Four seasons in New York

Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall.

I didn’t realize that I had experienced all those seasons in New York until my friend mentioned it.

We were sitting in a matcha cafe when she said to me, “na experience mo na pala yung four seasons dito no?” I said, “talaga ba” and she went through the times I had been here, and I agreed. Let’s revisit those moments and see how well I can remember those simple joys.

My first visit to New York was in December 2023 and it was winter. We went to Manhattan to see the iconic bridge, Central Park and SoHo. It was my first time seeing the famous ice-skating rink in Central Park and it felt surreal to see it in person. Also add the gorgeous Rockefeller tree especially at night!

I wanted to go ice skating too, but bookings were required in advance and I didn’t have one, so I just watched and took in how cool it was to see everyone skating in Central Park. I’ve always wanted to see it because of Home Alone, which is one my favorite movies to watch every Christmas. I also got to see the hotel where Home Alone 2 was filmed.

Next was fall in October 2024. We visited Top of the Rock, stopped by a speakeasy bar, took photos in Grand Central Terminal and went shopping.

At Top of the Rock, you can recreate the iconic 1932 skyscraper photo on “The Beam,” and I gave it a try. I had photos and videos of it that I haven’t posted yet (yes, up until now.) At the top of the rock, you can see the 360-degree views of the New York Skyline. They also have a cafe on top, along with some souvenirs that you can buy too.

Next was summer, it was August 2025 where my friend showed me Washington Square Park and we went shopping again. (Omg, while typing this, I realize I always end up shopping in New York!? Crazy.)

And this time, it’s spring. I visited in April and May 2026. Last month, I went to the Brooklyn Bridge and walked by myself to Central Park. This May, I got two JFK flights, so my friend and I went to Coney Island and watched a Broadway show titled: Moulin Rouge.

It was raining at that time, and it was my first time experiencing a full downpour in New York— I mean, when I went to Brooklyn last month, it was just drizzling, not really raining. We shared one umbrella, and it was funny because I was wearing sandals, so you can imagine how my feet got. But I love the rain, it’s calming for me.

If you’re going to ask me which season is what I like the most, I would say it’s Spring. We know that spring symbolizes new beginnings, and it kind of gives me a sense of comfort knowing that we can always begin again. Also include the fact that there are rainy days that I could just stay at home and be cozy (I say this because its rare to see the rain in the Middle East), and for other days when I can simply wear clothes when the sun is out.

After our conversation, I realized that I also need to slow down and recognize how far I’ve come. And for you too, you should pause from time to time and look at how far you have come.

So, here’s to growing and cherishing moments.