TRAVELING NINJAS

We’ve been homeless for almost a week now and while we’re having a great time visiting family and friends, we’d be lying if we didn’t tell you that we miss New York already. Most everyone we talk to has asked us, “So, are you missing NYC yet?”

Mike wrote a post a few weeks back on what he was going to miss about the city but I think it took me leaving to fully realize my list:

1. Taco Truck: This Astoria gem quickly became one of my favorites when I moved to 30th Avenue last year and remained a staple of my weekly diet until the end. In fact, it was my last meal in New York and will be on my list of musts every time I go back. Needless to say, I’ve craved it multiple times. (El Rey Del Taco is located @ 30th Ave and 33rd St. in Astoria. The truck is there Tuesday – Sunday from about 7PM – 3AM)

2. Amazing Local Music: Every night in NYC, hundreds of unknown artists take the stage all around the city for the chance to pick up a few new fans. At Rockwood Music Hall, a new musician goes on every hour and while the audience might not love every band, chances are they’ll at least like one or two of them. You might be thinking, “Unknown bands play in my hometown all the time. What’s the big deal?” The difference is that you rarely discover your next great obsession at the neighborhood bar. In New York, your new obsession is right around the corner, any night of the week. (Listen to my latest and most persistent musical obsession, Railbird)

3. Hidden Deliciousness: Just as easily as you can find new music in New York, you can also find unassuming incredible food. Taco truck was definitely one of those unassuming finds and so are places like Oasis, La Sirene and Ali’s Kabob Cafe. Obviously there are thousands of restaurants in New York that deserve this title and that’s the whole point. You never know where you’re going to stumble into and to me, that’s better than the convenience of an Applebee’s anyday. Even if you have a bad experience, it’s still going to be an experience!

4. Novelty Food Stores: This is the last food related one, I promise! Because of the sheer number of people in NYC, restaurants are able to focus on one thing, do it well and succeed. My favorites are Pomme Frites and S’Mac. If you have the chance to check out either, I highly recommend doing so. Because they only have one specialty, they’ve perfected it and it shows.

5. Weird Stuff: New York is home to a bunch of weirdos. Whether it’s crazies on the train or experimental art, things in New York need to be outrageous to get anyone else’s attention. The weirdness isn’t for everyone but it’s part of what makes New York feel special to me. It’s also nice that no one cares how you walk out of your front door on a hungover Sunday morning. That sense of anonymity will definitely be missed.

6. Our Friends: Above all, I’m really missing the insanely awesome friends that I’ve made in New York. They’re my lifeline and I’ve left a piece of myself with each and every one of them. I can’t thank them enough for every experience we’ve had together and I hope they know that I can’t wait to see them again.

Have you ever moved from a city you love? What do you miss most?