Sisters, Spoons & Speakeasies

For my 21st birthday, I did something I’d dreamed about for years: I took a trip to New York City—just me and my sister. No supervision, no schedule but our own, and absolutely no holding back. It was a glamorous getaway—with an absolutely packed itinerary and barely a minute to spare between meals, shows, and exploring. We had every day mapped out, ready to take on the city like seasoned pros. The only thing we weren’t prepared for? The weather.

I mean, it’s May. Shouldn’t it be warm by now?

Apparently not. New York greeted us with temperatures stubbornly hovering between 55 and 70 degrees. Meanwhile, we packed like we were heading into a July heatwave—think breezy tops, summer dresses, open-toed shoes. Not exactly ideal for shivering our way through Soho. But hey, we made it work (with a few emergency layering solutions and a lot of walking-induced body heat).

Despite the weather curveball, we truly ate our way through the city. From rich Georgian khachapuri to delicate vegan dim sum, every meal felt like its own little adventure. We had a soulful Thai breakfast, an indulgent Indian dinner that left us speechless, and enough bubble tea to fuel an entire apartment block. Each bite was a celebration, not just of turning 21, but of being alive in a city so full of flavor and energy. 

We also squeezed in an AAPI Heritage Festival, which was bursting with vibrant culture, stalls, and joy. Later that evening, we saw The Book of Mormon on Broadway, and I laughed until my sides hurt. But my favorite experience by far? A speakeasy we found tucked behind an unmarked door, echoing the hush-hush vibes of the Prohibition era. Standing there, sipping a drink in a room full of soft jazz and low light, I felt like I was time-traveling.

But beyond all the sights and sounds and tastes, this trip meant something deeper. It was a pause, a reminder, a moment to reflect. I’m just entering my 20s now, and standing on the edge of adulthood is both exhilarating and terrifying. With this birthday, I feel like I’m finally starting to see a vision for my future take shape. A bucket list of experiences I want to gather, a life I want to build brick by brick. New people to meet, memories to make, old friendships to cherish.

So here’s to twenty-one. To the flavors I tasted in New York and the memories that still linger on my tongue. To the laughter I shared with my sister and the strangers who made the city feel alive. To the speakeasies hidden behind velvet curtains and the dreams I’ll keep quietly tucked in my back pocket.

Most of all—here’s to the woman I’m becoming. One meal, one trip, one wild idea at a time.

Let’s see where this road leads… I’m buckled in—with a fork in one hand, and a dream in the other.