Go, go, go! What’s the rush you may ask? The short answer, I’m a New Yorker. I live and work in Manhattan and for those that don’t know me, I am often on the road for Global Traveler, living and loving my job. A question I am often asked when I am overseas is, “What is it like to live in New York City?”. From the first three words of this blog, you can imagine my answers. Basically, it is an energy found nowhere else in the world.  This week I am in Manhattan and the city never ceases to amaze me. It maintains an energy that can give you life and suck it out of you just as quickly! I think that part of New York’s uniqueness is that it takes bits and pieces from everywhere in the world. However, I do believe that nothing beats seeing anything in its original form – from tasting sushi in Tokyo to seeing lions in the bush of South Africa – don’t you agree? Of course, New Yorkers in their natural habitat is something that one needs to see in their lifetime. I haven’t figured out yet why NY makes people forever on the move. Part of the allure for me is the plethora of opportunities that exist. However, as any business traveler can appreciate, downtime in their hometown is a must. I live in midtown Manhattan and the business world certainly drives this part of the city, which makes downtime more difficult. But, of course, that doesn’t stop me from trying.  Last night, for example, I grabbed dinner in Greenwich Village and finished with a nightcap at one of the great local hotel bars in my neighborhood. Last night it was the Mandarin Oriental lounge, but I love the Ritz Carlton Central Park as well. Central Park during the day is also a great place to leave the sounds of the city behind for a break. As New York City is always going, if you are a local, or a business traveler to the city, let me know where you go to best balance the fast paced energy of NYC!  Where am I going next? Find out next week!  – Alexandra Young, Vice President and Associate Publisher, Global Traveler