Somehow a visit to NYC in February recharged me

Went to NYC for work last week and stayed a few extra days. I’ve been coming annually for the past five years, and I remember a visit in 2021 when the city felt off, subdued perhaps as a result of people leaving the city during the pandemic and the overall vibe shift the pandemic engendered.

Each year since, it’s felt like the city was slowly regaining its pulse. But last week was the first time in years, maybe since visiting in the ’90 that I felt that unmistakable, electrifying NYC energy. The city was alive. People were dressed in style, reminding me of Paris and Florence. The food scene a delight. I had the best grilled prawns ever at a dark, moody restaurant across from Central Park.

There’s also a trend to create third spaces that I enjoyed seeing. I walked over a mile from my hotel through Chinatown to get to Happy Medium and art cafe where no food or drinks are served just art classes and leisure time to order art mediums with friends.

I took a collage class. The instructor is a practicing/professional artist who started the class with a brief history on collage which I appreciated. The space is cozy, intentionally designed with low lights and tall ceilings that made you quickly relax and settle your nervous system.

I also caught the last few days of the Edges of Ailey exhibit at the Whitney Museum. The exhibit is about legendary dancer and dance theatre founder Alvin Ailey. The exhibit had a wall to wall screen showing Ailey’s dancers, him in his own words as well as artworks by artists whose works aligned with Ailey’s creative vision. There was work by Lynette Yiadom-Boakye, Barkley Hendricks, William Johnson, Alma Johnson.

I went to a few galleries in SoHo. The exhibits were underwhelming. I spent more time observing how the galleries installed the art, the art selection, and the lighting choices.

These days I don’t have much of an appetite to shop. I feel that I have everything I need for every season and occasion so shopping no longer gives me a high. However, I couldn’t resist stopping by Tibi. I walked out with just one classic top I genuinely loved.

I also popped into the Real Real, a store that sells luxury secondhand. I am now adding this spot as a stop on my annual visits. It feels right to buy luxury secondhand and in mint condition. The store felt like an intimate boutique and everything well curated.

Stopped by McNally Bookstore. Their interior design and art section is unmatched. I also liked that magazine racks are making a comeback. I picked up this recent New York magazine edition. Fitting for the times.

Lastly, I stumbled on multiple influencer shoots while walking around the city. It felt excessive. It made me want to paint them. Capture this moment in our history where snaps in city streets can make you viral/a commodity to packaged over and over again.

I actually ran into an actual viral Instagram influencer. We chatted a bit and he was sweet and told me I could take a picture of him to paint. I just might. Although I actually wished I had snapped a pic of his photographer taking a pic of him, I am more interested in that.

And NYC leaflets guarantee a chuckle as you wait to cross the street.