I am obsessed with New York City, and to this day, it remains one of my favorite cities to visit. Whenever someone asks why, I find myself reflecting on so many aspects—the city’s vibrant energy, its relentless pace, its technological advancement, and the endless array of events, restaurants, and museums. But above all, I love that New York has space for everyone, allowing you to be unapologetically yourself.
Recently, I decided to escape the hustle of Maseru and booked a flight to the United States for a well-deserved break following a highly productive year. The trip was primarily for business, as I was attending FinCon in New Orleans, but true to my nature, I always mix business with pleasure. And, of course, no U.S. trip would be complete without a stop in New York City. Being the trailblazer that I am, I believe I am a New Yorker at heart—so naturally, I had to come “home,” right?
Touchdown in the Big Apple
I arrived in New York City on Sunday, October 22, 2023, from New Orleans, landing at Newark Liberty International Airport. I had arranged an airport pickup through my travel agency and made my way to Brooklyn, where I stayed with a friend for the week.
New York City has so much to offer, and my itinerary was packed. My adventure kicked off at United Skates of America and Affiliated Rinks – America’s Finest Roller-Skating Centres, where my friend’s neighbor was celebrating her birthday. She chose roller skating as her activity of choice, and what a fantastic time I had! I was surprised to find that I “still got it” after so many years. I skated, fell a few times, and met new people—exactly the kind of experience I crave when traveling.
A Night at SoHo House New York
One of the standout moments of my trip was visiting SoHo House New York in Dumbo on Tuesday evening. SoHo House is a private members’ club with locations worldwide, originating in London and now spanning Europe, the Middle East, North America, Asia, and South America.
Situated at 29-35 9th Avenue in Dumbo, this particular SoHo House stole my heart. With the Brooklyn Bridge as its backdrop at Empire Fulton Ferry, the atmosphere was electric. The way people dressed up and showed up was simply inspiring. If New York City is truly the city that never sleeps, I can confirm that’s no exaggeration—the party didn’t officially start until midnight! For those interested in joining SoHo House, membership applications can be found at SoHo House.
Recreating Memories and Exploring the City
Spending only a week in New York is never enough to experience even a fraction of what the city offers. Since my last visit in 2018, I wanted to relive some cherished moments. I revisited Times Square and the Empire State Building, then hopped on a train to Coney Island to catch up with a friend and watch the sunset. The journey home was an adventure in itself—navigating the subway with a low phone battery, getting lost searching for the A-train, mistakenly boarding the J-train, and making a few wrong stops before finally finding my way back.
Friday night was dedicated to games, laughter, and deep conversations with friends. Then on Saturday morning, my friend Ethan and I took the train via the World Trade Center to Jersey City before walking across the Brooklyn Bridge to Empire Fulton Ferry. We enjoyed a delicious lunch and wine at Timeout Market, where I savored a scrumptious taco bowl. From there, we traveled to Prospect Heights in Brooklyn to visit the Brooklyn Public Library and see the HOV Exhibition.
Tips for First-Time Visitors to New York City
- Have fun, embrace the city, and take plenty of pictures – memories are priceless.
- Take it all in – but try not to stand out like a tourist (easier said than done, given the mesmerizing skyscrapers and bustling avenues!).
- Wear comfortable shoes – New York City is best explored on foot.
- Don’t be afraid to try street food – the flavors are incredible!
- Avoid constantly converting prices to your local currency – it can ruin the experience. I use a USD debit card to manage expenses seamlessly.
- Ask someone to take your picture – especially if traveling alone. New Yorkers are friendlier than I expected!
There is something in the New York air that makes sleep useless
by Simone de Beauvoir
Until my next escape to the Big Apple, let’s keep creating travel experiences together!
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