New York City 5th Day
Highlights: MET + Grand Central
Meals: Tsushima Sushi + Gray’s Papaya + Maoz + Mad Chicken

I treat getting to know New York just like getting to know an attractive lady.
Instead of hip hopping through the city and cram my schedule, I enjoy talking to locals and just try to see through their lens.

Starting off my day, I had early lunch (11am) with Pamela Koo, a UC Berkeley friend from back home in San Francisco.
She moved to NYC a few years ago. Now attending NYU’s MBA program, she still has her spunk but now with a dash of NYC.

After talking to a few local friends and transplants, NYC has a vibe and culture like no other

4 things I have learned

+ People in NYC are in a rush, so ask for direction and then leave them alone
+ If you want to meet people, go to a bar or go to an art gallery
+ It is expensive in NYC, a studio can easily start at $2300.
Time is $
+This city can be a lonely place. Compared to San Franciscans, NYC people are more career oriented. Don’t expect Silicon Valley culture with Ping Pong tables and chats

Food porn: Tsushima for lunch was on par. Authentic Japanese chef. My sushi lunch cost $25. Notable mentions are the buttery tones from hamachi and sea sweet salmon. The knife skills are on par. Read food blog at www.campusfork.com/blog1

Next, I went to the famed Metropolitan Museum. The museum will please the senses

with a vast array of art from European to Asian. Personally, I enjoy only modern art. They suggest a $20 admission donation but feel free to suggest less.

Next, I went to Columbus Circle just to roam around.

Food porn: Gray’s Papaya. It is a must eat tourist trap. For $5, two hot dogs + papaya drink. The dogs have a slight snap but over all over salted and lacks gourmet character. Top Dog in Bay Area is twice as good. The papaya is refreshing and a winner.

Next, food porn: Maoz for falafel. My first date with fresh veggies. Amazing nutty tones from falafel balls and all you can eat veggie bar. Very nice for just $6. I first had Maoz in Amsterdam.

Then I needed to walk off my food.

My 2nd Visit to Times Square was great. The vibrant lights and energy. I finally admit that this is why New Yorkers think that they are bass ass edgy.

Next. I had food porn in Korean Town. All the signs were there. Kareaoke, K pop looking kids, and my first encounter with a bunch of Asians. Living in East Village, there are less Asian. In San Francisco, almost half the population is Asian.

Few hops away, I had finally arrived with cheerful New Yorker Elsye Putri at Mad Chicken. Very things can be better than soju + flavorful fried chicken.