The NYC Metro
I'm not sure this is cheating since a metro never stays in one place but my pick is the under(and sometimes over)ground of the big apple. Sure, it's often more humid than the shores of Singapore or more rank than a mega-landfill, but once I'm on one of these trains, my mind races off in all directions.
I often prepare for any subway trip, as if I'm getting ready for some adventure through Europe. I tend to snag a sketchbook and a copy of the New Yorker before any ride. There's just something about the low rumble of the train, the feeling of one stop after another, and in my case since I live across the Williamsburg bridge, the always awesome moment when the J or M train emerges from below the surface to soar across the East River. I've take this commute a thousand times and it never gets old.
Order in the Chaos
I always opt for the chaos when it comes for work. I believe that high stimulation and diverse experiences motivate the best ideas and concentration comes later when you try to mold those ideas into real results. Even when I travel and I want a moment to contemplate, keep up a journal, or get a few tasks done, I always lug my laptop to the liveliest bar or social arena nearby.
There may be no microcosm on earth more volatile and diverse than New York City's metro system. Always new people, always new experiences. Sometimes performances pop out of nowhere or some of the most eccentric individuals make themselves known (check out the Instagram account “Subway Creatures”). In any case, the level of unexpectedness it one of the best situations for innovation and new though.
Lily Furedi
No the NYC metro is my favorite “place,” what's yours? Be sure to try out our @sndbox challenge as well!
