1) NOWHERE DOES HALLOWEEN LIKE NYC

 

We've watched the parties Monica's purple apartment holds host to in Friends and we've all secretly wished we could pull of Elle Woods' bunny costume in Legally Blonde (FYI we can't). In part down to these modern day movie moments, Halloween in America, more spcifically in New York, has a reputation that precedes it.

 

Unlike Europeans, Americans are less inhibited when it comes to spending hundreds of dollars on 'the best costume' or slaving for hours on that homemade creation.

 

While Halloween is a little bit about the kids, in NYC it's really about the big kids. At 4am on October 31st the streets are unbelievably busy with costume clad Halloweenies trying to amble their way home with cat tails and headdresses trailing behind them. In NYC Halloween is one of the biggest party nights of the year.

 

2) NEW YEARS EVE IS INCREDIBLY COOL

 

New Years Eve in New York City is always going to be a great experience.

 

However, legend would have you believe that your night depends on seeing that shiny ball drop in Times Square. This part is untrue. As glamorous as it looks on TV, those extremely excited people on Broadway have been standing there for days  freezing while wearing nappies to avoid bathroom breaks.

 

No one tells you the ‘diaper’ part do they? In order to be able to get a decent view of the ball, hold it and not lose it no bathroom breaks, food runs or leg stretches can be taken, so those who dare are in for the long haul.

 

You don’t need to be squashed into 7th and 42nd in order to have a good time though. Most Manhattan hotels, bars and clubs hold epic parties with stunning skyline views and a buzzing vibe. Out on the streets, the spirit of the city is alive and joyous as the city's parties are at full force to welcome the start of a new year.

 

Being jammed into a subway cart with hundreds of others at 4am while enthusiasticly singing Auld Lang Syne is a pretty magical thing.

 

 

3) NYC GUYS OPERATE ON A WHOLE OTHER LEVEL

 

Oh boy! For out of towners there should be manuals, classes or even just a wise old NYC aunt to advise you on the behaviours of these mystical beings.

 

New York men are gutsy, meaning they don’t care if it’s 9am and you’re waiting for the bus or if you’re leaving the gym and sweating a bucket - if they see something or someone they like there’s no stopping them from asking out their target.

 

Rejection? They don’t believe in the term. Persistence is their main quality and, boyfriend or no boyfriend, they’ll do their best to lure you away so they can play their own game of mixed messages and phone ping pong.