HipHopkins

So I packed up August 5th, left Georgia, my family, and many of my friends and embarked on the journey of life. For now, and it seems forever, this journey has taken me to New York. I’ve been here almost two weeks and I already feel like I am a part of this city. It loves me and I already feel so much love towards it. 

My Apartment

I’d been to New York a few times and never felt quite at home. It always felt pretty hectic, slightly dirty, and about as far from what I imagined a home to be as it could get. Well, I’d never been to TriBeCa. My little diamond in the rough is quite possibly the happiest place on earth. I live in a one bedroom flat with a roommate. I’ve turned 3/4 of the living room into my first “adult” haven. I got to pick out all of the furniture and all of the accessories myself. I fall into my new bed fully satisfied each night. I wake up to the beautiful skyline and plenty of greenery out my window—those of you who might not love New York, must not have visited my apartment. My roommate, Alex, is as friendly as can be. He works a ton, so it’s almost like I live alone, but it’s really nice to have someone to chat with when he is there when I come home. 

Click here for a view of my room! 

http://instagram.com/p/OCPkvJsdLg/

My Building

I honestly think I fell into a community that is as close to Stillwater Trace as it gets in New York (hopefully minus the incest). Doormen were probably the greatest thing ever created. They smile and welcome you arrive home each day and wish you a safe journey as you leave. I don’t think they’re used to Southerners and our constant hellos and smiles, but I think I’ve quickly become a doorman favorite. My favorite’s name is Joe. Sadly Joe is only the substitute if the others can’t we working, but I know it’s going to be a good day if Joe’s on duty. There is a beautiful Chinese woman that lives on my floor. At age 65, she manages to keep her “spunk”. I’ve caught her singing in the halls on her way to the elevator on multiple occasions which always makes me laugh. Joe, the building manager, is a gigantic human. He’s always around if anything needs to be fixed and always has a kind word to say. There’s a gigantic golden retriever in the building that I want to take for a run, but I’m not sure if I can just steal their dog like I would the Plageman’s. 

My Neighborhood

I live in heaven. TriBeCa stands for the TRIange BEneath CAnal street. As superficial as I know it sounds, I have an immense sense of pride when people ask where I live. I am certain it’s the best neighborhood in New York and probably the best neighborhood in the country. TriBeCa (already a spelling snob) is in the lower west corner of Manhattan. Filled with old warehouses and factories that have been converted to lofts, over 800 trees (I know, but for New York that’s a ton), incredible restaurants, bars, and grocery stores (I have a Whole Foods RIGHT across the street that BEYONCE shops at), it isn’t any wonder that Beyonce and Jay Z, Jake Gyllenhall, Gwyneth and Chris, Meryl and whoever her husband is, and many others call TriBeCa home. The street infront of my building is closed every Wednesday and Saturday for a Farmers Market. I can’t wait for my family and friends to visit, because TriBeCa has that power that only Paris has had in my eyes. I literally walk outside and can’t stop smiling. It’s magic. 

Click here for a view from my balcony!

http://instagram.com/p/N_LqbcMdOR/

The waterfront is a block away!

http://instagram.com/p/OKaCymMdJk/?fb_action_ids=3537898322337&fb_action_types=instapp%3Atake&fb_ref=ogexp&fb_source=photo

My Friends

Wow, I really am such a lucky person. I am so blessed to have many of my friends from Georgia nearby, but also was gifted with my mother’s ability to meet people. I regularly get to see some of my favorite and oldest friends including Annie, Libby, and Kate. I’ve met awesome people through the people I already knew and a few just out on the town and at coffee shops. I’ve gone out most nights, but am trying to be smart about the places I go, so I can make my dollar stretch as far as possible. My favorite moments so far have included: going to the farmers market and cooking dinner with Annie, congregating with Kate and her incredible posse at Supper, and exploring the town with Libby and my newest favorite person McCauley. I also had a great time at a dinner party in celebration of my dear friend Em Natallacino’s birthday last night with lots of my friends from Paris. I look forward to seeing what that girl will do in the future. 

Job Search

Each day is filled with the continued search for employment. In fact, the only reason I got to write this little blog is because I chose a coffee house that didn’t have wifi. I hope I can do this and fill y’all in from time to time. 

Thus Far….

Favorite Restaurant: Max’s Tribeca

Why? Best amazing Porcini Ravioli I’ve ever had and an incredibly nice staff.

http://max-ny.com

Favorite Bar: Wilfie’s West Village

Why? A new friend filled me in on this place. It has the awesome feel of a British Pub 

http://wilfieandnell.com

Favorite Spot for Coffee: Kaffe 1668 

Why? The Iced Australian….

It’s been over a year since I last blogged. I promised to keep my loved ones updated through this medium… and I failed. As usual, I got wrapped up in “life” and failed to document all of the pleasant and perfect memories made in Paris. Oh well… Facebook albums will have to suffice and I will yet a gain make a promise. Starting today-I will make a continued effort to blog semi-regularly.

Today I started packing up the last things in my apartment in Athens. It was while doing this that I realized how much I have learned and grown during my time at 1660 Lumpkin Street. A transition from Paris —> New York City —> back to athens was difficult to say the least. I had amazing friends, to say the least, to help me readjust to the slow-paced, slightly suffocating life in Athens. I end this phase of my life realizing that everything is just as it should be. 

I am headed to New York in just over a week. As big of a move as this might seem, I am fortunate to have my very best friends living in the city I love so much. It will be a new start as far as new places, spaces, and opportunities, but I will have my favorite Georgians right there with me. I can’t wait.  

Love is not love which alters when it alteration finds. Or bends with the remover to remove. Oh no! It is an ever fixed mark that looks on tempests and is never shaken. Willoughby. Willoughby. Willoughby.