The return of travel, eating out and going to the movies happened, for me, with a rapid turnaround, despite the somber tone of global grief the past year. Without fully digesting what was to come next, I found myself boarding a flight to JFK on Aug. 23, prepared only for the fourteen hour flight I had been dreading. After landing, there were more steps: passport control, baggage collection and transportation to dorms. But once I caught my breath in a square room filled with only wooden furniture, I felt lost, confused and overwhelmed. So, on my first morning alone in New York City, I walked to Washington Square Park in search of familiarity near campus. As I tried to navigate, I posted about my craving for a famous New York bagel on Twitter. Only three minutes away was the heavily recommended Brooklyn Bagel and Coffee Company. I ordered the signature everything bagel, a surprising blend of garlic,sea salt and flavors I could not pinpoint, with plain cream cheese spread generously on the toasted bread. I returned the next few days, finding comfort and stability in my knowledge of a specific food spot and tried varying combinations: everything bagel with garlic and herb cream cheese, cinnamon raisin bagel with plain cream cheese, plain bagel with blueberry cream cheese — my favorite in retrospect — and lastly, a plain bagel with everything cream cheese. Regardless of which duo you try, I recommend ordering it with the iced latte on tap, sitting in the park for a serene morning surrounded by nature.

Photo courtesy of Sarah Afaneh

If you are in search for flavorful food at a cozy restaurant, ApeTHAIze is the spot to go. Located near ChinaTown, the Canal Street metro station is a five minute walk away. Sprinkled with crushed peanuts on top, the classic chicken pad thai noodle dish was rich with a sweet and savory fusion. From the shrimp dumplings to the beef entrée, anything and everything you order here will be mouth watering, filled with spices and complemented with a tamarind sauce.

Photo courtesy of Sarah Afaneh

For dessert, the legacy of Siya Chandrie, Class of 2021, has been passed down in the need to visit Eileen's Special Cheesecake, a small bake shop with New York Cheesecake that melts in your mouth. The strawberry cheesecake is my go-to classic, but if you are looking for an exciting change, the salted caramel is the perfect blend of sweet and salty. I recommend buying a few flavors and taste testing with friends! Eileen’s Special Cheesecake is located across from Lt. Petrosino Square, a small triangular park where you can take a seat and indulge. Besides the park is a Citi Bike dock and the Spring St. metro station. Alternatively, it is a fifteen minutes walk from Washington Square Park.

Photo courtesy of Sarah Afaneh

Eating around the city wouldn’t be complete without mentioning MacDougal Street, located beside Washington Square Park and filled with a diverse array of restaurants. Lebanese Manousheh, Belgian Pomme Frites and Berlin Doner are a few that I have tried for lunch after classes. The most memorable spot was Surreal Creamery, combining bubble tea and soft serve ice cream in one serving — and best of all, you can choose your flavors. For coffee lovers, their Vietnamese iced coffee is also served as an ice cream flavor, a perfect blend of rich and sweet for a morning boost.

Visiting food spots have become moments of tranquility for me as I navigate an unfamiliar city that is constantly on the go, allowing me to start each day with assurance and comfort.