NYC: A New York State of Mind
What do you think of when anyone mentions New York?
Depending on your interests the answers could range from a building, a
monument, a park, a museum, a giant Christmas tree, a stadium, a concert hall,
a television show, music, art, a bridge… There is just so much that comes to
mind that it’s overwhelming! When you first see the skyline of the city from
the window of your plane seat, you think you know what you will feel or even
what you are about to experience. But wait till you get out of the airport (of
which there are three!). It’s almost akin to a car slowly trying to merge into
the highway. You better be prepared to keep up with the pace.
New York is not just a city, it’s an attitude… a way of
life. Everyone is on their way, doing what they need to do, making their way
through the crowd, getting to where they need to go. The whole city is on the
move. What did you just picture? Let me guess… Time Square in the day, flooded
with pairs of feet strutting along the sidewalk, hurrying to their destination.
Welcome to New York! Once you manage to navigate your way through, what can
turn out to be a sometimes amusing and oddly entertaining ride, the subway and
climb up to the street level out of Times Square 42nd Street Station…
you find yourself in the middle of a sea of people, from all walks of life and
cultural backgrounds, with familiar looking giant electronic billboards
surrounding your peripheral vision plastered over tall buildings that make up
this impressive metropolis. It feels like you have been there before but yet not
quite. Seeing the streets nearby listing the choicest of shows in the most
prolific of theatres, the word that immediately jumps to mind is - ‘Broadway’! Having
seen the city through movies can only do so much. Right then watching a bunch
of yellow taxis go past can give you a real sense of final confirmation. You
are truly here!
As you make your way around Manhattan, you’ll find countless
stores housing the biggest luxury brands along 5th Avenue. It’s a
true shopaholic’s paradise. Walk through central park to fully experience the
expanse of greenery and nature that envelopes you right in the midst of the
tallest buildings you may have seen. One would be remiss to not check out Solomon
R. Guggenheim Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and also the Museum of
Modern Art (MoMa). Make sure you don’t miss out on the best of street side
delicacies the city has to offer, as you pass the numerous food trucks that
serve Tacos, Hot Dogs, Falafel, Shawarma, Waffles etc. It is bound to feel like
the world washed up along the streets! As you munch on your favorite nibbles, make
your way towards yet another iconic structure – The Rockefeller Centre. You can
then walk down to what was once known as tallest building in NYC – The Empire
State Building. I won’t blame you for humming the lyric ‘Let’s hear it for New
York…’ from a famous song by Alicia Keys and Jay-Z when you get to the top.
Even if you don’t have a Sleepless in
Seattle like moment, it makes for a stunning view of the skyline reaching
outwards from where you are. That’s when you get to take in all that the city
stands for. Reaching your dreams with hard work. Getting to the top and feeling
resilient against all odds. It’s an incomparable and inspiring feeling!
Do pass through the Hell’s kitchen to find a wide array of
eateries and restaurants. From hole-in-the-wall to upscale styled venues. The
selection is hard to not get enticed by. As you make your way down through the
Meat Packing District, do make sure to walk through the High Line Park which was built on an elevated unused rail track! It
is a must-see place to include in your to-do list. Especially if you can go
during sunset, it really provides for beautiful views looking over to Jersey
City across the shore on one side and Chelsea on the other. As you proceed
further down South, you must stop by the National September 11 Memorial and
Museum. It truly reminds you of the unwavering spirit of the city. The next
stop involves taking the Statue Cruises
ferry to reach Liberty Island. It would really be an incomplete trip without
going atop the Statue of Liberty - the night skyline of the city is just a pure
vision to behold. Once you get off the breezy ferry ride back, it is imperative
you make it to the Brooklyn Bridge. There’s a reason why it is found as
inspiration for art on T shirts! To wind down you may walk through China Town
and get some of the best Chinese cuisine in those familiar yet typical take
away boxes and chopsticks.
As for the night life, if you aren’t able to find a concert
to attend in Madison Square Garden (it makes for an excellent concert venue and
not just sporting events), there are plenty of bars and clubs that make for a
vibrant scene for nocturnal instincts to kick in for you to party the night
away. To do all of the above, one definitely needs to plan for at least more
than a couple days stay in this amazing city. It’s really worth making the
memories!
By Dhiraj Korwani
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