The list- Twenty things I've discovered about NYC

View of Williamsburgh Bridge from Williamsburgh Piers (photo by Eleana)

A friend sent me a funny post of what things are "absolutely true" about New York, and asked me if these 44 (I think?) factoids rung true to their claim. Most of what I read was in general terms true. Some I found were generalities or exaggerations but like in any city that has urban legends attached to it New York is no exception. There are facts, details, unwritten rules and dirty little secrets you come to know and understand about this city as a resident or long time visitor. It gave me inspiration to write my own list of twenty rules, observations and funny details I've discovered along the way that ring true for me about this city and its residents. Some may surprise, shock and some and seem very familiar.

1. Yes some apartments are the size of caves --- I met a person with one such apartment in the east village. A good friend was staying there briefly while her apartment was being renovated…. I was astonished at the frugality of space used. It was coined the bat cave and it was a perfect title. The space between her bed and the ceiling was less than 30cm. There is more room in Brooklyn, but Queens is where its at for more affordable apartments and more room for your money.

2. New Yorksers are friendly and love to help because they LOVE their city. If you ask nicely, people are very willing to help, give you directions, and show you a place they love.

2b. New Yorkers secretly hate tourists- Another way if knowing your a New Yorker is when you start complaining about how slow those stupid tourists are and why their blocking your way

3. Coffee in Soho is as expensive as in Athens, Greece, Mykonos, Saint Tropez or anywhere else that's overpriced. stay away! (yet alas some of it is really amazingly good)

4. There are amazing FREE views above the city where don't have to pay a boat load of money to get the most astonishing birds eye view of breathtakingly beautiful city spots…. One such place is Whole Foods in Union Square, or even higher at the DSW shoe store one floor up.

Another free and great view, is the department store at the CNN building at Columbus Circle (59th street). There are corners of that place that lend the most stunning perspective of the streets and park below.

5. Two of the best subway lines to see great parts the city are the Q line coming from Brooklyn towards Manhattan which shows you a clear view of down town Manhattan, and the 7 train from Manhattan into Long Island City Queens. At. 2.50 a ride you can't beat more affordable than that.

6. People stand in line for gourmet anything in New York. If its famous they will wait in line for it. If it's not discovered yet, they pride themselves on discovering it first before everyone else. Even at 6.am there are lines in front of said amazing shop, and don't tell them their stupid for doing so.

Cronuts are so "to die for" that you can buy a season pass to get priority service. ( no I'm not kidding and NO I've not tried one YET )

7. Yes some New Yorkers haven't ever NOT EVER used their kitchen to cook. For some, all meals are eaten out. There is no such thing as a home cooked meal. EVER and ordering in is their life. Others will give you their kitchen freely so you can cook for them. It's the greatest thing to share and be together with lovely people who get to know each other over a delicious dinner or lunch or breakfast!

8. Brunch. You never mess with brunch. Brunch time is a sacred Sunday ritual.

9. Dogs are walked 8,9,10 at a time like in the movies yes, I've done it, it's a painful difficult job, and I don't think its that great for the animals either, yet people pay very good money for someone else to WALK THEIR DOG.

10. You can find any kind of massage therapist acupuncturist, healer, medicine man/woman, crystal ball reader, tarot card reader, herbalist and shaman anywhere in the city but most likely they are all in China Town! ( and a lot cheaper too)

11. The best and weirdest food is in little places with no sign that some guy knows and will tell you, only if you have proven that you deserve to be called a New Yorker. (after much pain and suffering living in said man cave apartment for 6-9 months)

12. You can actually get by here with very little expense or free if you are frugal, smart, inquisitive and savvy, just don't expect to eat at the the top floor of Barney's any time soon. On the other hand you can spend any imaginable amount of money your wallet can handle on food, clothing, shows, museums, and private viewings of amazing jewelry.

13. The apple store is open almost all day and night... ADDICTS UNITE!

14. Brooklynites don't go to Manhattan any more for anything... Queens residents do...still, even though Queens has amazing food great bars and well lots of Greeks ;)

15. Food Trucks make the best food. Period! Sometimes gourmet quality. From 10 popcorn flavors, to gourmet sandwiches to super hot chocolate in the winter to smoothies, ice cream, fruit salads, and yummy juices in the summer. Who needs restaurants?

16. The chess players in Union square are amazing, champions and spend their every waking hour playing chess provided there isn't a snow storm or a flood, they are there. Oh and you can play with them any time provided you have a serious passion for chess playing or else move on brotha.

17. Central Park is better on the West Side than the East Side.... because of amazing architecture, a great view of the Jackie Kennedy Reservoir on 86th street and well because the west side of Manhattan is more fun! Prospect park in Brooklyn is even better.

18. There is more free street music in New York (mostly at Union Square) than anywhere else in the world. (ok maybe not Paris) and most of it is VERY good. Except for that super annoying guy playing that horrible instrument that reminds you of nails running across a black board- you know THAT guy.

19. Washington Heights, amazing view of the Hudson River, Spanish Harlem go there, Soho, Little Italy yes still fun and good for food and people watching, Coney Island great piece of NYC history, Down Town Brooklyn artists, musicians, people going by and ART!. Queens Long Island City great views of the East River and great food. Times Square a HUGE OVER LIT RIDICULOUS MESS. (yes you have to go once and that's it)

20. All New Yorkers have their lists about everything....and they stand by those lists staunchly because they are right, because they are New Yorkers and you must listen to each and every one. And their corner bagel, coffee place is TO DIE FOAH!

20b.... Yes if you do make it here you can make it anywhere.... its tough, its great, its unfair, its fair, its grand its expensive, its simple, its dirt cheap and it is what it is.