Getting attacked by squirrels in Central Park.

I was sad when I left Sydney. During my time there, I had made some really good friends. One in particular was my running buddy. Despite our cultural differences– she’s from Denmark, I’m from the US– we got along really well. It was one of those friendships that would last a lifetime.

post 191 image 1

She wasn’t kidding. Several months ago, her family planned a trip to New York City this October. New York City isn’t too far from Boston, so I made a vow:

post 191 image 2

And I, too, was serious. My friend gave me the dates that her family would be in New York. I booked the bus tickets. I could only visit her for two days, because school– but it was better than nothing.

post 191 image 3

So that’s how I, Vy, was adopted by my friend’s Danish family for the weekend.

post 191 image 4

And it was an interesting experience for all of us. I’m used to traveling out of the US and having to adjust to new cultures. Now, the roles were reversed. I’ve been to New York countless times since I was young. My friend has never been to the States before.

Watching someone from a different country react to the US with is highly amusing. In the hopes of sharing my amusement, I present to you…

MY DANISH FRIEND GOES TO NYC

And gets surprised by a bunch of things

 

1. Copious amounts of sugar.

Americans, for some reason, like to put extra sugar in just about everything. Other countries are not used to this. My friends were no exception.

post 191 image 5

2. Jamba Juice.

Some foods weren’t as disappointing, though. When I met up with my friend, she enthusiastically told me about a great breakfast place her family went to.

post 191 image 6

Sometimes I forget how many fast-food chains are only common in the US. I was expecting her to name some fancy, NYC-exclusive froyo shop, but no. It was Jamba Juice.

3. Times Square.

post 191 image 7

4. Everything is tall.

My friend hails from Denmark and has traveled much of Europe. She’s seen a lot of cities. She’s even been to Sydney. But they don’t really compare to the skyscrapers of NYC.

post 191 image 8

The scale of everything in NYC is simply bigger. She excitedly described to me some of the stores her family visited.

post 191 image 9

I, the United States native, wanted to impress her even further. At the Rockefeller Center, I pointed out one of my favorite childhood stores.

post 191 image 10

 

5. Everything is cheap (in comparison to Denmark).

By my standards, shopping in Manhattan isn’t cheap. I’m used to being in the ‘burbs, where the strip malls are plenty and the sales are season-round. In Denmark, though, consumer prices are sky-high. America seemed like a bargain basement to my friend and her family.

post 191 image 11

They knew this would be the case, and came prepared.

post 191 image 12

We all felt a bit bad for the men of the group, since shopping isn’t their thing.

post 191 image 13

But, how often would these gals get to shop in the US? They took advantage of the opportunity.

post 191 image 14

6. And finally, the squirrels.

My Danish friend and her family visited Central Park. Do you know that Pixar movie, Up? And the one character, Dug?

tumblr_mxtu0n40JU1qf769do1_250

It was kind of like hanging out with six Dug’s.

post 191 image 15

 

post 191 image 16

I didn’t get it.

post 191 image 17

My friend and her family even tried to unload their ultra-sweet Dunkin’ Donuts on the squirrels.

post 191 image 18

But those cute little guys are feistier than they appear.

post 191 image 19

post 191 image 20

 

 

Yep, it was a fantastic weekend. It was refreshing to see a foreigner visit my home country, rather than the other way around. Though I too had my own moments of surprise. We visited two locations in New York that I had never been to before.

post 191 image 21

post 191 image 27

post 191 image 28

post 191 image 29

post 191 image 30

post 191 image 23

 

The next location was even more stunning.

post 191 image 26

post 191 image 31

post 191 image 32

post 191 image 33

post 191 image 24

And, of  course, it was great to see my friend again. She’s the greatest! I swore to visit her.

post 191 image 25

So, hopefully, we’ll have more of this happening in the future:

post 191 image 34

Central Park!

Brooklyn Bridge!

Brooklyn Bridge!

Top of the Rock!

Top of the Rock!

Because some friendships can span continents!

Mosh pitting with teenage girls

I went to my third concert the other night!

There’s a British boy band that my sister and I happen to like, called The Wanted. They’re HUGE in Britain. Their debut single was #1 on the UK charts and their performances draw thousands of fans.

And it just so happens that they’re trying to break through the US! So, recently, they came to NYC to hold a concert. And my sister and I, naturally, decided to go.

So we ventured off to a little place called Irving Plaza. The concert was held in what was really just a room– no seats, floor only. I had never been to a small venue like that. So I had no idea what to expect.

Well, I did expect this:

But I wasn’t sure how to handle this:

I’ve never had so many people scream into my ear in one night. Not that I cared. I was joining right in with the high-pitched squealing. I mean, look at these BOYS!

But I had a great time! Their set was way too short– only a mere hour long– but it was a great hour. They all have amazing voices and harmonize really well together! And all of them brought great energy to the stage. Basically… I want The Wanted. No big deal.

Don’t know who The Wanted are? Listen to their debut single below! Admittedly, I don’t think all of their songs are that amazing, but this one’s pretty awesome. And they have enough charm and dripping good looks to make up for a few flat songs.