Monday, March 21, 2011

New York!

So, yes. It's been quite a while. I could go on with excuses as to why I haven't posted in forever, how it won't be this long til the next time, and how I'll try my best to update more frequently. But I won't ;) I've been having quite the adventure lately and I wanted to share some of the things I've learned along the way:

I'd often heard the rumor that New Yorker's were quite...ill-tempered, so this was what I imagined happening in the off chance (read: when) I got lost.

Nothing, however, could be further from the truth (I sincerely hope I'm not giving away a secret here...) New Yorkers are extremely, extremely nice and helpful. My theory is that it's due to so many non-natives, so everyone understands what it's like being new. Although, be wary of getting in their (our?) way during rush hour traffic on the subway.


The one thing I knew I'd miss about Toronto were the people. My friends, family and everyone I'd gotten accustomed to seeing week after week over the last year at our favourite karaoke spot and around town. But, I've met some amazing people and made some fantastic friends!

But, some things are in fact, irreplaceable.


One thing you always hear about New York is the dangerous amount of crime in the city. You do have to be aware of your surroundings, but there's no reason to be remotely as paranoid as I thought originally! It's actually one of the safest cities per capita in the US.


I'd heard about all these cockroach and bedbug infestations, and was not looking forward to dealing with these creatures. Luckily, I've only seen 2 with my friend Vadim...at a restaurant...that was REALLY good and had been open 27 years (the owner made a point of telling us this multiple times.).


Something I was looking forward to, as much as I love driving, was giving up my car. Being a driver, you hate pedestrians. Being a pedestrian, you hate drivers. In Toronto, I was both. But in NY I was looking forward to picking a side, so to speak. There was one minor thing I didn't forsee. Carrying big box items home on the subway.

Bumping into people in Toronto wasn't that uncanny as we all usually hung out in the same few areas. However, in New York, in a city of 8 million people - it is absolutely astounding that you can still bump into people you know anywhere, like in the middle of a crowded SoHo street.

I really thought I would miss Toronto a ton. There's a charm there that I thought no city could really capture. Til I got to New York. It has it's own wonderful charm. There's so much to see, do and explore, it's absolutely overwhelming and ridiculous. But, so far I've found some of my new favourite landmarks, restaurants, shops and parks.

There is nothing like just waking up, grabbing a bite and walking for literally hours trying to find the hidden corners and stores that are indicative of this city. Especially while being in a state of "everything is awesome and new all the time!"

I guess what I'm trying to say is, I've drank the New York Kool Aid and well...

26 comments:

  1. Great blog post, Randeep! Good to hear you're doing so well! Congrats again on the new job!

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  2. Oohhhh Deep!!! This is the best blog post of the week. I am so happy that you are settling into life in NY and hope that we can hang the next time I am in town (which is often because I cannot get enough of it). I love the illustrations and am so happy for you!

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  3. Love the visualization. And so true! Everyone assumes that NYC is a beast to tackle. I maintain it's all in your perspective. Put out some effort, and you'll reap the rewards :)

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  4. Randeep! Love the blog post and wow, you're such a talented artist! Next time you're missing the loserkaraoke crew, just give Topher and I a call and we'll do our best to substitute ;)

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  5. we miss you too.
    so stoked to see that you're having a blast - can't wait to hear more stories dude!

    <3 from the great white!

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  6. You always draw me so angry. It's awesome.

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  7. Great post! You probably run into Torontonians there. So many people I've met over my lifetime here have moved there. When I visited last spring I was surprised to not randomly run into anyone I knew.

    One of my colleagues is moving there next month. MORE PEOPLE to visit!

    -Andrea T.

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  8. Your blog is always the highlight to my day when you post! I think you finally got my face right in the drawing!

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  9. We're coming to visit you in April!!! New York is amazing, and I'm glad you're having an awesome time :-) .

    My name is Rob, and I'm a Randeep Fan Club member.

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  10. I love these comics so hard Randeep.

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  11. You are the coolest guy in the world. I miss you.

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  12. great post yo! i should do the same for portland, but it'd be quite short. i always heard portland was wet - and it is. the end. enjoy ur day.

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  13. Maaan, about time! I missed your blog posts, good to see New York didn't devour you!

    I still love how irritated Jon always looks.

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  14. So glad you're having such a great time Randeep! I enjoyed your illustrated travelogue! NYC is truly amazing, I'm sure it'll continue to delight and surprise you for a long time to come.

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  15. Haha nice post deep...
    Take a trip on the N or R train over to Brooklyn or the G train.. U might change ur drawings and perspective a little lol..
    Hope ur enjoyin urself over there.

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  16. my eyes go different directions? unpossible.

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  17. funny stuff! new york pizza is wayy too good

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    These paintings are awesome! I really like these!Your paintings are haunting and mysterious. Very lovely and beautiful paintings.

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  20. I really enjoyed this post. Superb sharing. Keep posting.

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  21. The Kool Aid gag was great. Welcome to town!

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  22. i am officially your number one fan girl.

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