This is my first time back in New York since 2019. It hasn’t lost its energy and reminds me a lot of Hong Kong—fast-paced, diverse, and full of character.
One thing I loved about big cities is how they support all kind of niche interest. You see people sharing tricks at magic shops, opening card boxes or battling TCG in card stores, and hunting collectibles. And of course, one can find everything from major brands to flagship stores. There’s a well-stocked Kinokuniya bookstore with plenty of anime goods, manga, and illustration books, some of which I couldn’t even find in stores across Asia.
If the New York Knicks had made it to the NBA Finals, I imagine the city would’ve gone wild following the games. But maybe because they lost to the Pacers, I spotted people walking around in OKC jerseys instead.
One of my favorite routines here is waking up early to run a loop around Central Park as the sun rises, then find a cozy diner for a hearty breakfast and a cup of coffee.
Thanks to the city’s cosmopolitan nature, it’s easy to find all kinds of food. Unlike in some places, I can easily get cooked vegetables, kombucha, and even natto at a Japanese grocery store for my daily needs.
PS: David Perell on living in NY.
Ryu's Blog 