Lately I seem to be getting this question ALL the time. I figured after ten months of living here, I needed to start documenting the reasons why so everyone would understand. Well perhaps you won’t understand, but here are my reasons. (Check back for ongoing updates in the “about” section.)

1. I’m absolutely fascinated by ALL the diversity. From the homeless to the most elite, every disability known to man and oh, the many many layers in between it all. Not to mention hearing every language imaginable every day.

2. Seeing for my own eyes the best contestants for a show “Do you look like your dog?” I see it multiple times a day which brings me to the countless times I’ve seen a double of a friend, family member, aquaintance, etc. walking the street. They always say… everyone has a double!

3. Who would’ve ever thunk that I could find comfort in hearing sirens serenading all of us throughout the day and night. Did I also mention my love of the sound of women’s heels clicking on the sidewalks as they walked past the den? And the clip clop of the horses’ shoes as they bring tourists through Central Park and segway to my street which happens to be very famous? Oh, and how nice it is to wake up in the early morning hours hearing the splash of rain water on the streets from the occasional cab or late night arrival traveling through?

4. Being entertained by the locals on the subway and especially through 42nd street subway station. It’s “free,” but how do you not tip these guys! And plus, they really really think they sound good!

5. It’s only taken me several months to realize this…but there’s absolutely nothing like exploring the hoods with an iPod plugged in and awesome tunes playing. Every day is a different mood for different music… perhaps I’ll even find another man with pipe to follow.

6. Seeing men walking the street taking flowers to their lovers. Adorable.

7. Sitting at the windows of the gotham den, watching and listening to every day life. Early morning, middle of the day, at night, during the night…it all has its own vibe.

8. Walking the streets and making quick eye contact resulting in a brief smile with a total stranger.

9. Watching the trees outside the gotham den windows changing from spring to summer to fall to winter to spring again!

10. Seeing men completely turn to take in the beauty of a woman walking by.

11. Watching taxis drive through huge puddles on the streets from a rain… spraying everyone at the crosswalk! And you only thought that happened in Sex in the City!

12. Having anything you want at your finger tips. From classes, to food, to entertainment. And you won’t believe how much of it can be FREE or for a small amount of money if you do your research.

13. Feeling the electricity in my body as soon as I hit the streets. You can walk the exact same street every day and see something different. Every minute, every hour, every day is a movie scene.

This is only the beginning…it never ends.