My Last Summer in NYC

I cannot believe we are at the 2 year mark. It has been 2 years since I moved to NYC and started residency. I am elated with how much I’ve grown and how time is moving. Life is good. 

The covid restrictions have been lifted here in the city and I am no longer studying for STEP 3. I am no longer an intern. I fully intend to live my best life and be on somebody’s rooftop this summer. I told my co-resident my hashtag is #yesallsummer. I am going to do my best to refrain from my introverted tendencies and actually leave the house. My co-residents and I are planning a beach trip for August and I’m so excited to dip my feet into the water again. I have accomplished a great portion of my NYC bucket list and have some items left. This summer, I really want to dig into the remainder of my list especially since I plan to leave the city early next April. The rest of my NYC bucket list is as follows:

• The Africa Center
• Cotton Club
• Fashion Institute Museum
• Nubeluz by Jose
• Harriet’s Rooftop
• Magic Hour Rooftop
• Legends Lounge
• Cafe Wha?
• Studio Museum in Harlem
• Minton’s
• Paint N’ Pour
• Dance Theater of Harlem Show
• Meet Dapper Dan
• Apollo Show
• Vacation in the Hamptons
• Empire State Building
• NYC Ferry
• Ellis Island
• Statue of Liberty 
• QC Terme Spa
• While We Were Young
• Walk Brooklyn Bridge
• Brooklyn Promenade
• Walk around Central Park
• The MET: Seneca Village
• Bryant Park Movie Night Mondays
• Uptown Night Market – every 2nd Thursday 
• The Honey Well
• Bills Place 
• Mercado Little Spain
• The Tenement Museum LES
• Basketball game at Rucker Park
• Shrine
• Brooklyn Jazz

The remainder of my NYC restaurant list is as follows:

• Biga Bite
• Jack’s Wife Frieda
• Harlem Hops
• Buvette French Restaurant
• Omar’s Kitchen
• River Cafe
• Cecil
• Whipped
• Lido
• Isle of Capri
• Coyote Ugly
• Mom’s Kitchen
• Au Cheval
• Cacio e Pepe UES

And during my final week in NYC, I plan to treat myself to a week of luxury. I am still finalizing my plans, but I’m feeling like the Plaza Hotel and custom clothing fittings will absolutely be part of it.

I asked my program director for light rotations very specifically so I could enjoy the summer. I know. I asked her for a lot, y’all. And she gave it to me. I’m excited to go to BLVD several more times for the drinks, the vibes, the food. I’m excited to laugh my face off at Amateur Night at the Apollo. I’m excited to walk up and down Harlem feeling the energy of my people just so happy to be outside. I’m excited to spin and dance it out at Harlem Cycle several more times. There are some things I will absolutely miss about NYC, namely Harlem. Harlem has my heart, y’all. I’m going to spend as much time there as humanly possible before I leave. Harlem saved me during my stay in NYC. Single-handedly saved me. I’m grateful.

This is going to be one of my best summers yet. I can feel it. And I plan to take you all along for the ride. Be sure to follow along on my stories. And if you have any recs, let me know. I’m ready. #yesallsummer

xx,

Photos by Sweetie Mensah