This is Not America.

"How do you describe New York to someone who's never been there?"

Reminiscent of the David Bowie song from The Falcon and the Snowman, "This is not America." New York ignites a fire in your soul that simply can't be dowsed, offering a platter of endless opportunities. Some say they manifested life in the Concrete Jungle; a constant vision that paved their way to this mighty city. You may come across other places in the world that attempt to mimic its energy, only to find they fall short. New York will never change itself to fit your expectations. It's merciless, unforgiving, yet boldly authentic. There's simply nothing like it.

This is not America.

A colossal metropolis boasting vertigo-inducing skyscrapers. A true melting pot of every culture under the sun. Its inhabitants are rough around the edges with ravenous ambition and a "kind, but not nice" energy. Prideful to a fault, they wear love and integrity on their sleeve, thriving in the midst of daily chaos. Not everyone can handle the cutthroat honesty or the "everyone for themselves" mentality. You either assimilate or wish you never set foot here, making it even more intriguing.

Diversity is a keystone in The Concrete Jungle: a world of new sights just begging to be explored, fueling the city with endless passion. Whether it's the vibrant murals and tapestries of Chinatown, experiencing the silent awe at Ground Zero, seafood brunch in the Upper West, or watching the MET Gala set up, there's truly something for everyone here. 

This is not America.

They say it's a city full of friends waiting to be made: simply put, there are no strangers here. Seasoned New Yorkers might give you directions to the D Train while young transplants scoff at the sight of tourists, forgetting that at one point, that's exactly who they used to be. There's a beautifully overwhelming sense of community that moves you to tears; a silent reminder that no matter what we go through, everyone is in this together.

Despite its intimidating nature, kindness exists in New York. You just have to know where to look.

New York refuses to be flashy. Wealth is hidden behind shiny black townhome doors and luxurious tinted windows. You'll catch a glimpse of fame dashing into private cars, or spot the occasional G Wagen outside of a crowded SoHo cafe. There's a prideful, elitist air that permeates throughout the city: the deli men shooting daggers if you haven't made up your mind, men in suits en route to Wall Street, commuters breaking through bodega lines yelling for their bagels and coffee, natives breaking through tourists that take up the entire sidewalk, to women decked in silent luxury with their noses in the air. If you're not first, you're last, and they're perfectly okay with that.

You have to keep up with New York because it won't slow down for you.

Some say you'll find the best and worst of everything here. From garbage piles on the streets, roaches in kitchen drawers, lending a friendly stranger your WiFi hotspot at JFK, rats scurrying across your feet, sunny days in Sheep's Meadow, to piss-pungent subways with eccentric blunt-rolling weirdos in tutus, this city has it all. You'll find the most dynamic restaurant scene in the country while poverty exists around every corner. Homeless men will beg outside of a Starbucks in FiDi, yet someone will come out to give them water and sustenance. Dive bars and rooftops blast "Empire State of Mind" while everyone sings along, filling every block with serotonin. And after a long night of drinking and partying, the gyro trucks in Meatpacking will craft a perfectly balanced, greasy piece of heaven for you to enjoy at 3 am.

What can I say? This is not America.

In the peak of nonstop momentum, New York provides space for you to escape. Sit on the steps of St. Patrick's cathedral at lunchtime, or walk the High Line after a drink at Battery Park. Craving a bit of greenery? Immerse yourself amongst the trees on the Hudson River. For a moment, you forget about the bus you missed that morning, the woman who stole your cab, the guy behind the deli whose patience is wearing thin, or the contents of your purse being spilled across Grand Central station while someone runs off with your wallet. As the world whizzes around you, a wave of calm envelops the soul: a reminder that anyone can break away from the madness.

New York doesn't compromise: what you see is what you get.

The secret to this city is incorporating balance.

Sundays are for Farmer's Markets boasting vibrant spices and produce. You can stroll through Central Park or catch a paddle boat ride. Spend your rainy days at MoMA or Guggenheim, studying the perplexity of human creativity. People-watch in Washington Square Park where elderly men play chess and beatboxers unite. Grab a midday pick-me-up from Maman off Amsterdam where they specialize in honey lavender matcha, fresh pastries, and a gorgeous French aesthetic. Hit up Zabars for all of your sunset picnic needs or catch a concert in Bryant Park. Head home to wind down with take-out, a bottle of wine, good company, and binge-worthy sitcoms. No matter what you choose, it's possible to find your own personal sanctuary.

The people of New York move in unison, walking with purpose and impenetrable focus, timing every block without stopping. Traffic lights are merely a suggestion, so you better have your head on a swivel. Where else will you find sidewalks three cars wide filled with people, mimicking an LA freeway?

There's a sophisticated, beautiful maturity in this city that brings like-minded intellects together.

Much like Europe, it's unapologetically raw, messy, and brimming with life. Whether you're roaming the streets of Chelsea after a bucket of sangria, discussing travel plans over drinks at an underground speakeasy, eating Japanese-fusion tacos at Turnstyle Underground Market, rollerskating at Rockefeller Center, walking ten miles in one day to take in all the sights, or indulging in Friday Night Jazz at the MET, adventure lies around every corner.

This is not America.

And when you leave the Big Apple, there is no sadness in your heart. Instead, there's a longing to expand your mind after witnessing all of its glory. You'll be mesmerized, dumbfounded, and brought to your knees by the contagious flow of energy that saturates every borough, especially Manhattan. 13.4 miles long and 2.3 miles wide, it embodies a sense of belonging that doesn't exist anywhere else. No one here is ever truly alone.

New York doesn't tolerate fools gladly, but you don't have to be from here to appreciate it. Allow it to embrace you until it's time to say goodbye.

So, how do you describe New York to someone who's never been before? The answer is simple... experience it for yourself.

This is not America.