When I first arrived in New York I remember a series of events which lead me to believe this crazy city was full of “only in NY moments”. In hindsight some of these moments weren’t so crazy. They were  unique moments driven by people’s openness, trust and artistic creativity, coupled with a drive to survive. In a metropolis such as New York where we could so easily let cynicism win the day, this city continues to amaze with its unique attitude to life.

On a hot summer’s evening in 2008 a stroll through Fr Demo Square in Greenwich Village introduces us to Colin Huggins, a classically trained pianist busking on his upright piano for all those who care to stop and listen. This is NYC and busking on an upright piano is a viable revenue stream. Why wouldn’t you grab an ice cream from Grom and enjoy it while sitting by the fountain with Fur Elise playing in the background?

Dean & Deluca is a tourist haven and one stop gourmet deli shop for locals in need of a quick dinner fix. I love that someone trusted me with their five buck note and waited patiently while I carried out their request to buy $5 worth of Gorgonzola from the cheese counter while they waited outside with their dog. (No dogs allowed in D&D) I guess no one shopping in D&D cares enough for a $5 note to run off with it, and since I was pushing a Bugaboo I must have looked like a good bet.

The walls of the White Horse Tavern have heard many a drunken tale come from the  mouths of the sailors and artists who frequented it. Known as a liquor haven for literary icons this is where Dylan Thomas drank his last whiskey before returning home and suffering the final consequences of over imbibing. So, if like me, you find yourself sitting in this Tavern next to a lady who has a tale or two to tell me about her “friendship” with the late Ted Hughes, you will know this is a true NY moment. It reminded me that these people and their stories linger on in dark corners of the Village and are kept alive for better or worse through the idle talk that emanates from the mouths of those who are enjoying their one martini too many.

And finally, as far removed from the Bohemian life in village as we can get there is a subway train running the 1 line north to Houston from Tribeca carrying a chivalrous gentleman (do we have gentlemen in NY or is it too English?) and a 9 month pregnant lady. He offers her a seat. She accepts the seat gratefully. As she sits down one of her pink boxing gloves makes a bid for freedom from her gym bag.

This is NYC.

Love

NYFLC x