What is a realistic, ‘ideal’ trip to New York City? Perhaps a comfortable plane ride leading you to the city, with complimentary glasses of pinot grigio and TV screens viewing Breakfast at Tiffany’s? This would subsequently be followed by a cab ride playing Sinatra staples. You eventually make it to your furnished Manhattan hotel room, near famous landmarks, like the Empire State Building or Statue of Liberty.

Such vivid travel imagery simply isn’t feasible for a 24-year-old, destitute girl. So, I called my friend Antonella in Brooklyn and requested that I stay with her. Upon her gracious approval, I strapped on a pack with my notepad tucked inside and jumped on a bus. My NYC jaunt started once I engaged my iPod playlist (geared for the city) to cue up with my first glimpse of the electrically lit skyline. After my 10 hour bus stint, my stockpiled energy propelled me forward. I tilted my head towards the sky. I was in NYC. I headed for closest subway and the story began.

ASSESSED AND DIAGNOSED

Movies like Manhattan, or TV shows like Sex and the City hype Manhattan to non-New Yorkers. Yet, Brooklyn best suited my personality. It is a playground for the young and artistic. Manhattan is the antithesis; shaped in concrete and intimidating. It’s comparable to Toronto’s Yorkville, a neighborhood I never find myself in. Brooklyn gives NY edge.

I floated along the narrow streets which comprise Williamsburg. This burgeoning art community pulls in young artsy types from all over. I pulled up bar seats at record stores to ask owners about NY bands, before scouring record bins. At Vinnie's Pizza on Bedford Ave., I ate a delicious slice, layered with melted goat cheese, roasted red peppers, tender baby spinach leaves and portobello mushrooms. I topped off the meal with a low-fat, vegan chocolate cookie.

I also took in a burlesque show in Cobble Hill at Robin Des Bois, a French restaurant. A life-size Virgin Mary loomed over the crowd up above and a python skin was tacked to the ceiling. The women were classy, had curvaceous bodies and vivaciously moved to music made by a three-piece band: drum kit, guitar and upright bass.

 NYC FOOD FOR OPTIMAL MENTAL STIUMULUS

My best NY culinary moment was eating at a Brooklyn restaurant called Made in Italy. Owner Pasquale Martinelli served me mini samples of dishes from his menu. With each plate served, Pasquale passionately spoke about the Italian tradition which aided the creation of each dish. His Bistecca di Tonno Pinna Blu, perfectly grilled tuna with thyme, is a classic Italian dish. Every July, the tuna is caught off the Favignana Island in southern Italy when the fish emigrate to Sicily.  His delicious Crostini alla Provorella is delicious bread draped with pan fried zucchini. I also sampled his Polpo alla Grilla alla Porticese, which is grilled octopus.

NY TRANSIT

New York’s transit system is at times rickety, crowded and complex, but mastering it is a satisfying experience! The flowing strings of trains are NY’s circulatory system. The way the train dips in and out of ground, up and down, is also symbolic of the cities erratic nature.

Each time the train emerged from underground tunnels, I turned to see little stores lining the streets, apartments and graffiti plastered buildings. Listening to Notorious B.I.G.’s Juicy, a song about prevailing, despite others' skepticism, while riding near his old 'hood, Bedford-Stuyvesant in Brooklyn, is a cherished memory.

MEMORIES SUCH A PERSONALITY APPRECIATES?

Washington Square Park is a spot where you can drift off the hectic sidewalks and take a break, knowing that you are still in NYC. The gorgeous arches at the park’s northern edge light up at night. I witnessed many bad mini-concerts put on by NY University students. Giving up on the Park's vibe, we were about to leave, but immediately sat back down when we heard a man close by playing Seal’s Kiss by a Rose on his acoustic guitar. The world started to make sense again. My friends and I decided to act on our free spirits by frolicking around the park, cart wheeling and standing on our heads!

Was my NY trip excessive? Soulfully, yes, financially, no.

Brooklyn is a place I could see myself settling into in the City. And, though Manhattan didn’t leave an imprint on me, I thoroughly enjoyed my moments in Central Park and shed a few tears outside of The Dakota on 72nd street, where John Lennon was shot. I experienced many happy emotions, lengthy conversations with locals, inventive food and excessive portions of time without sleep! Unlike a trip I took to Europe, I never felt lonely. New Yorkers simply wouldn’t let me. This is a bunch of people with real gumption.

I gotta say, New Yorkers have some mad swag!