Make it BIG in NYC

NYC was the #1 most Instagrammed city in 2017 according to Instagram's 2017 year in review, and it continues to be, so let's check out why!.

The city that never sleeps is that same city were your dreams may come true but also the city where your dreams and aspiration may also be crushed in less than a New York minute. 

​Here are some of my favorite places to hang out, dine and wine and just relax while living/working as an expat in this bustling city where Instagrammers keep traveling to and where travelers continue to be Instagramming!

Here’s to my 1st month in NYC ... there’s still so much to see, explore and experience □

Una publicación compartida de ريكاردو Calderón (@el_musafir) el 23 Sep, 2017 a las 3:54 PDT

New York City has been my home since August 2017, and while I have been able to explore on my own, in many cases, I've been led to various locations by friends who have been here for 20+ years.

As a result, I have decided to share with you those locations that New Yorkers have adopted as their own to eat, drink, have fun, and continue to adopt as one of their own. After all,  New York has an ever-changing cityscape!

Herein, NYC's most geotagged locations you MUST not miss:

• The High LIne:

“A day at the park“ . The #highline is a public park built on a historic freight rail line elevated above the streets of Manhattan’s West side. . I walked along 14th St. up to its end on 34th St.

Una publicación compartida de ريكاردو Calderón (@el_musafir) el 26 Jul, 2018 a las 3:32 PDT

Spurring on the West Side of Manhattan, the High Line is a former NYC railroad turned into an elevated linear park which starts at Gansevoort Street and ends at 34th Street. The best way to experience the High Line is by taking a stroll through its vast and distinctive spots featured here.

As you enjoy your stroll, you'll approach Manhattan's newest hot spot and the country's largest private real estate development - the Hudson Yards. 

The unveiling of the structure temporarily known as (TKA)  "Vessel" is below:

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Temporarily known as the «Vessel» . Yes, I succumbed and played tourist and visited this honeycomb-like or shawarma-like structure, if you prefer. . Manhattan’s newest destination ... for selfies!

A post shared by ريكاردو Calderón (@el_musafir) on Mar 31, 2019 at 3:23pm PDT

• Bushwick Street Art:
  

“Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier.” ~ Colin Powell

Una publicación compartida de ريكاردو Calderón (@el_musafir) el 28 May, 2018 a las 7:44 PDT

Contemporary graffiti is said to have originated throughout the NYC subway system. Nowadays, this phenomenon has captured the attention of many, and throughout many cities around the globe, many of these designs are now a form of decoration or a new representation of gentrification throughout neighborhoods. Bushwick in Brooklyn is a must see as you are exposed to not only graffiti but also stencils, advertising, mosaic, stickers and more.

Be warned, as ephemeral as NYC itself, many of these street art peculiarities may change through time! ... but do check out the Bushwick Collective for more info., and don't forget to check out my blog post showing some of my fav murals on the Wynwood Art District in Miami!  

• ​Karaoke in K-Town:

«Lunar new year celebrations» . When you put a Panamanian amongst 2 Taiwanese, a Japanese, a Dutch and a #estadounidense celebrating the Chinese New Year singing Japanese karaoke in #ktown. . Thanks so much for such a fun day, @ilingjasmine! □

Una publicación compartida de ريكاردو Calderón (@el_musafir) el 20 Feb, 2018 a las 8:24 PST

Although known to many visitors and their like as K-Town or Korea Town, the actual name of the street is Korea Way on 32nd street. Nowadays, its flavor is spreading all the way up to 35th street.

• The United Nations:

«AAIE: Assoc. for the Advancement of International Education» . “One child, one teacher, one pen and one book can change the world. Education is the only solution. Education First.” ~ Malala Yousafzai

Una publicación compartida de ريكاردو Calderón (@el_musafir) el 5 Feb, 2018 a las 4:27 PST

«Non violence» or «the knotted gun» . A pro peace sculpture by Swedish artist Carl Fredrik Reuterswrd, and gifted to the UN by the government of Luxembourg in 1988. . #tbt March 14th marked a walkout meant to honor the victims at #Parkland, as well as anyone who’s experienced gun violence, but mainly a political call to action. . In short: It’s about protesting inaction when it comes to gun violence. #nationalwalkoutday

Una publicación compartida de ريكاردو Calderón (@el_musafir) el 15 Mar, 2018 a las 5:53 PDT

• Storm King Art Center
  

«A moment in time» . A “Moment in Time” alludes not only to environmental degradation and decay but also to the possibility of #transformation and #redemption through the artist’s own brand of environmental #spiritualism. . #Modern Art (rubber tires, stainless steel, wood): 2004 by Chakaia Booker Photo by: @nshuiluobo

Una publicación compartida de ريكاردو Calderón (@el_musafir) el 28 Oct, 2017 a las 10:27 PDT