The Big Apple- New York, New York

Street Merchandise for sale

 Last April (2014) I traveled to the land of evergreen famous parks, Broadways and the infamous pricey yellow cabs. 

It was during Easter, a three day trip, with four other friends and a huge itinerary to cover.

I had never been to New York before, or to the state of New Jersey; so the excitement had reached its very own hysteria. 

I had a lot "expectations" going in (thanks to every movie/shows filmed there- ehmm FRIENDS, Home Alone, Mr & Mrs Smith, Rent, etc).

Downtown, New York City

DAY 1: Once we reached our hotel in Secaucus, New Jersey, we hopped into a cab with sheer excitement; destination-downtown. After a less than 20 minute drive (15 to be exact) and a bill tag of a whopping $70 we quickly realized the difference between real and reel. Lesson learnt- Subways RULE!

I was none the less excited to be there. I took in a deep whiff of the scene around, besides the city drain I was standing close to, I could feel the buzz and rush through my veins. My steps though a bit slower than a regular New Yorker took quick and short strides through the streets on the streets of Manhattan. Mainly to keep up and save ourselves from ongoing traffic (cars, local, tourists, and pigeons alike). 

The rush felt like an ecstasy, it was a very surreal moment, definitely got some getting used to.

Times Square

First stop was the Toys"R"Us store on Times Square. Yes, I know, I know Fao Schwarz is the best toy store there is. Unfortunately, we were short on time. It's on my to-do list, next time I pay a visit. 

We just explored a few stores around Times Square (MnMs, Hershey). Observed various street artists do their work. Bought two paintings, tried a few street carts (as a vegetarian, the only option available to me, tasted stale and dry). Took pictures from the stairs, stood there to appreciate the view. 

Tip: You should visit Times Square at least once. Personally, unless you aren't there to watch a Broadway production I would prefer to explore some other parts of downtown.

Ended the night with dinner at Fox n' Fiddle and bused back to our hotel. (A whole lot affordable).

Delmonico Restaurant

Day 2: Woke up early the next morning, got dressed with 3 layers (weather was a bit chilly in the morning), put on my comfortable,padded walking shoes, strapped my hand bag over one shoulder and my camera over the other. I clearly had no intentions of blending in. I was a tourist, a photographer and I was all ready and set to go.

First destination was the Delmonico restaurant on Beaver Street. It was too early in the morning to go inside but was in absolute awe by its classic architectural structure and frame. A fine definition between old meets new. 

Brooklyn Bridge

Destination two on our itinerary was the ever famous Brooklyn Bridge. With a view of lower Manhattan and the walk up, even with life around rushing past you, you get to appreciate the moment and the symbolic being of your individuality. We didn't walk all the way through to the other side (lack of time) but a definite must for me when I go back. 

I got to take quite a few good pictures and my friends were amazingly patient enough to wait for me. 

Wall Street Station 

We further explored the Wall Street area and past through other well known works of art and architecture. Grabbed a quick bite at Shake Shack and visited the ground zero memorial. We hadn't purchased advance tickets (something to consider), and were a bit late for the tour. As per what I have heared, it's something everyone should try when in town. Just being around the site, it gave us more time to reflect and gave a deeper sense of reality.  

Washington Square Park

After a long tiring stroll around the city, we headed out to Brooklyn and visited the Washington Square Park to relax and enjoy the April evening sun. 

 Seeing the arch numerous times on countless episodes of FRIENDS, it sort of felt like home.. Various artists performing, sketching, just enjoying the familiarity of spring. Plus our feet couldn't take it longer, we needed to rest our soles. 

Took, the subway back, had dinner at a local sandwich and wrap place. (Don't remember the name, the food was really good). Ended it with Magnolia's famous banana bread pudding.. How can something so simple be so heavenly delicious?  Even with a long line up, it was worth all the wait and blistered toes. 

Day 3: On our last day in New York, we toured around Central park all morning. I got some very nice shots, witnessed a wedding and just enjoyed the beautiful weather. Here are a few shots from the 900+ pictures I took over the weekend.

Central Park 

Central Park in April 

Central Park 

Central Park 

Rockefeller Center

Ended the three day trip at Rockefeller Center, we had purchased advance tickets, in comparison to the line up at the Empire State Building didn't have to stand in line for long. A friend had suggested Top of the Rock had a better view of Manhattan, form the Hudson river to Central Park , the entire 180. It was just breathtaking, the mid-day sun was heading down to an evening shade.. Danke Schoen was playing somewhere in the distant, just seemed a perfect ending to a perfect weekend.

We did miss out on a lot. I wanted to see Grand Central Station, didn't get to enjoy the nigh life as well.. We would exhaust ourselves out every day..
I have never been as tired as I was on this trip. It was all worth it.

Many memories were made, and created room for many more... I would recommend everyone to visit New York, at least once for the tourist attractions and once for all the hidden gems the city has to offer.