Go for a walk in a busy part of town.

“As soon as I stepped off the train there was a ton of people in the train station. It was everything you’d imagine and everything you see on TV. Somewhat dimly lit, tons of people, lots of yelling and screaming, sights, smells, homeless people, graffiti, drug users, food stores, security, trash everywhere, everything. That was culture shock part 1. Part 2 came as soon as I climbed the steps to the exit to leave the train station. Immediately, I was greeted by a sea of people and the essence of what is Midtown, Manhattan. If you’ve ever seen a school of fish or a flock of birds, that’s how it is to travel by foot in New York. You have to get in where you fit in and not interrupt anyone's flow of movement. Besides the sea of fast-moving people, the sounds are also deafening.”

“And even if I’m hurrying, the sheer energy of the street, the people, the hustle, gets me going. When I go for a walk, I discover something new. I encounter a hidden gem. I meet new people. In the morning, I love starting my walk through the city to get my coffee. The air is fresh, the city is waking up, and the possibilities feel endless. [...] From street performers to the aromas wafting from the many restaurants. It’s always a treat!”