NEW YORK, I LOVE YOU.

Ever since my exchange in Bialystok, I've always assumed that I preferred small cities or big towns over the metropolis. Like what I said in this Helsinki blog post, I like how you know it's a city but it still feels quaint. Given this notion, people are weirded out by how I am super in love with New York. I mean, it doesn't get more city than that! Well, apparently, my deciding factor wasn't whether it was a city or not; what tugged at me is the architecture and the feel of the place. Modern skyscrapers? Industrial steel? Minimalist blocks of buildings? Not for me. (Although I'd like it for interiors, just saying.) I like bricks and intricate moldings and rich details. Pre-war buildings? YES PLEASE! What about you? Which do you prefer?

These pictures were taken during my first afternoon to officially explore the city on my own. New York was such a visual treat for me! I admit to spending too much time looking up and ogling at these structures. As compared to super modern urban sprawls, this, for me, has more charm and character. It was something I hardly appreciated during my 2008 visit, but like what Proust said, "The real voyage of discovery consists, not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes". I'm really glad I got to visit New York this year! I still remember how my heart raced upon realizing that the building I was admiring was actually THE Flat Iron (I came at it from behind)...

pure and utter, labas gilagid, joy. :) // May 2, 2015 ; Flat Iron Building //

I can't wait to go back!!!