10 LIFE LESSONS FROM LIVING IN NYC

[@itsewelina]

You are making me wanna go to NYC and live there for a while and challenge myself haha .. Awesome video!

[@gallivantsandrants]

ItsEwelina DO IT! :)

[@mari.johnson]

Yes I agree, do it! :)

[@JMMT7022801]

ItsEwelina Why the hell would you wanna live in New York City? San Francisco is far superior.

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

JMMT7022801 SF is great. But it's second to New York. Transportation is better here, our parks, theatre scene, and holidays are better, and there are more things to do here. SF does have great energy though and Ghirardelli's. 🍫

[@JMMT7022801]

Perfect Little Planet But does New York City have mountains and wineries, Lake Tahoe, and world-class skiing 2-3 hours away?

[@nybiggs]

I love your appreciation from living in NY. Come back, we need more people like you here.

[@FlyWithStella]

As someone who just moved to New York this was extremely helpful! Thank you for your honesty 👍❤️🤗

[@phatcurvypinay]

i agree with the first one. as you may probably know, i moved to the US last year. Just last April. and I got my green card six months after. I worked in a grocery store but while working there, I was like "damn, I went to law school. i cant be doing this. i dont care if this is america". So I sent out resumes to law firms. I landed my current job in December. Barely a year from coming here and while yes, I may have gone to law school but I know nothing about immigration law. I have to fake it til i make it! I went and attended a course on it just to understand it but u know, essentially, I just went ahead and signed up for this job even if I know nothing. I learn everyday though and so far, im enjoying it.

[@anabettencourt6943]

Diana Ragub good for you!

[@mari.johnson]

That's amazing! You're an inspiration!

[@reneelynn3949]

I love this! Congrats!

[@RETROGEMS]

Everything you said about NYC is SO true, Mari. Both sides of my family come from NY. I grew up constantly going on trips to Manhattan and Queens. The point you made about how New Yorkers aren't any more rude than anyone else is a straight fact! I've had truly great experiences on my trips, the people rock! I hope to live in NYC myself and travel abroad at some point in my life!!

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

I'm proud to call New York City my home. I love everything you said, and I wish I could just sit and chat with you about the City and our mutual experiences! Our 3.5 month trip through Asia was actually in part to compare New York to other great cities like Tokyo, Hong Kong, Singapore, and KL. We can definitively say that New York really is the greatest city in the world!

[@mari.johnson]

Yes, one day we'll be able to chat all about travel in person!!

[@deadchannelmoved9328]

This is very helpful for someone who wishes to live in NYC someday... :) . Thank you for making this video.

[@lindseyann223]

Ahh! This video made me so happy and excited! NYC is a dream and I was there last weekend actually!! I'm currently in school for PR so hopefully once I finish! Love your videos!!

[@alex36791]

What a great video Mari! I have been in New York two times for several months and will go there again in a few weeks and I simply love the city. It gives you so much energy. Oh, I am so looking forward to my next visit!

[@CharlieGoldie1]

Its great to see someone that actually liked NYC! You're always welcome back

[@theatresocietyunda5926]

I've watched a good few of these videos on NYC and this one really is great! Insightful, well thought out and different from the rest (which are all so banal!). Inspiring too and genuine! Thanks a lot :)

[@johnottr]

Come back as fast as you can. You will not like living anywhere else. I have lived in NYC all my life and I thank the gods everyday that I was fortunate enough to be born here. Its simply the center of the universe.

[@thee.cvlogs5783]

Yes! This is why we love blogging here too! It's just such an amazing place to be. Thank you for inspiring~

[@campingcarjoa]

My city is not as big as NYC (4 million) but I think it's just as busy and crazy! But I love it^^

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

CampingCarJoa What city is that?

[@campingcarjoa]

I live in Busan, South Korea~^^

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

Cool! We went to Seoul but we really need to see more of South Korea. Should we come visit Busan on our next trip? Are there fun things to do there?

[@campingcarjoa]

I think you'll find Busan is so different from Seoul. Most people visiting Korea like Busan much better I think. We have awesome beaches, amazing fish markets, and it's not as busy as Seoul.

[@lr2ldn]

I used to live in Incheon! I never went to Busan and wanted to so bad but I just didn't have the time which is pretty lame. I miss Korea so much!

[@saviyou]

I absolutely love NYC and go there every chance I get.

[@reneelynn3949]

This is motivational! I've visited NYC several times and you're right - people there are actually super friendly!

[@tupoum6529]

stopped but there but didnt get the chance to explore. thanks for sharing your travel tips . sounds soo awesome -Can't wait to travel noow !

[@Fashionarily]

All are TRUE! So much truth! Especially 1-3

[@oliverjohn5566]

I grew up in the Bronx!!! I used to walk by the pond at the end of prospect park!!! I agree with your thoughts!!! Cheers!!!

[@tainalopez871]

As a native new yorker (near prospect park too) you are spot on!

[@wendyk3657]

Really good video. NYC is a great city.

[@cindyallego7081]

Just love this Mari! NY has always been my dream city. Crossing my fingers to really get there someday. :)

[@mari.johnson]

I hope you do! It really is amazing!

[@mrsmr.mperfect6268]

NYC has been our best challenge yet! Hahaha lesson 3 is so true!!!

[@leylabakan3075]

thank you so much for being this inspirational!😘

[@scoutandscooter]

Walking is great here. My favorite commute ever included walking across CP between 5th/79th and Columbus Circle.

[@asianfireflie]

Cool video long live NYC queens

[@AliceHollywood]

Great video!! I'm trying to get my US Visa, it's gonna take me a while but I know NYC is the place for me and your video just helped in confirming that! 🙌💖 Thanks!

[@abou2426]

Interesting idea to look back on your life in NY! I lived there for 6 months and I totally agree about your feet being your best friends! And 6 months wasn't enough at all indeed... By the way I just downloaded "On the road" so thank you so much!! :)

[@mari.johnson]

Ah cool! I hope you enjoy it!!

[@gauravkulshrestha4165]

There s lil piece of nyc in me too. For the first time i confess my heart is in nyc !

[@Kristi8729]

Those were very valuable life lessons, Thanks for sharing. :)

[@davesmith9309]

Hi new Subscriber...love the NYC videos. Heading there on my own in a couple of weeks.

[@mari.johnson]

Hi Dave! Enjoy your time there! It's the best!

[@nadinenarita132]

Great tips and a lot of insight!

[@TopazEats]

Thanks for the kind words :)

[@KaseyGall]

OMG yes. I have some little mice friends who like to hang around my apartment... I just call myself Cinderella ;-) lol

[@KaseyGall]

Also, Prospect Park really has been my savior as well. There is absolutely NO way I could survive here without it!

[@mari.johnson]

Haha yes, I love that! Makes it sound way cuter. And yay to Prospect Park! :)

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

Kasey Belle Haha, YES! We lived in the Bronx for 6 years and tried for years to get rid of our mice to no avail, so we eventually just changed our attitude towards them and adopted them as pets.

[@KaseyGall]

Perfect Little Planet hahaha yes!! I have no idea if it's the same mouse or not, but they're all named Gus Gus.

[@HKGigs]

Lol😂😂🤣🤣🤣

[@alicen2610]

New York is great in a lot of ways but I recommend anyone moving here either has a ton of savings or a full time job already guaranteed. It's true for part-time jobs, you have many options where you can just apply and start right away, but you can't live off of that and anything higher paying takes serious skills and a shit ton of effort to get since there is way too much competition and not enough of those jobs to match. They usually also take a week or two before you start and another 2 weeks after starting before you get your first paycheck. I think the 4 most important things for getting a full time job in NYC are: 1. Knowing the right people in the companies and knowing them well, otherwise, your application is likely to never been seen or taken seriously. 2. Previous experience. 3. Looking attractive (unless your in a really technical field). Almost every company I've worked for, the non-engineering staff look like 20-30 somethings who model on the side. I feel bad for anyone who isn't attractive and isn't in a technical field, it's obvious there is a major bias. 4. Where you went to university. You'll have a far easier time if you want to a top school everyone knows as opposed to the other 90%. I think they must keep stats on how many workers went to top schools to present to investors when they're trying to get more funding and if they're beyond that (not a startup), present that data to the board.

[@lallyasian]

great video. come back!

[@mari.johnson]

I'm here now!

[@SpeakItIntoExistence]

Number 1, I feel that way in general no matter where I live. 🤷‍♀️

[@georgelyden]

What a wonderful insightful very true video :-) East Village..My home sweet home.. :-)

[@langanmrjayj6079]

Hi Mari... Cool advice keep up the good sharing info :)

[@mrssarkazz]

Much love from #Brooklyn #NYC

[@mikecuda3552]

MJ, love the tips on NY...I lived in Brooklyn Heights for a few years but grew up in Miami, and I can testify that number 10 lesson is right on! Its not until you live there do you realize that NYers are not rude, they just say it like it is, and mostly its only to help you! It may sound rude at first, but I would rather be told straight up then waste time doing things wrong and look like a dummy!! LOL...And Im liking the videos so far! Only seen the St Thomas video as Im going there in a few weeks and your NY Lessons...but will keep watching and ignore any stupid comments (which im sure you already do as most NYers are above the drama)...I bet you will have your own show one day.

[@mari.johnson]

Thanks Mike! Enjoy your trip to St. Thomas!! :)

[@mikecuda3552]

I'm sure we will have a good time in STT..can't wait to try their BBC! And if you make your way to Melbourne..... (FL not Australia, sorry...lol) towards the end of next year we can get you in to Disney for free!!! Famous Dole Whip and EPCOT food and wine should be somewhere down on your bucket list. :)

[@mari.johnson]

Ooh that's amazing! I've never been there! I'll definitely keep it in mind!

[@PhoenixProdLLC]

4, 5,&6 have always been my deal breakers... In fairness to NY, there are plenty of places in LA that are horribly roach infested 😝😝Even if you drive them out of your place, they're always at the ready to come back because the neighbor isn't doing anything at all about them. And, Hello Rat in the swimmimg pool! :p Beware the landlord who isn't including pest control in the lease!

[@lz9672]

last part, people are always nice and honest, I disagree with that. I've been living in NYC for 9 years, I've seen different kinds of people. I'm pretty sure, a lot of people ignore you when you ask them a question or direction. I've been to the states next to NY, and the experience was totally different.

[@srirangaswamy8986]

Thanks for this. Practical info

[@EuniceSohn]

I've only been a tourist there, :) Sounds a bit like Seoul too, but we have less mice/cockroaches but terrible air pollution (yellow fine dust-particles) for about 3~4 months every spring , it's crazy

[@lr2ldn]

I love Seoul so much. I use to live in Incheon but I was in Seoul almost more than I was in Incheon. I experienced the yellow dust. It was interesting.

[@EuniceSohn]

Yeah, a lot of us just want to get out of the country to get some clean air sometimes. It's so bad :( it's getting worse and worse

[@Pat7629]

Great video!

[@RGC198]

Hi Mari, This is a very interesting and informative video. I have often wondered what living in New York was like. From the street map, New York looks like an absolutely enormous city. It would certainly take a good while walking around it. Were you anywhere near Central Park in New York? I think that would be the largest park there. Was your apartment ground level or on an upper floor in a high rise building? I think there are some basement type apartments there as well. Anyway, take care. Robert.

[@mari.johnson]

NYC is huge! And has a population of almost 2x New Zealand haha. I didn't live near Central Park but I lived by one called Prospect Park, which was also huge and awesome. Here's where I lived! kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqqzgJysiturpKs

[@RGC198]

Hi Mari, your NYC apartment looked awesome. You did a wonderful job with it. The view from the window is better than our view from our former house in Sydney. In the dining room in Sydney, we could have a view of our neighbour's brick wall. The only good views there were from the back of the house, which was two stories up and we could see right across to the next suburb. Incidentally, at our current house, we can see part of Melbourne CBD in the distance, similar to your view of NYC in your apartment.

[@anabettencourt6943]

I love these kinds of videos Mari, you're so so funny. Rats, roaches and mice build personality lol

[@TravelToTheWorldAaliyahtravel]

Thanks for upload

[@zahidmirza2076]

nice experience,

[@SeaTraveller2000]

Hiiiiiii Mari!!!!!

[@priscilandreza]

You are an inspiration for me. Thanks you for sharing. A question you still works as a waitress? As you do to get the clearances for travel? Sorry for bad English, I'm still learning your language :)

[@mari.johnson]

I'm not currently working as a waitress, though will be working in NZ soon (no clue as to what job though). Sorry I'm not sure what you mean about clearances?

[@priscilandreza]

I meant vacations. Do you work for a fixed company and ask for day offs / vacations, or do you work, save enough money, quit your job and go travel?

[@geovanydias3290]

well done. 👌

[@How.Dare.You.]

Nyc is exhausting

[@Clonyxl8]

Whooow that was an interesting video Mari, but now I really get the impression that NY is some kind of jungle, if you survive there you survive everywhere....😉😉😉 Let's go to NY...where is my Tarzan outfit ! 😬😬😬

[@mralembremen]

this video is sooooooooo goooood ✌️️

[@UnitedPebbles]

I'd take some accounting class and personal finance, attend church, look into interior remodel, get new useful wardrobes(minimalist), share room with friends ??? that should help out your life a lot??

[@simoneferrari8732]

when i get older, like 19 yo, i gotta to go and live in new york city cause i like that city so much, because i love people are always so funny, i love it a lot, can you say me any places to live in new york??? thank you so much!!!

[@UnitedPebbles]

Hey still working at Walgreen? any pt time job with the good physician?

[@junototoro]

I travelled alone in NYC by myself =)

[@mariamdagher4139]

hey, thanks so much i was so scared from the decision i am going to make, how can I contact you for some advices? :\

[@gallivantsandrants]

I love this! I had the same feelings about my five years in NYC, it for real changed my entire life's direction. A month after I moved there, I joined Occupy Wall Street and slept in a tent in a park for a month. Then I moved in with friends, and afterwards I experienced homelessness for three months while working full-time. I eventually found an apartment in Harlem, became a dog walker and then got a chance to do camera work and editing for an int'l news agency at the UN. It was beyond anything I could have imagined and I too, learned so much. Definitely recommend people take the leap if they're questioning if they should. One thing I'll say, I'll take rats and mice ANY DAY over flippin' bedbugs. Ugh. Those things are demons lol.

[@mari.johnson]

Wow, those are some awesomely unique NYC experiences! Ick and I'm with you about bed bugs! Those are like my one fear!

[@starlord7125]

UGH really really want to meet u

[@rickyolivier9381]

Who moving to new york........ Me maybe

[@heyyitssj]

Thanks for sharing! I’m moving there soon and have been trying to watch as many as these types of videos as possible!

[@helenwood1]

lol = I said Mexico which isn't overseas but I figured, you grew up in Cali so...I would have said Paris but second guessed - instinct - gotta trust it - I lost the free water bottle as offered in the give away vid - thanks I really enjoy these 'specially NZ!!!! keep up the good work from CC!!

[@mari.johnson]

Always trust your instinct!! ;)

[@helenwood1]

yes, Paris had it in my heart but my head said south of the border

[@simoneferrari8732]

NEW YORK IS THE BEST PLACE TO LIVE IN THE WORLD!!!

[@JMMT7022801]

Yeah, let's all move to New York City, where we can make our dreams come true. 😄😄

[@minhha3063]

hello

[@LMiraculous]

I’m a talented musician that has dreams to move to nyc

[@joaquindeleontagorda8984]

Great vid Mari Could you send my condolence to your Thai friend? I forgot his name. #RIPKingBhumibol

[@mari.johnson]

Aw that's very sweet of you. His name is Jack :)

[@soupyb1058]

New York is my favorite city. Ever. I love you, Cooper!!! 😍😍😍😍🐶🐶🐶

[@maxieone7358]

👍

[@tiffanygabriel4993]

ocean ave

[@Hijabiglobetrotter]

Is it possible to live in Nyc as a travel blogger/vlogger?

[@YourLovelyDoctorX]

Luv ya;)

[@UnitedPebbles]

Custom shoes from orthopedist 'd make your life easier(looker bigger but...)?

[@kingkong12317]

Not quite true . NY has lots of mice . Life is hard and many people are unfriendly. It is expensive.

[@WatWarrior22]

Hate to break it to you but you're living in a fantasy, 2 years isn't nearly enough time to gage NYC as a whole. This city really isn't anything special neither are the people I've been here for 31 years of my life and this is by far one of the worst places in the country

[@mcresent]

WatWarrior22 i agree , ive lived in nyc for 26yrs. Taking the MTA is insane. Too overcrowded and smelly. Its a place id just visit. Thank god im moving soon the rent is out of this world for a miserable studio or 1 bedroom.

[@BrittFulli]

WatWarrior22 facts

[@jgct2118]

Good. More space for the rest of us :p

[@Wbino-uq4jx]

Generalizing a little...not all NYers live with cockroaches, mice and rats. There are five boroughs.....

[@gallivantsandrants]

Walter Sabino And they're in every single one. They may not be inside everyone's apartment, but they're outside in the shadows.

[@Wbino-uq4jx]

Then it's a worldwide issue, not limited to NY.

[@mari.johnson]

I'm talking about my experience and what I learned. Obviously it would be much different for people with a ton of money, for example!

[@PerfectLittlePlanet]

I've lived in the Bronx and now Manhattan and I've been all throughout the City. They're in all 5 boroughs.

[@Jaydizzlenessss]

Can we also agree that uptown and downtown are two completely different countries? I lived on the uppity crotchety upper west side and wanted to kill myself. Now I'm in the west village and its literally a different world.

[@vangrails]

All or almost all (ex)-New Yorkers say the same things as you say here.

[@hayatali7480]

Can we make a lot of money in newyork city

[@giorgikotetishvili8037]

is it just me or do you have a little French accent?

[@1happysnowhead594]

Yeah right but most of your salary end up for your flat rent...

[@aviewer2871]

People need to be debriefed about New York City before coming. NYC is a hell. It is so hard to get things done, and get problems that arise, completed and squared away . It is very expensive. It is unfriendly. There is division among racial and ethnic groups like you wouldn't believe. It is a place you aspire AWAY from.If you MUST, visit 2 or 3 days then leave.

[@BrittFulli]

A Viwer yess

[@johnottr]

Hey A Viewer, you are one of those people that needs to live in the wilderness away from civilized people.

[@UnitedPebbles]

Rats and roaches meant there are food nearby? you cooked and stored food at your places?? yikes. Simply call those humane Yale exterminators? they have cats and roach eater animals??

[@jamielynn815]

you're so cute

[@billie44]

All what she is saying true If you have a trust fund Like I bet she does. Nyc has been gentrified to Death it soul is gone It's very trendy And corny now

[@lchristian3980]

You're the only american woman who's not annoying !!

[@wendyk3657]

Really good video. NYC is a great city.