OCM Magazine

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OnChainMonkeys IRL in New York City

Gm gm everyone!

Ken here, and this is OCM Magazine’s experience in NYC.

A great way to start this article is with one word, “Wow”. As a first-time traveler to New York City, I couldn’t think of a better way to visit the big apple than with the OnChainMonkey community. The trip was a surreal, one-of-a-kind experience that will never be forgotten.

It’s incredible to see doors open by saying, “Yes” to new and exciting opportunities. After attending various live events over the years, OCM NYC ranks at the top of the list for reasons presented below. OCM Magazine arrived on Wednesday afternoon, only a short week after making the firm decision to attend.

Back row from left: Obg, Spirit, Healthy, Sofia, Fahmid, myself, JayD - Front row: Jin, Alpha Andy

Video

The 4 min. video you are about to watch is a collaboration between OCMM and SeekerB of SOTE Productions who was the head of media at the NYC events. Credit goes to Seeker for the video and photos used in this article.

Haven Rooftop

The Haven Rooftop was a welcome event for all OnChainMonkeys to mingle and get to know one another on a deeper level. We had drinks together, swapped stories, laughed, and just enjoyed each other’s company. Not only that, but Violetta Zironi was performing live for the entire group with her guitar and beautiful singing voice.

During the Haven Rooftop event, JBrush, a Tier 1 community member, was gifted an NFT Canvas of his K3 Celestial monkey #30003. The moment was truly special not only for JBrush, but for everyone participating in cheering him on. The Haven Rooftop was a fantastic way to kickoff the week.

The Dream Hotel

The Dream Hotel, where I was staying, was on 16th St., and the Haven Rooftop was on 47th St. After the rooftop event, I thought it would be a great idea to walk (with luggage on my back), close to an hour down the sidewalk to my hotel room. At first it was great seeing all the sights, but about halfway through my feet were starting to feel it. No worries, I made it without any issues.

Nonetheless, the Dream Hotel was incredible. It was literally like stepping into a dream. The architecture was quite unique and eye-catching, while the exquisite art on the inside was like taking a leap into another dimension. If I were to put a review online for this hotel, I would give it 5 stars. (Art photo source.)

GM with MonkeyMisfits

The Monkey Misfits, a group of OCM members dedicated to physical and mental wellness, got together 3 mornings in a row at Columbus Circle to both exercise and explore nature in Central Park. Thursday was the day OCMM joined in on the festivities and took a jog/walk around the park. It was 80 degrees and sunny that day, perfect weather to be outside enjoying the fresh air.

Misfits joined in such as DJ, Obg (and his pup), JayD, Healthy, CryptoGypsy, and JenniLi. I believe we saw Spirit riding in a rickshaw if I’m not mistaken (inside joke). The misfits took over central park in pure, unfiltered monkey format. We even yelled out, “RISE” a couple times as we were jogging in the middle of the street. Alpha Andy was in the park the day prior which he said was enough exercise for him.

Monkey Munch and Mingle

Directly after the jog through Central Park, monkeys gathered at a breakfast establishment called Le Pain Quotidien. I personally was starving since I had not eaten yet that morning, besides a nice cup of coffee that SeekerB bought for me (thank you again).

Us monkeys sat at a big table and broke bread together. Obg and I each ordered the most amazing meal consisting of eggs, salmon, salad, and bread. It truly was out of this world in terms of flavor and was one of the best meals I’ve ever had.

New York Stock Exchange

Hopped on a train Thursday afternoon from the Dream Hotel and rode downtown to witness the NYSE in all its glory. Many tourists were standing in front while taking photos and video of themselves. Security guards were standing watch behind the gate to make sure nobody tried to sneak their way inside.

A small group of monkeys were able to enter the stock exchange before closing to view the bell ceremony. Raxel (sporting his banana button up shirt) and I arrived inside at 3:15pm and shook hands inside the lobby. After the closing bell we all took a tour of the facility, then attended the party on the floor which included an open bar, food, and meaningful conversations.

Thanks and closing remarks

A great way to end this article is with one word once again… “Wow!” A spectacular time was had in NYC thanks to the OCM DAO and the faithful community members who spent weeks to meticulously plan and organize each event. Sofia Vaschetto, OCMJayB, Obg, and Illy were instrumental to the GIANT success in NYC.

Events not mentioned:

  • Monkey Munch and Mingle @ Zucker’s Bagels

  • Monkey Around Central Park

  • Walking the High Line

  • Tyler Hobbs @ Pace Gallery

  • Munch and Mingle at Breads Bakery

  • Downtown Monkeys @ The Oculus

  • Monkeys on the Brooklyn Bridge

  • Monks and Pints @ The Standard Biergarten

It was such a pleasure meeting everyone! You all mean the world to the team here at OCM Magazine. So much activity was packed into this fun-filled week that there could be an article dedicated to each event. Hopefully this provided a good overview of what the NYC experience was truly like.

Again, there were many more great times had by OCM members that may not be featured here, so please feel free to drop a comment below if you were in NYC, or if you wish you were there and hope to attend an OCM IRL event in the future!

Thank you for reading and as always, remember…

Keep your eyes… on the !RISE