AUGUST 2003
MY NEW YORK PHOTOS
First of all, New York is unlike any other place I've ever been and I was very glad of that. After experiencing Shanghai I honestly dreaded New York, expecting it to be very similar, but it wasn't at all. Everything in New York felt much safer, cleaner, friendlier, and easier to get around in than I had anticipated. Walking through the streets of Manhattan at night was actually a very peaceful and welcoming experience.
To begin, I flew into Newark Liberty International at 8:30PM, where I met up with my sister and we proceeded to take the AirTrain to the New Jersey Transit to the New York Subway system, then by foot to the apartment. In a whirlwind, we were back out on the streets of New York and in a matter of minutes I find myself standing right in the middle of Time Square.
Time Square was enormous. All of that area and much of Manhattan, in fact, is just huge billboards and advertisements! And by huge, I mean signs down the entire lengths of multi-story buildings. Absolutely enormous! And Time Square was complete with all the flashing lights, changing billboards, people, cabs, etc, etc. We stood in the middle and looked around for a breathtaking visual experience. Next it was on to Grand Central Station with its awe inspiring main hall and green ceiling of constellations. Everything about this place was so old, so beautiful, so grand!
From there we made our way to McSorley's Old Ale House, which is the oldest New York Pub. It has been operational since 1854, having fronted as a small restaurant during the years of prohibition. From the moment you step through the doors and the smell of old Ale smacks you in the face, you begin to sense all the history that McSorley's envelopes. The walls and bar are covered with memories and stories of the past near 150 years. McSorley's is a unique pub to say the least and one of the most notable characteristics is probably that you can get nothing but their ale...this is not a place of brand names or choices, but there is no lack of what they do offer. When we met up with our friends at a table in the back, they had about 25 mugs of beer on the table. Each is only $2 each. As soon as you finish one you just pick up another. They clear off the empty mugs and bring about four more in place of each one. Supposedly they do offer crackers, onions, and cheese, but we arrived so late that they had stopped offering even that. And despite my utter dislike for beer at all, I had a fabulous time absorbing the scenery and chatting with great company. And it is possible to find just a glass of water. : )
We stayed with a friend, whose place was a "Classic" New York apartment in my opinion. It is in the basement of a building in Greenwich Village and consists of only three rooms: A living room/kitchen; A bedroom/storage; and a bathroom. All of it teeny and absolutely perfect. The two windows in the living room look out onto the staircase, which leads the way back up to the street. At night you can hear and feel the subway rumble along beneath you at times, though it isn't constant and not very distracting. Leaving the apartment, you exit via the basement fire exit door and head up the stairs to the street. Everything you need is close by. In fact, most everywhere we ate was just around the corner...Sapore, El Charro, French Roast, and the fabulous late night (everything home made) Magnolia Bakery.
The ground we covered in only two days time still utterly astounds me. And yet, even though we rushed through everything, it didn't feel rushed at all. There is still plenty we did not get to see and do, but I'd have to say I left there with a feeling that I had completely experienced New York for all it had to offer from a tourist perspective to the every day life experience of a true New Yorker.
So with no timetable and just creating our schedule as we went, here is what I saw and did in New York in only two days. Ate at a side street cafe in the evening watching people as they passed on by. Hailed a cab. Took the bus to the Bronx Zoo. Saw the majority of the Bronx Zoo in one day, thanks to Shawn our marvelous tour guide with a passion for all zoos. Strolled down the street at midnight to the Magnolia Bakery where we had to wait in line for a slice of their chocolate pudding pie and their famous icebox cake, which we proceeded to eat across the street in a small sitting park. Bought an $80 pair of shoes because I began to develop blisters after the first evening. These shoes, though outrageously expensive...have been worth every penny. They are so crazy looking and sooo comfortable. I almost forget I have shoes on and they are definitely coming with me to New Zealand. Ok. What else is "classic" New York that I was able to experience...oh yeah...on the New Jersey Transit to and from the airport they have guys that come by and check your tickets and let you know which stop is yours. It seemed right out of a movie. Already mentioned we cruised by subway several times, as well as cabs. Had a hot dog in Central Park. Took the bus up Madison Avenue, walked down 5th Avenue and all across Manhattan. Had my celebrity citing when we walked past Minnie Driver as we came out of Central Park and headed South on 5th Avenue. Passed by St. Patrick's Cathedral and Rockefeller Center. Checked out the New York Public Library. Had an ice cream while walking our way across Manhattan to see the United Nations building. Stepped inside Grand Central Station and saw their famous Oyster Bar, not to mention that exquisite ceiling! Passed by the Chrysler building. Stood under the Empire State Building. Saw ground zero and the remaining world trade centers. Took a stroll along the Hudson River walk, which was incredibly relaxing and peaceful on our way to take the Staten Island Ferry so that we could see the Stature of Liberty and all her glory. I still want to visit Ellis Island and be up closer to her. Walked through Washington Square Park and saw the chess players. Walked down Broadway, bought some street art from a 9-month pregnant woman whose baby was due a week later. Walked through the Prada store display that was actually a very neat set up, but honestly other than for artistic simplicity, there was nothing to it.
Ok. So that about covers everthing. Just want to say a Super Special Thank You to my sister for being a fabulous tour guide and showing me such a great time! Thanks also to Donald for letting us stay in his fantastic apartment and to Shawn for our journey through the Bronx Zoo!
