New York City

Ah, the magic of an early Saturday morning in New York City! The sun’s barely bothered to show up, and the streets are still catching their breath after last night’s marathon of noise and neon. And here I am, sneaking into the city’s embrace for the second (or was it third?) time this year. As I descend into one of the tunnels leading to downtown, anticipation builds. Then, emerging on the other side, it’s like New York wraps its arms around me, saying, “Welcome back, you brave soul,” and I let out that sigh of relief—mission accomplished.

For the seasoned New Yorkers, this might just be another day at the office. I do wonder, though—do they still feel that rush when they cross over into Manhattan, or has the daily grind dulled it all? Either way, I’m here for it, savoring every crowded, chaotic second. Coming from Kansas, where “busy” means a few extra cars at the crossroads, New York’s relentless buzz is like a shot of espresso to the soul.

Now, there are three absolute must-do’s on my NYC checklist. First up: Zen Walking. Yes, you read that right—Zen Walking, the fine art of wandering without a destination. You just meander, and New York, with its endless quirks and corners, shows you what it wants. I’ve stumbled across hidden murals, eccentric shops, and even found myself in parks and museums that I didn’t plan to visit but somehow needed. You could say Zen Walking is like NYC’s way of showing you, “Here’s a little something you didn’t know you were looking for.”

Then, of course, there’s Central Park. A trip to NYC without a Central Park pit stop? Blasphemy. I love strolling there, no matter the season. It’s like a nature pause button from all the honking, sirens, and skyscraper-staring. Central Park is where you find everyone, from tourists snapping a billion photos to posh apartment owners pretending they’re just like everyone else. Even the poor little carriage horses are doing their thing. This week’s unseasonably warm weather? Perfect. Nature’s own way of saying, “Take a break, everything will be alright.”

And finally, no New York trip of mine is complete without a night at the Met. Oh, opera lovers, rejoice! The grandeur of the entrance, the lit-up steps, the fountain—it’s like walking into a painting, with Chagall’s two enormous murals welcoming you. This time, I went to see Rigoletto, Verdi’s intense opera about curses, sacrifice, and heartbreak. No one comes out a winner in this one, except the music, which soars and dips, carrying you along. Verdi had to make some compromises back in the day to get it approved, but in the end, he created a masterpiece that reminds us all of resilience and adaptation.

So, my dear friends, here’s my closing advice: if you ever feel overwhelmed, just take a step back. Go for a Zen walk. Pause. Renew. And, above all, let New York—or wherever you are—show you something unexpected. You never know what treasures you’ll find.