New York Day 1 and 2

- The city that's worth a Million images!

by MadSuh 

(about New York, New York, added on Sep 26, 2006)

This was the fourth time I got into New York. The city kinda grows on you as people say and it's true. My trip started with friendliness and hospitality which, sorry to say, you typically don't find in New York. I got through customs quite quickly, actually less than 10 minutes from the airplane all the way to getting outside of JFK:) I had to call a cab and didn't want to get any dollars yet at the airport, so I quickly went to the next coffee shop to buy someone some drink using my credit card and then get the neccessary change to make the call. I ran into some Greyhound employee, which immediately responded 'You don't have to buy me anything, I'll give ya 5 bucks, man!' This is when it struck me - I am back in the US, away from stiff Europe.

Anyhow, my friend picked me up and took me to the apartment. We stopped by a Russian supermarket, buying some nice snacks, appetizers and beer to make for a comfortable evening. Soon after I was back at his place on the couch falling asleep.

I got up early the next day, the jet lag kinda helped there of course. After a few coffees and many emails I finally headed down to the city. I figured the best spot to start out was the Southern tip of Manhattan. It was a beautiful day so I didn't mind walking and enjoying the sunshine along the way. New York is amazing, whether you want to watch people, architecture, street or business life, different cultures, or just the coffee around the corner, there is something for everyone. I personally enjoy a combination of all. Anyhow, my walk started out all happy, I felt a rush seeing the huge buildings, some tourists and lots of average Joe Schmoe people on the street.

Walking North a little took me right to Ground Zero where you feel a 100% emotional turn. The site looks the same as 1 year ago and there are still people sobbing and feeling the pain of Septemeber 11. There is some awesome power in the area that fills all of the surrounding area. After giving the past some thought I decided to head down and buy some clothes over at 21st Century. It's one of the messiest and ugliest stores that I have been to, but you just can't beat the deals there. Again the atmosphere is completely different. From melancholic to euphoric just by entering a shopping center. It's like turning the light on and off.

Once I got out, there was again the same sorrow in the air and I escaped quickly this time as I wanted to remain pumped up a bit from my little shopping spree. Walking up North through Tribeca I had to stop for a Hot Dog. It doesn't matter who you are and where you come from, but you have to taste the Hot Dogs and some Pizza while in New York - Just to get the feeling. When you do it, you'll understand!

While walking up North I made some phone calls to arrange for some meetings, I was suddenly from New York, eating a Hot Dog and then looking busy in the Streets again. You get this sense of freedom that you simply cannot describe. I hit Canal Street and now it was time to turn. The scenery changes completely as you start seeing more and more Chinese stores. Tung Fook, Kung Fu, Hot Pot, The Steaming Dumpling and more genuine Chinese store names like Success Trading LLP, and Elite LLP... My heart is shining as I glance at the roasted ducks and suckling pigs hangning in the windows. I once again have to go for a typical New York snack. This time it's a tripe appetizer and some duck noodle soup:)

Walking further I see the same things I would see in some Singaporean street market; dried squid, cooked intestine, Durian and Dragon Fruits, and plenty of 'real' Rolexes of course. Life is very different here, people really are busy, but they are also relaxed in a way. 90% here are Chinese, they speak Chinese, and they live Chinese, if you are lucky your waiter will understand you... gotta love it. I askeda lady for directions to the next subway and she responded 'Is vely close, two block stlaight one block light', I was like... emmm ok thank you very much. Anyhow, people are friendly, they help you out and they appreciate it when you are open especially in China Town.

Tomorrow I am going to a business lunch, and it's all going to be very very different but still great.

Read about New York in our travel-guide