When enthusiastic New Yorkers say things like “everything at your fingertips” I want to ask what they mean by everything, since it seems subjective, based on what sorts of places one values? In this case: restaurants and parks?
I think the answer is: actually everything, minus a few odds and ends.
There are some things that are not available, mainly having to do with physical reality, like: hiking trails, suburban life, buildings as old as in some other places. But if it’s something related to human culture, you’ll find it. Food is the easiest dimension to talk about because it’s everywhere, but if you’re looking for art, history, books, NYC has you covered with multiple galleries, a museum it would easily take you a few days to get through, and the 4th largest library in the world. If you are searching for teachers or mentors, you’ll find plenty of classes and workshops, including the very best ones. I was surprised that 2 or 3 of the best BJJ gyms in the world are located in Manhattan.
So, to answer your question, New York generally has everything you need to satisfy a curiosity.
For bookstores, in these days of electronic books, I don’t think it matters where you live. I remember the last time I went into Powell’s. I looked around for a while, dutifully bought one book for old time’s sake, and realized later while reading it that I was annoyed that it wasn’t electronic. I still go to a local library (when there’s not a pandemic) but it’s mostly for the walk.
Teachers: that’s something I hadn’t considered. Since getting out of school, I’m mostly self-taught.
When enthusiastic New Yorkers say things like “everything at your fingertips” I want to ask what they mean by everything, since it seems subjective, based on what sorts of places one values? In this case: restaurants and parks?
I think the answer is: actually everything, minus a few odds and ends.
There are some things that are not available, mainly having to do with physical reality, like: hiking trails, suburban life, buildings as old as in some other places. But if it’s something related to human culture, you’ll find it. Food is the easiest dimension to talk about because it’s everywhere, but if you’re looking for art, history, books, NYC has you covered with multiple galleries, a museum it would easily take you a few days to get through, and the 4th largest library in the world. If you are searching for teachers or mentors, you’ll find plenty of classes and workshops, including the very best ones. I was surprised that 2 or 3 of the best BJJ gyms in the world are located in Manhattan.
So, to answer your question, New York generally has everything you need to satisfy a curiosity.
Museums I’ll give you (when they are open again).
For bookstores, in these days of electronic books, I don’t think it matters where you live. I remember the last time I went into Powell’s. I looked around for a while, dutifully bought one book for old time’s sake, and realized later while reading it that I was annoyed that it wasn’t electronic. I still go to a local library (when there’s not a pandemic) but it’s mostly for the walk.
Teachers: that’s something I hadn’t considered. Since getting out of school, I’m mostly self-taught.