New York is the center of the universe! It’s the only city! It’s all here! 

Yes, but no.

I love my life here and am constantly enjoying new experiences (toot toot) but there are certainly things I miss and find myself often thinking about. Without further adieu, da list:

1. New Hampshire

The view from the camp waterfront on Winnipesaukee at sunrise.

And no, that shit is NOT EDITED. That’s how beautiful it all is. Also… there are no taxes there, everyone is nice, and diners run rampant in the best way possible. What is not to love. Really. 

2. Driving

In high school I spent a lot of time riding in cars with boys my best friends. I have a new appreciation of cars. Personal space? Check. The ability to blast music without headphones? Check. The power to go wherever, whenever, with whoever? Checkmate. Bumper stickers?! Checkity check. None of that exists on the subway, or even in cabs. Although cabs here do have weird TV- it just loops the same 5 minute “news” clips.

Summertime driving with Alice with the windows down at sunset, who’s mad? No one, that’s who.

3. Nature, in general

Central Park rocks, really (post coming on how it continuously blows my mind). But the park is like 50 blocks from me! I’m all for laying out on some green space and it’s even better when you own that space too (read: backyard). 

Walden Pond chillin’. A 2011 summer staple. 

4. Cheaper everything

You know how much gas was in STL when I left? $2.99/gal. A quality 6 pack? $7. Street parking in Boston? $2/hr. Coffee? Free*
*Disclaimer: at WashU I was on a meal plan (NEVER TAKE THIS FOR GRANTED, FRIENDS) and at home my dad is kind enough to make it for me most of the time.  

The remnants of taking full advantage of Schnuck’s STL beer pricing. RIP

5. My Favorite Restaurants

Including but not limited to: Thai Country Cafe, Anna’s Tacqueria, Daikanyama, Rancatore’s Ice Cream, & Royal India Bistro

The one, the only, the Daik lunchtime bento box. Awkwardly featured: my sister.

6. Northern California

The past two school spring breaks I’ve visited Erika at Berkeley and I’m definitely having withdrawls. It’s one of the things people say and actually holds true… there’s just something about California, man. 

Top of the hike, overlooking Berkeley and Oakland. Bonus: I saw a bananaslug for the first time on our way down.

Cal nightlife is wild. This was taken at a co-op called Casa Zimbabwe. Seriously.

But, even so… I still love New York.