We finalized everything about a month ago and went on the trip two weekends ago.
We took an overnight Greyhound to the city, arriving in the morning tired and confused but were rewarded with skyline views from Jersey right after the sun had risen. After circling Time Square a few times (not by choice), we found the station needed to travel to our Airbnb in Brooklyn. We settled in quickly, had Shake Shack in our 'hood, and headed out to make the most of the day.
Our first day was unofficially a "museum" day, despite having only two on our list. We got off on the Upper West Side and took a scenic walk across Central Park to reach the MET.
It began to pour by the time we got to the museum, and many took advantage of the indoor space. It was my first time there and it's gorgeous; I read somewhere that the building could take days to explore, and it definitely rings true. It's a shame that we didn't get to visit the rooftop due to the rain, since there was a Psycho exhibit going on.
The rain was kind of a downer for my friends (we skipped Guggenheim too, since the line looped around the block outside--it's free on Saturdays), but I always thought New York looked best in the rain, especially with bright reflections that provided the city a soft glow.
We finished the day off at Whole Foods and returned back home to Brooklyn, desperately needing a warm shower. Our apartment was located between DUMBO and Vinegar Hill, and the rooftop views were spectacular, featuring the Manhattan Bridge and surrounding buildings.
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The next day began early; we sipped on the Runa tea that our Airbnb hosts provided (they are some super cool-hippie-energy tea drink owning-yogi couple) while I watered some of their plants.
We mostly stayed on the West Side since we were planning to walkia lot.
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| The view from Washington Square Park. I've always dreamed of attending NYU (but my wallet says no) |
We had nine cameras between the three of us, so photography breaks were taken often.
Inside Parsons, where a nice security guard let us rest and hide from the heat.
I visited the High Line when I was in the city a few years ago, and it remains one of my favourite spots. The views are great and it never feels too touristy for me, thanks to its length.
Of course had to stop by Chelsea Market, where I got my mom some cookies and my other friends unique-ish souvenirs.
We went back to Brooklyn Bridge Park early to devour some margarita pizza at Juliana's (it was huge), then took some photos around the park before a flash flood warning unsettled us enough to head back early.
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| not sure why, but this is one of my favourites. |
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Day three began on an early note--a walk across Brooklyn Bridge while avoiding collisions with New Yorkers going to work.
Naturally, it was a East Side day this time around; we started at the tip of Chinatown, towards Little Italy, then finally visited some attractions in Midtown.
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| Kelly in Bryant Park. |
The day ended in Time Square and a movie in Bryant park. We went to Williamsburg the next (and last) day but I didn't take any DSLR photos there.
I definitely over-romanticize New York a whole lot, but maybe that's the magic of tourism. I sincerely hope my New York fantasies never die, because I'll always wish to come back.
-Tracy