Category: Big city life
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Breakfast Bagel
If you ask a New Yorker, they’ll tell you—a good Sunday starts with a great bagel. So I treated myself to a bagel packed to the brim, a perfect addition to my slow and relaxing Sunday. Perfectly toasted, slightly crisp on the outside, soft inside, and barely holding together layers of scrambled eggs, sausage, melted…
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Times are changing
While this refers to this past weekend’s shift to summer time, you could also interpret it in a broader sense—in the grand scheme of things. And speaking of grand, and staying in the spirit of time, the Grand Central Clock is one of New York’s most iconic timepieces. Perched atop the information booth in the…
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100+ Posts
I just renewed my site, which means I’m committed to keeping this little corner of the internet going. Over 100 posts and nearly a full year in, I’m grateful for everyone who has followed along—whether you’ve read just one post or many. Here’s to more fun moments, cultural observations, and whatever else sparks curiosity along…
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The Oscars
Yesterday, I watched the Oscars in full for the first time. Back in Europe, the Oscars were something I woke up to—headlines, clips, a few standout moments, and of course, a review of the dresses. Watching the entire ceremony live? Not really a thing. But now that I’m in the U.S., I figured I’d do…
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Valentine’s Craze
For weeks now, the city has been in full Valentine’s Day mode. Pink decorations, heart-shaped everything, and an overwhelming amount of flowers and chocolate seem to be everywhere. Supermarkets, pharmacies, and all kinds of stores are stocked with roses and candy. At Whole Foods the other day, I couldn’t turn a corner without running into…
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Languages
Learning a new language is a mix of curiosity, frustration, and small victories. But there’s also the realization that fluency isn’t just vocabulary and grammar, but identity, nuance, and self-expression. English on Broadway captures this beautifully in its story of Iranian students preparing for the TOEFL exam. It’s about ambition, belonging, and the quiet loss…
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Belvedere Castle
Perched atop Vista Rock in Central Park, Belvedere Castle feels like something out of a storybook. Built in 1869, it wasn’t meant to house royalty but to offer something just as valuable—a view. To me, it’s a reminder that beauty and reflection often go hand in hand. Today, many of us live in our own…
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Light at the End
Visa renewals are so nerve-wracking. Even when everything seems to be in order, the uncertainty lingers. And with the new administration, the process feels even more unpredictable—policies shifting, timelines stretching, guidelines changing, and clarity nonexistent. I’m currently in the middle of it, waiting & hoping. It’s a strange limbo, caught between planning for the future…
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American Museum of Natural History
The American Museum of Natural History, located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, is a cornerstone of New York City’s cultural scene. Established in 1869, it’s a massive institution, housing everything from meteorites to intricate dioramas of wildlife. Its mission has always been to educate and inspire curiosity about the natural world. Wandering through…
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Starting the year strong
I’ve never been one for New Year’s resolutions. Growth doesn’t need a specific date — life is always evolving. But this year, I want to focus on strength. Not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. Strength to set boundaries, let go of what no longer serves me, and make space for joy. I want to…
Josephine in New York City 