Three exciting weeks have swiftly passed since my arrival in the vibrant city—New York. Living the American dream, as they say, has been an adventure of its own. The hustle of the Big Apple welcomed me just two days before I started my role at Grisoro Studio, an interior design office I had eagerly anticipated joining.
My initial days at work have been a great – slowly but surely diving into different projects and loving how much my creative input is valued. The highlight so far was a work trip to Sag Harbor, the illustrious Hamptons, a destination I’ve longed to explore and have met all my expectations. I look forward to going back in the summer and see life of the Hamptons at its peak.
Yet, as any newcomer to the city would attest, the first weeks in New York are a challenge. Fortunately, having my boyfriend working in the city and quickly making friends has eased the transition. Navigating through the paperwork labyrinth—from setting up a bank account to obtaining a phone number, consulate appointments, apartment hunting, and securing the elusive SSN—has been a challenge, especially while working full-time. For those planning their move, my advice is to arrive in the city a bit earlier to tackle these essential tasks with more ease. Another challenge I am having is getting used to the cold temperatures of the city and the freezing breeze that has only just begun. So to any newcomers to the city, layer up and get reasdy for the extreme temperatures.
Though my to-do list is not entirely conquered, with the SSN and apartment search still pending, I consider myself fortunate to have a temporary stay with my boyfriend and his friends. The challenge of not fully settling in is real, but it’s a shared experience among newcomers. I can’t wait finding my own space soon to fully embrace the ultimate New Yorker experience.
Upon arriving in New York, the city lived up to every expectation, mirroring scenes from the movies. The dynamic lifestyle, brunch outings, art galleries, jazz clubs, subway adventures, and the eclectic street fashion—all unfolded just as I imagined. In only three weeks, I’ve immersed myself in countless experiences, and the constant excitement has me excited for all the new experiences coming up in the upcoming new year.
One valuable lesson I’ve learned is to craft a bucket list upon arrival. Time in this city flies, so making the most of every moment is crucial. My plans include weekend getaways to Chicago, Miami, Washington, Dallas, LA, Boston, etc. as well as a trip to explore the architectural wonders of Frank Lloyd Wright and visit Philip Johnson’s Glass House.
As Christmas approaches, I look forward going back home fro the holidays, and getting some time out from the stressful start. With the new year just around the corner, I am excited about finding a gome soon and fully embrace the New York Adventure. The journey has just begun, and I can’t wait to see where it leads.
