mutlu percin lifestyle writes

Love Letter to Manhattan

The City That Never Sleeps — If love is an art, you are my most beautiful instrument.

Ever since my journey from Turkey to the United States in 2011, I’ve been enamored with a city; a city not of buildings and streets, but of dreams and pulsating vitality — New York City. More specifically, I am entranced by the island nestled at its heart, Manhattan, which has bewitched me with an indelible love as deep and broad as the Hudson River itself. This love is not ephemeral, it’s not transient, but rather it has become a constant, a part of my very being. The city’s brilliance was love at first sight. Upon arrival, Manhattan shone like a beacon of hope, ambition, and unyielding resolve. Its shimmering skyline spoke to me in whispers of stories unfathomable, of people from all walks of life converging upon this one magnificent spot of earth. This skyline, touched by the sun’s last kiss in the west and adorned by millions of twinkling lights when darkness fell, reflected a thousand dreams and hopes in its glass and steel edifices. This grandeur of architecture, these towering cathedrals of human ambition, are a testament to the city’s ceaseless striving towards the sky, and in them, I saw my reflection — a dreamer among many.

Manhattan teems with an array of diverse souls, a human mosaic of cultures, colors, tongues, and tales. Each day, walking down its bustling streets is like traversing a global bazaar. The murmur of multiple languages hums in my ears, each dialect a distinct yet harmonious note in the grand symphony of the city. The air is filled with the aromas of world cuisines, reminding me that the city itself is a global table, offering tastes from every corner of the world. Yet, amidst this throng, no one feels like a stranger. Here, in this city, I am home.

Manhattan — the city that never sleeps, pulses with unfathomable energy, driven by countless hearts beating in unison, each with its rhythm, each narrating a distinct tale. As I stroll through Times Square, a hub of the city’s incessant vitality, I am swept away by a maelstrom of lights, people, and life. As the glow of the giant electronic billboards paints my face in a multitude of colors, I cannot help but marvel at the spectacular show that unfolds before my eyes every single night.

The city’s relentless pace might be overwhelming for some, but for me, it’s a symphony that never ceases to play. The honking taxis, the cacophony of a thousand voices, the constant movement — it’s a rhythm, a heartbeat, a life force that fuels the city and its inhabitants. It’s a love song that serenades the city and its dreamers, a melody that flows through its veins, a rhythm that sets the tempo for all who dwell within its boundaries. This city, Manhattan, is awake, alive, and in love — just like me.

The parks of Manhattan, especially Central Park, provide a charming contrast. They are the city’s lungs, where the urban meets the natural, offering a respite from the city’s relentless pace. As I sit on a park bench, watching squirrels dart across the grass, I am reminded that amidst the urban jungle, nature thrives, bringing tranquillity to this bustling city. It’s a reminder of the harmony that exists within the city’s apparent chaos — a balance that seems almost poetic.

In the moon’s silver glow, as I stroll down the Brooklyn Bridge, I am mesmerized by the view of the cityscape — the buildings, their windows like myriad stars against the backdrop of the night sky, standing tall and proud, seeming to touch the heavens. The sight is intoxicating, a testament to the city’s resilience, its promise of possibilities, and a constant reminder of my profound love for Manhattan.

This city isn’t just brick and mortar; it’s a living, breathing entity that’s in constant motion. It’s a siren call to all those who dare to dream, a melting pot of aspirations, a testament to human endeavor, and an endless celebration of diversity. It is a city of a million stories, waiting to be told, waiting to be heard.

To say that I love Manhattan would be an understatement. This city has become a part of me, woven into the very fabric of my existence. It’s a love that’s transcended beyond the tangible, into the realm of the emotional and spiritual. It is a love forged by shared experiences, by moments, by memories — a love as deep as the rivers that cradle Manhattan, as expansive as its skyline, and as bright as the myriad lights that adorn it.

Manhattan, my love for you is a testament to the human spirit — of resilience, of aspiration, of dreams, and the relentless pursuit of making those dreams a reality. You are not just a city, but an embodiment of hope and passion, a love story written in steel and glass, a testament to the human will. I love you, Manhattan, and that is a love story that will continue to be written, day after day, dream after dream, and moment after moment.