Here I am, stepping into a new decade in the city I once only dreamed about as a kid.
New York, forever glamorised by Hollywood, making kids everywhere want to be a part of it.
But if you grew up here, maybe the thrill fades, and you start dreaming of tropical beaches and the “simpler life” I grew up with. The paradox of desire.
For me, New York has always been the ultimate goal. The energy, the people, the hustle!
Every visit only deepened my love for this place. In an uncanny type of way.
But now, on my fifth trip, I realised… maybe I don’t actually want to live here as much as I thought.
Maybe it’s because I’ve traveled more and seen the rest. Maybe it’s the allure of other cities with more space, a slower pace, or just a different rhythm. After all, what’s “better” depends on what you’re looking for. Is it career? Experience? Family? Room to breathe?
When I lived in Montreal, I appreciated the city more when I had a bit of luxury. I had autonomy, space, and convenience.. everything within walking or biking distance, no need for a car or the subway grind. 🚲 Even when I was visiting NYC, I found myself itching to go home to Montreal’s quieter comforts.
Maybe that’s it. I prefer to live where I can exceed my baseline and feel like more than “average.” I used to judge someone who said they didn’t want to feel “average” in a city, but now… I get it. I want more than just fitting in.
I want space, comfort, a touch of luxury.. because with that, I can think, create, breathe.
Once you’ve tasted a certain quality of life, it’s hard to go back.
Until I can achieve that in NYC, I’d prefer to be where I can find “luxury” in other cities for now.
Haha, I’ll see you again, NYC. 💋 Bye for now!
