So for President’s Day (but more importantly, Valentine’s Day, am I right?) weekend, I went to the Big Apple with my brother, cousin, and four of our close friends just for the spontaneity of it all. It was one of the craziest weekends I’ve had in a long time. I mean, not like out-of-control crazy, but it was wild.

The entire weekend was chock full of experiences; the kind you can only have in New York. I visited places featured in my favorite movies and TV shows, from The Russian Tea Room in Woody Allen’s Manhattan to 5th Avenue in Broad City. Being a huge cinephile (synonymous to introvert), I went nuts setting foot in the same places countless actors have been.

The atmosphere was fast-paced and overwhelming. Being in the concrete jungle made me feel minuscule. Everyone was involved in what they were doing, and they didn’t care how strange I was being walking through the streets while facetiming my best friend (Jordan Bradley, duh) and being obnoxiously loud. I was unprepared for the metropolitan lifestyle, but that didn’t stop me from making the most out of this weekend.

My adventures included going on a scavenger hunt in Central Park made by my cousin (the most spontaneous person I know – this trip was actually his idea), getting bitten by a squirrel on said scavenger hunt, going karaoke-ing, having the most life-altering gyros and cannolis, and catching up with old friends from last year’s Newspaper staff.

We decided to travel to places mostly by foot so we could see as much as possible, plus it was faster. It allowed us to see the greater part of the city, the light pollution during the day and the twinkling lights during the nightlife. It was truly a sight to see.

I loved the little moments, like huddling up together on street corners trying to muster up any heat we had left or leaning on each other on the subway because of how exhausted we were.  I loved that we embarrassed ourselves and each other any time we got the chance. But most of all, I loved the people I was with.

Although New York seems glamorous and exciting at first, I don’t think a person like me could sustain a life there. I missed my beautiful, quiet Houston, my best friends, a familiar ambiance and good ol’ fashioned Southern hospitality. But it was good for me to get out of my comfort zone and do something while I have the time.

In its own way, this article was a PSA for you to get out there and do something. If you’re waiting for a sign, this is it. Travel when you get the chance to, say yes to opportunities, and seize the day (carpe that diem!!).