I’ve fallen in love with New York. I have been busy exploring the vibrant and international culture, whilst making new friends from all over the world. From Argentina, Germany, Korea, Columbia, fellow Londoners, Australians, New Yorkers to people from other parts of the USA.

My flight arrived in last Monday afternoon, so I had the early evening to explore. My hostel is based in Manhattan, a sweet location near Central Park and close to the subway. I went walking around the blocks (perhaps too far as I ended up in Harlem) and had my first New Yorker Pizza slice. It was delicious but quite expensive at $4! I should have looked for $1 pizza slice bar. There are lots of Italian restaurants around, which is just fabulous. I find NYC reasonably easy to navigate around especially in Manhattan, as it’s on a grid. I bought an unlimited 7 day subway pass. I would highly recommend this if you’re in NYC for more then 2 days. On Monday evening the hostel had welcome drinks, so I met fellow backpackers and heard about all their travel adventures. The hostel had good facilities and lots of opportunities to meet people. I would definitely stay here again.

On Tuesday, the hostel were running a grand tour of New York City which was a whole day tour (11am -10pm). I had some dinner plans with a friend, so I didn’t stay for the whole day. It was a good way to hear about New York from a local who was also very funny.

One of my favourites stops was in Brooklyn. There were gorgeous views of Manhattan and the bridge. We had glorious weather too, perfect for posing on the bridge for photos.

In the evening, I had a wonderful catch up with my friend over dinner who works in NYC. I tried my first peanut butter cupcake from Sprinkles. Hanging out opposite the New Jersey skyline in downtown Manhattan.

Followed by a live comedy night, listening to some of Manhattan’s upcoming local comedians. I really enjoyed Sirius and Paul’s set they made my tummy hurt from too much laughter.

On Wednesday, I explored the Bronx neighbourhood with a local. I learned about the history and amazing street art. The Bronx is the birth place of hip hop music.

On Wednesday evening, my friend booked tickets at the Jazz Standard to watch live music from Nate Smith and Kinfolk. We had dinner there, which was a large portion for me. I ordered the dry rubbed chicken, tasted good kind of smokey.

The music gave me goosebumps. The drumming and strong saxophone riffs blew me away. The band also played some of their Grammy nominated music, it was awesome!

Then we headed to a bar for cocktails. I tried a new one called Rose Margarita and woah do they go in on the Tequila.

On Thursday, there was a group of us that explored Central Park. I love being in nature, it was a huge and tranquil spot in the middle of a bustling city. In the afternoon, we headed over to the Yankee stadium in the Bronx for a baseball game. I was getting really into it, there was such a good atmosphere. I’m glad my friend Alex explained how the game worked. The tickets were only $9 – completely worth it. The Yankees were loosing 3-1 against Twins (Minnesota) but in the final round Sanchez stole the show. The team managed to get 3 Home Runs bringing the final score to 4-3 to the Yankees. It was my Yankees inauguration, Yankee girl forevermore.

After this, we went to Roosevelt Island and got a cable car to Manhattan. We stopped for world class Columbian coffee. We walked around the city, admiring all the skyscraper buildings. We were meeting the rest of the group for drinks, at a rooftop bar opposite the Empire State Building. It was a gorgeous spot and free to get in.

On Friday, we went to Soho and visited an art gallery. There was an art piece of a heart which was breathtaking. We also explored Chinatown too and one of my favourite spots the Friends building apartment where the show was filmed. In the evening, we headed to a salsa night. In the spirit of Mexican dining, we shared empanadas and nachos. As the night unfolded, a salsa band came to deliver a great night of music. My friend Leonie and I both love salsa dancing, so it was a lot of fun.

The rest of the weekend involved chilling with friends, shopping and visiting St Patrick’s cathedral. I moved from Manhattan to Brooklyn as I start my road trip today.

I feel sad to say goodbye to New York. I’ve had the most incredible time!