If I asked you what song you think of when someone mentions the New Yorkthen this song would probably be the “Empire State of Mind”and not unfair. This song is inextricably linked to her “city that never sleeps” for two reasons: First, because it reverberates everywhere in the big city, in streets, alleys, bridges and squares and puts you in right mood from the first minute. And, secondly, because it represents in the best way what New York represents: The destination that reminds you that all dreams can come true.

This has always been New York for me, a dream I wanted to conquer. My number 1 travel destination outside of Europe. The place I always wanted to visit. I shuddered every time I thought of myself traversing the great boulevards of the metropolis of the world, and when I finally booked the tickets, the feeling of anticipation for this journey was almost exhilarating.

What is it like to face your dream?

I would say that those who tried to describe to me the feelings that this trip gives you fell in: “It’s like starring in a movie”, “All that you have seen for so long on your screen, now you will experience it”, “It’s strangely familiar to walk its streets”, were just some of the things I heard before traveling. And, with each of their words, the desire within me flared.

From the very first moments you breathe the charged air of New York you know that everything here exists in you superlative degree: Buildings so tall that your gaze cannot reach their top. World and bustle, which however make everything seem more charming. Movement, which makes you wonder how the Carrie Bradshaw, taking a taxi, was on time. And the most important: People happy, light, with a passion for life. The big city has not “sucked” their soul, as we see happening in other large urban centers. Instead, it is the source of their energy, their appetite to go out and live every moment to the fullest.

And this is because America does not bear so strongly the burden of workaholism and the – often pretentious – culture and aesthetics that Europe exaggerates. If I were to compare New York to a human being, I would describe her as a woman who knows exactly who she is and what she is worth and doesn’t need to “shout” it. A woman who knows that those who look at her have already fallen in love with her for who she is. It is captivating in a way that no other city can duplicate. And he enjoys it.

And don’t be in a hurry to think “then why did they build these huge roads and tall buildings, if not to impress us?”. The United States is otherwise known as “land of opportunity” precisely because of this: Because it is a country made of dreams. Dreams of people who once left their homelands, butchered for pieces of land and resources to exploit and crossed the ocean in search of a better life. Because they believed they could live something better and that’s exactly what they did. They arrived here with their unique baggage of their dreams and ambitions and built a country that today fascinates the entire planet.

You don’t need to look for the greatness of this city in specific places, because it is simply scattered everywhere: From the Wall Streetwhere the “heart beats” of the global economy and the Liberty Islandwhich hosts the symbol of the “new world”, the Statue of Libertyup to the districts with their own, distinct color, like the Soho and Bronxthe Brooklyn Bridgewhich “unites” the “good” society with the working class, the wonderful Grand Central Parkwhich absorbs the buzz of the city and leaves you with a sense of inner peace, but also the crown of the city, the bustling Times Squarewith its large digital screens and so many lights, that it is almost difficult to distinguish whether it is day or night.

Arriving at this spectacular square, sit for a while on its famous red steps and look around. What do you see; Maybe the song’s lyrics come to mind, “concrete jungle where dreams are made of”. This is it, a greatness that once seemed incredible to most, including to you until you came here and saw it with your own eyes. A world made of dreams.

Where are yours? Maybe you’ve buried them in a trunk of your mind. Maybe everyday life absorbed you and you didn’t have time to pursue them. Maybe you didn’t believe enough. Look around you. Everything you see wouldn’t exist if some people hadn’t believed in their dreams. This is what New York whispers in your ear, that nothing is impossible, that all dreams can come true. You just have to believe it.

When leaving, don’t forget to put this thought in your luggage. It doesn’t matter if you forget another one of your things. Just don’t forget that.

@vicky.veniou Concrete jungle where dreams are made of No place in the world that could compare #newyork #christmas #dreams #dreamdestination ♬ Empire State Of Mind – JAY-Z

Read more

My City, My Style: Dennys

Deinfluencing is the trend that will overturn everything we know about social media