We will start with a human's visual sense--Times Square, Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, the new Freedom Tower, Broadway, the Brooklyn Bridge and so much more. These are iconic images of NYC that evoke powerful feelings just with their mere presence. And on a humorous note--visually I know I am in NY every day when the sun comes up around 5:15 am and wakes me up. It gets light here sooooo much earlier than in Atlanta. What is your favorite NYC site?
Human's next tendency is to their sense of hearing or audition. How does NYC appeal to this sense? In both positive and negative ways. When the car alarm goes off on the street every night in the middle of the night waking me from my slumber that might not be so positive but possibly the serenade of the homeless schizophrenic woman who sings outside our window every night is more enjoyable. I especially enjoyed listening (and watching) my kids perform in Central Park today which is how I feel about all the street performers in NYC--they bring joy to my day. This gentleman is taking his piano on wheels to 100 locations around NYC this summer.
Next, we have to go to our sense of taste aka gustation. When you are in NYC, you gotta eat and there are sooo many choices. Do you want sushi, Italian, a falafel, a dirty water dog, great BBQ, dimsum or just regular chinese food, italian ice, pizza, Alice's Tea Cup, chocolate at Max Brenners, cheesecake, burgers, salads, a great selection of fresh fruits on every corner, smoothies, fresh made juices, and so much more--I could go on and on and on! Where would you want to eat tonight?
And we all know what is closely related to taste.... yes, you guessed it--smell. The smells of NYC are mostly wonderful but sometimes frightening. I love how every night when we return to our apt the lady in the apt below us has cooked all day and the hallway smells delightful. Walking into any restaurant in Little Italy makes me salivate like Pavlov's dog. The smell of Max Brenner's chocolate restaurant makes it impossible not to order something sinful. How can you walk by a food truck and not stop? You can't--your nose just leads you there. There are some smells like urine that make you go hmmm.... where did that come from but overall I would say that the smell of NYC usually just makes me say YUM! Just try walking through the Chelsea Market and not ending up with a crepe or a cupcake! It is impossible!
The last of the main 5 senses is touch. Whether you are grasping the rail on the subway car as it races down the track or you are feeling the water on your feet as you play at one of the many and great playgrounds around the city. Maybe it is the feeling you get when you receive a free hug in Times Square or the sensation of pushing the pedals down on your bike as you head down the wonderful bike paths all around the city. It might be bumping into all those bodies packed into the subway train or holding hands with your kid as you make your way through a busy sidewalk--either way there is plenty of appeal of your sense of touch.
The last two human senses are closely related--kinestethic and vestibular which have to do with movement and balance. In a literal sense the city keeps you on the move which works both senses. In a more symbolic sense, I think NYC realigns my equilibrium. You remember what is important when you visit this city--you might find yourself more in balance with who you really are. In NYC, I have time to watch my children play at the playground and even join them. The city gives you an excuse to just have fun and be a little like a kid again.
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