Paco's Unofficial Guide to "Alternative" NY

Hello my fellow classmates and avid readers of the "politically incorrect" column. Maybe it is the financial meltdown, or the fact that this will be the last semester to some of us prior to waking up from this "dream," but it appears that peoples are partying as hard as they can (including those Salsa Mondays, French Tuesdays and Felix Sundays.)

For all of you who are interested in doing something different in the city and adding a twist to your lives, I am writing the Unofficial Paco's Guide to "alternative" NY. Even if you are an avid New Yorker, you might find this guide interesting and try one of the things described below. My most important recommendation: don't miss the opportunity of meeting incredible people outside of your circle.

I am including a sample of the activities I will post in the blog. Did you think Damodaran is the only one who tries to entice you to buy his book by giving away some freebies?

78. Go to a party with somebody you don't know. If you want to really transport yourself to another place there is no other spot like NY for doing it. While at the bar you can meet somebody cool who takes you and your entourage to a party in Brooklyn and introduces you to a community of cool people that aren't that worried about Merrill tanking up or how to "leverage" on their connections to land an internship.

67. Have drinks in style. It is not about buying a bottle of Champagne and getting the club noticing you. It is about enjoying amazing views of the City, great Martinis (which is the cheapest way to get drunk according to Andres Suarez, MD) and enjoying an incredible afternoon. The Mandarin Oriental Hotel lobby at Columbus Circle is the perfect venue. If on top of that you would like to practice the skills acquired in marketing, negotiation, M&A and bar blast, my recommendation is to visit the Salon de Ning at the Peninsula Hotel during the summer. Maybe you can end up getting a "scholarship" or even a green card!

55. Crash Columbia parties. I don't have any kind of prejudices against the guys from Harlem. While some of them might have some issues if you are not from an Ivy League school your NYU pedigree empowers you to find somebody who shows some appreciation for your downtown and down to earth attitude. Not everybody will end up marrying a Columbia girl like Simon Villa, but a great conversation never disappoints.

23. Jump in the taxi with a complete stranger (or a group of them). Let's face it: when it rains or when you are in the UES, it is very difficult to catch one. That provides you with a great excuse to split a cab with somebody who might end up taking you to another party (provided you are a cool Mexican or Spaniard). A trivial conversation might lead you to spend the rest of the evening surrounded by several beautiful ladies watching how old fashioned burlesque dancer gets rid of her clothes and enjoying glasses of Champagne, courtesy of the father of one of them. Don't you wish you were so lucky?

9. Rent a bus and go to a roller disco party. Don't forget to wear hot pants, afro wigs and 70's glasses. You will always regret not doing so even if you had a great time snowboarding, you were sore and you just slept two hours the day before. Damn…

3. Play Frisbee in the beach. My best advice over the summer for you MBA1's who remain here in NY and who are not in IB jobs. There are several beaches around NYC. Though the water is neither as warm nor as beautiful as Playa del Carmen, you will enjoy life outside of Excel and you could end up having one of the best days since you arrived to New York. And btw, share it with somebody. The beach is the perfect place to learn more about yourself and your friends.

In conclusion, expand your circle further than just meeting people who use words such as "S.M.A.R.T. goals", "ohh my God" or "efficient market." Think for a second about how lucky you are to live in NY while the world is melting down. You are on the first row!!! As the lyrics of "Believe me Nathalie" from The Killers go: "…this is your last chance" So get yourself a piece!