So much to love about New York
Jul 3 2009 By Rebekah Oruye
Back down to earth, we took a leisurely stroll through the vast Central Park, known as “the backyard” to New Yorkers. Bikes are available for hire around the park. Alternatively, a horse and carriage can be booked.
Many remarkable buildings surround Central Park, including the Dakota apartments, once home to Beatles’ legend John Lennon and where he met his untimely end in 1980.
For me, visiting Ground Zero, the former home of the Twin Towers was the most surreal experience I’ve had in a long time.
To be right where the enormous towers once stood, trying to comprehend the utter catastrophe of September 11, brought the reality home with a bump. It was sobering to witness work on the new memorial and walk through the tribute centre nearby. Yet I couldn’t help but feel optimism for the future that the city embraces, when seeing memorials made by families of those who died.
“You cannot go to New York and not go up the Empire State Building,” I’d been told by more than one person. Arrive early or be prepared to queue and queue and queue. Once you get to the observation deck on the 82nd floor you can see what the fuss is all about. Crowds jostled to see stunning panoramic views.
The spectacle was only rivalled by that from the top of the Rockefeller Tower, which we chose to view by night, with no crowds. The bright lights below wowed us into a silent wonder.
When it comes to shopping, NYC is surely the capital of the world. We found Bloomingdales great for top brand names. Macy’s I found less trendy, but good for perfumes and jewellery. Bargain hunters can try Century 21 for low-priced jeans and lingerie or Chinatown for leather bags.
In terms of getting around, tour buses are often seen as a clichéd way to travel in a strange city. But with miles and miles to cover in a short time, they were a blessing. The trip can be broken into the Uptown or Downtown tours or a combination of both.
A day pass on the Hop On Hop Off service provided by Gray Line USA allows users to jump on and off at different stops. We chose to hop off in Harlem, at the Guggenheim and American Museum of Natural History.
Harlem was a hidden gem. The cracked pavements and budget shops were a million miles away from Upper West Side. But, the people could not have been friendlier.
The subways I found pretty easy to negotiate. They are reliable and relatively cheap – again using day passes. The only downside is missing the sights and sounds of the city.
Highlights of the trip were plentiful. We all loved walking across the Brooklyn Bridge into Brooklyn. Food and gifts were much cheaper here and the ever-present affection of native New Yorkers melted my heart.
Our last-night cruise along Hudson River offered yet another point of view to experience the city.
Like the message emblazoned on thousands of T-shirts and mugs in gift shops, I love New York.
Travel Facts
* Prices for Continental Airlines flight from Birmingham International Airport to Newark Airport start from £305.70 in economy class, or from £1046.70 in Business First. For full terms and conditions for these prices call 08450 264908. for more flight details visit www.bhx.co.uk and www.continental.com/uk.
* Hotel Beacon is located at 2130 Broadway at 75th Street New York. A double room with kitchenette is currently on special offer for $255 a night. for reservations visit www.beaconhotel.com.
* NYC & Company provide New York City Passes for discounted use of top attractions. www.nycgo.com. Passes can be purchased from www.citypass.com, $79 for adults and $59 for youths (13-17).
* Hop on Hop Off Bus, operated by Gray Line USA. routes include a night bus, the Brooklyn tour and Uptown tour. Prices start from $39. www.coachusa.com.
* Helicopter ride with Liberty Helicopters. An eight minute flight cost $135 per adult. www.libertyhelicopter.com
