing. Not to mention time flies. Time constriction occurs. Even working, when I meet clients in the city, time flies. The energy of the city makes time feel so fast that days evaporate. The same with the Chinatown visit. I remember it was 4 hours, but felt like 30 minutes.
I’ve been to many Euro Capitals and other U.S. Cities, but nothing compares. You’d think the skyline and energy would get old, but it doesn’t, and this all started at the age of 13, in which, I became interested in cities, and thus, real estate and architecture became a passion.
All from one simple trip to Chinatown, on a chilly, brisk fall day.
- Chris E.
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