Life in Manhatten

Finally time to blog about my US trip. After the last entry from Taipei, i came back feeling tired and no mood to continue my blogging. Headed to work after a one day break at home. Fortunately, it was Saturday, and it brighten up my day after the chilling out session at double o.

To summarise, i went to both East Coast and West Coast of America. I particularly enjoy New York. I love the place, it is just so cosmopolitan, vibrant and exciting. Weather was cooling, people are warming, never fail to give you a smile. Back home in Singapore, if someone smile at you, you think these pple are trying to be funny. Singaporean attitude, i hated it.

Arrived in New York on wee hours of Saturday morning, after a long flight from Singapore. China Airlines was "good" lor, made me transit 2 times. First was in Taipei, where i waited almost 5 hours in the airport, due to some stupid delay. Then, the next stop was Anchorage, ie Alaska, Northeastern state of US. All passengers onboard were required to disembarked and clear the custom thru Anchorage.

My first time to Alaska, from the airport, i see lots of snowy cap mountain. After all, its the furtherest place that i ever been, almost near to the north pole. Took another 2 hours to clear the custom, cos security was tight. Finally boarded the plane for New York.

Once arrive at JFK airport, i took a shuttle service to midtown Manhatten. Greeted me at the hotel was hao. Yeah! Weather was good once i stepped out of the airport. Air in New York. whahaha... Slept almost immediately cos was totally worned out during the flight. Cos of that, din really suffer jet lag. hee...

Day 1
Went out early in the morning, strolled from mid town all the way till uptown. There were high rise all over Manhatten. Enjoy the mega structures and design. Got tired, we took a train to our next stop, Chinatown. Gosh, it was a place full of chinese speaking cantonese. Lots of eateries. We had our lunch there, wow, America really serve big portion. I ate till my stomach almost bloated.

Adjacent to Chinatown was little Italy, oh, the place was so lovely. People sitting outside restaurants, cafe, enjoying the views of bustling street. Everyone is in a relaxed mood. I became relaxed too, unlike the stressful life i am living now. ha...

Walked over to Brookyln bridge and sat by the river. Hao and me brought strawberries and munch our way while enjoying the view of river and beautiful bridges.Went to Wall street, the world financial centre, where billion of dollars go thru there in a day. Cos it was a Saturday, not many pple were there. NYSE was so cool, with a big US flag hanging outside the building. It just made the place so different.

Then, it was Ground Zero of World Trade Centre. Sad memories of 911. The authorities is going to build freedom tower at this very site. We became tired and got back to hotel for a much deserved rest. Din do much at night, except for another trip to Chinatown for dinner. hee, food there were cheaper. American food is expensive.

Day 2
Continue our journey to United Nation. The glass building was magnificent. Too bad it was Sunday, they din fly flags of members' country. If not, we can try to look for our crescent and 5 star flag. Wanted to go to Rockefeller Centre, then we met this puerto rico parade. 5th Avenue was closed for the procession.

I joined in the fun when someone passed me a balloon with their flag printed on it. Everyone was in a high mood, cheering and shouting away. It was interesting. The estimated crowd turnout was more than 100000 pple. ha... so i was one of them. Since road was closed, hao and i changed our intial plan.

We headed to Empire State Building. Tallest building in Manhatten after the collapse of Twin Tower, WTC. The view on 86th storey was too good to be true. It was windy but we could see almost the entire island of Manhatten. Well, we also spotted Statue of Liberty.

From there, we went to Washinton Square Park where NYU (New York University) is. The place is much peaceful with less traffic. Students were performing in the park. Residents who stayed nearby were seen strolling with their dogs, chit chatting away in the park. The type of serenity that i love.

We continue our walk to Greenwich village, where we saw lots of arty stuff. There was a street market on Christopher street, interesting. Cos i guess some students from NYU were doing their business there. Passed by Chelsea village, saw a couple of gay couples holding hand openly. There were many gay posters too. Eye catching. ha...

Before heading back to hotel for a short rest, we shopped at Macy, one of US largest shopping mall. I thought it resemble Harrold in UK for a moment. I was wrong. I feel it looks more like a factory outlet to me. ha.. Unwanted stuff to be discarded over there. But they sell expensive goods too.

At night, we went to Times Square. The neon lights were powerful. Street was busy till late night. Reminded me of Hong Kong, Mongkok. Ha... People were out to shop, for broadway shows, food. Its so vibrant, not like our home, deserted at night. Boring.

Day 3
Bright and early, we went to Liberty Island for Goddess of America, Statue of Liberty. The aura from her was magnificent. The icon of US, the symbol of freedom. After which, we took a train to Rockefeller Centre, i went for NBC studio tour. US got good studios and advanced technology. Cant compare to our mediacorp. ha...

Hao was not feeling well, he headed back to hotel while i shopped alone. Walking along 5th Ave was shiok. There were branded boutique along the street. Got myself a GAP shirt, Abercromie tshirt, a cap and a singlet. I love shopping esp in New York. whahaha....

That also comes to an end of our New York trip. On Day 4 Morning, we need to wake up early for a morning flight to LA. 6 hours flight with transit in Chicago. New York is fun, if given a choice, i dun mind to stay or even work there. ha...