Some early observations on New York City

• The city never sleeps, and it does not let you sleep. There is so much noise in the air. Perhaps it is part of the vibe and vigor of the city.

• Pedestrians often do not respect traffic lights, and this makes some drivers to blow the horn contributing to a noisier environment. Not surprisingly, sirens are the integral part of the background noise.

• The subway is not very impressive, but very efficient. It’s amazing how many taxi cabs are on the streets in spite of such an efficient subway system.

• The city is great for the young, but not fit and friendly at all for the elderly and people with disability. Only a handful of subway stations are equipped with lifts. Perhaps, that may explain the abundance of taxi cabs. By the way, early-morning subway commuters look pretty tired and depressed.

• If you are coming from Europe, you will be disappointed in how people dress.

• People are straightforward, they do not care who you are and what you think of them, a feature of big-city dwellers. They are by and large themselves.

• The use of smart phones is pervasive and almost everybody is looking at screens all the time, no matter what they are doing. Unlike Europe, commuters do not read much.

• NYC is deeply diverse. So many languages are spoken in public places. Compared to Europe, there are fewer Muslims on the streets. Perhaps they are already integrated in the bigger community/culture.

• NYC is naturally colorful especially at night.

• People are helpful and do not hesitate to offer extra help and information at their own initiative.

• People are humorous, they try to joke around even with strangers.

• Woody-Allen-like characters abound. I used to think Woody was making comedies, but it seems like he was simply filming the realities of the every-day life in New York.

• Compared to Europe, cafes and public spaces are a bit less tidy and neat and more chaotic.  

• People tend to talk a lot to strangers. Everywhere, you have to have a small talk. Overall, this is a good thing.

• Condos and big apartment buildings have doormen! It came as a surprise to me to see doormen opening the door for the residents and greeting them each time they want to enter the building. An 18^th-century-England phenomenon, not fitting my image of NYC at all.

• So far, the internet speed has not impressed me.  

• The universities are superb. Lots of events, amazing lectures, great infrastructure and facilities to bring students together and to allow for teamwork. Of course, it comes with a high price tag.

• Food in Europe is healthier than it is in the U.S., especially in university cafeterias.

• NYC is more expensive than most cities in Europe. If you are shopping or eating out, pay attention to taxes and tips.

• My limited experience suggests that one should be patient with American cities, they always fail to make a good first impression. It takes time for NYC and some other U.S. cities to reveal their beauties.