A TASTE OF THE BIG APPLE - NEW YORK

“Start spreading the news
I am leaving today
I want to be a part of it. New York, New York…”

This timeless song “New York, New York” by Frank Sinatra kept ringing in my head while on the train from my chosen hostel in Central Park area. It was the beginning of my American exploration that started in New York. The very first thing I did was to go to Times Square which is the heart of the city to collect The New York Pass that I purchased days before my flight from Dubai. I decided to collect it at the Big Bus Information Desk at Madame Tussauds and had it activated so I could officially use the card and join the activities included on the package tour. I was so excited to finally arrive and see, not just in the movies but to visit for myself the most photographed city in the world – the Big Apple. New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of commerce. It is called the most economically powerful city and the leading financial center of the world. It is also one of the most-visited cities in the world.

As a first time visitor and as a solo traveler, I was able to leisurely walk along its famous streets and enjoyed the stunning architecture. I was humbled by the well-known iconic skyscrapers in Manhattan. The enticing sights and sounds everywhere were just so mesmerizing. Even by simply people-watching while sitting in a coffee shop it made me experience just how beautiful and vibrant New York is. A “city that never sleeps”, as it is called! I wish I could stay longer at night where the lights are all aglow. But I had to compel myself to head back to the hostel to get some sleep and get ready for the next day’s adventure.

During this trip, again I was travelling solo just with my ever loyal partner, my selfie stick. But I did wish I was travelling with someone, a human being I mean. It is not because I wanted him / her to take videos of me, or take continuous snapshots while I was walking reminding the other person to capture the beautiful scenery as background in it. It was actually to share the experience and joy of being a first-time visitor in this amazingly tantalizing city. I think I could never get enough of it.

When it comes to food and drinks yes, dining at a fancy restaurant is naturally pricey. But there were also some decent restaurants serving international cuisine at affordable prices. During my first day, I had a late lunch and a glass of beer in an Irish Pub in Times Square. It was to celebrate the fact that at last I had traveled to the land of Uncle Sam. Cheers to an exciting first day in New York City.

On certain occasions, I had to dine at AppleBee’s or at the ever convenient McDonald’s. I had to try the quality of food these American restaurants serve right at the country of origin. It seemed to me they served well and the foods actually tasted better. One thing I missed though was to check if I could have Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Just wondering what it would have been like meeting the modern day likes of Holly (Audrey Hepburn) with their beautiful dresses. After all, it is the fashion capital of the world.

I stayed at Jazz on The Park Hostel which is located at the corner of the famous Central Park. It was an ideal place and affordable for a budget traveller like me; though breakfast was not included in the price. It was conveniently situated near the metro station. A perfect base to roam around the city on my own and a very accessible area whenever I wanted to take part in the other activities included on the tour package. With my limited time, I tried to see as many as I could of some of the city’s notable sites and took advantage of the Big Bus tour where I could hop-on and hop-off. By doing this I was fortunate enough to have the time to see all of the following famous places.