Being an avid New York Yankee fan from the time I can remember, after seeing this infographic today I had to share it. (But this isn’t the main point of this post so make sure you read on AFTER the cool graphic)

My first visit to the “Big Apple” happened when I was 14. As some of you know, not only did I grow up loving the Yankees, but I also was a pretty dedicated clogger. (Clogging is a dance form similar to tap dance.)

Clogging took me literally all over the world: Missouri, Utah, California, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia; and internationally to Poland, Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal and Chile.

At 14, my clogging duet partner and I entered a talent competition held near Times Square in New York City. We were excited, nervous, and ready to see the famous sites and structures of “the most populous city in the United States“.

Some of the things I remember most about New York City on my first visit were how fast everyone seemed to be moving, the subways (which I don’t believe I’d ever seen before this trip), and homeless people “relieving themselves” right on the sidewalks we walked on.

I’m reading a book right now that has made me aware that there is another side of New York too, one that I’m yet to see in person. The book is called “Conversations with a Moonflower”. It’s written by Christine T. Hall, and it’s one of those books that I can’t put down until I finish it.

The book is only 120 total pages and each page has at most 4 paragraphs, but the concepts it shares about the sub-cultures of New York are really profound. I’m not finished with the book yet, but definitely recommend it if you’re looking for a book that will help take the stress out of your life and help you manage your time while enjoying life’s hidden treasures.

Buy “Conversations with a Moonflower”