As a kid, watching shows and movies based in New York City, I was always intrigued by the incredible rows of skyscrapers, the endless cluster of people mingling in Times Square, and fascinated by the subway system they had there; I knew it was a place that I wanted to visit.

Although I didn’t have the opportunity of visiting the city until I reached my twenties, I was not disappointed; the city was everything I had hoped it would be, and more.

During the summer of 2015, my family and I took a trip there, and the rest is history. As a photographer, and as someone who loves being around people, the city seemed like a dream come true.

We visited various restaurants, explored as much of Manhattan as possible on foot, rode on a subway for the first time, experienced a breathtaking view of the city atop the Empire State Building, and witnessed the grandeur of Times Square; the lights, people, video screens were all impressive to me.

After that visit, I was hooked; I knew I’d be back numerous times in life, and I’m glad I’ve now had the opportunity of visiting another nine times since that first trip in 2015.

One of my favorite moments in the city, besides that first trip, came at the end of 2018, when I was able to experience the ball drop in Times Square to bring in the new year; it’s even better than watching it on tv.

I’m in love with New York City, and I’m yearning for the next adventure I’d be able to take there.