I think that I am, sometimes, oblivious to what is happening in trends or in fashion in larger cities outside of my little bubble.
I also think that one of the reasons that the city of New York has always intrigued me is because of its steadfastness in hanging on to tradition and its own sense of style - regardless of what outsiders say is cool or hip.
The trends these days, in all things hospitality - wine, food, lodging and events - is to bring back and celebrate the best from years past.
I have been reading about and noticing more of this trend over the past year, but it wasn't until I left New York this past weekend that I understood that its classic and rarely-changing style of living has bee
n its calling card to the rest of the world.
I arrived in Manhattan armed with a plan to check out a few landmark businesses and
see how they were still doing all of these years later.
"Plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose."
Boutique hotels rave on promotional material about the antiques or "retro-styled" furnishings and use the words "classic", "tradition" or "historic" whenever and wherever possible.
Many of the larger chains have also heralded their sense of tradition, even when its a new location, new name or new renovation. They appeal to the trend-following tourists by referring to the age of the building or the number of years of its overall business success.
Their lobby bars tout their twists on classic cocktails and old world wine lists and their restaurants' menus are filled with easily-recognizable and comforting dishes.
Down the neighbouring streets, you will find 100-year-old, family-run delis beside slick new cafés offering fresh roasts from 100-year-old plantations.
The dive bar down the back alley is still packed every night of the week and the new, upscale club around the corner is best known for its new twist on an Old Fashioned.
Street food is still trying to offer a touch of the exotic, but the hot dog, sausage and pretzel are still found on every corner.
And with the recent popularity of Uber throughout North America, it was inevitable that the once thought,old-fashioned taxi industry would retaliate with something modern and newsworthy.
New mobile applications are heavily promoted on in-car taxi monitors showing riders how easy it can be to hail and pay for taxi rides throughout the City. No more whistling or madly waving your arms on the street. A simple click on your mobile device and the closest participating taxi is dispatched to your exact location automatically. Another click and you have paid - and tipped - your driver. The fumbling in pockets or bags for change and small bills seems to have ended. But will it be enough for Uber riders to switch back?
It is definitely a to-each-his-own situation.
The juxtaposition between old and new is a human tradition itself.
We crave what comforts us, reminds us, brings us joy - but we also want the newest twist, the something-never-seen-before, the fashion forward.
New York City has made this blend of focus its daily feat.
Perhaps the rest of us are just catching on.
