I had a chance for two separate day trips to New York. From the Union Station in Washington, DC, I hopped on the Greyhound bus and enjoyed a scenic four-hour ride to NY. As someone who lived in Manila, this city is a little familiar - crowded, heavy traffic, and huge buildings.
First on my list was the Empire State Building. Standing at 1,454 feet with 102 stories, it is one of the tallest skyscrapers in the US. After some queue, security checks, and dizzy elevator rides, getting to the observation deck showed an overall site of the city.
The Ground Zero at the World Trade Center site includes an eight-acre memorial plaza for paying tribute to all the victims and survivors of the 9/11 bombing. The twin reflecting pool with a man-made fall is where the names of the 3,000 victims were engraved.
The Times Square in Midtown Manhattan is the most crowded place I've been to this year. It is approximately the most visited tourist spot in the world. It is the commercial intersection among the broadway shows, shopping centers, and public performances. The bright neon lights make it extra lively at night. It is true that New York is the city that never sleeps!
Transformers? Enchanted? Sex and the City? These are some of the popular movies that feature Brooklyn Bridge. What makes it more interesting is the fact that it is the first steel-wire suspension bridge in the US. Ever since its completion in 1883, it connects the districts of Manhattan and Brooklyn separated by the East River.
Getting around the Big Apple were attempts to the subways. In my experience, I understood why New York is a complete jungle. Its train system is the most difficult to navigate!
I got lost several times. Hopped on, hopped off. I went out of the station and walked without any idea of the street. A man even asked for my metro card so he could enter the subway. I bought a ticket for him instead.
The Union Station, a sweet success after braving the New York subway.
In the middle of the Manhattan streets on a red traffic light, I got the chance to capture a perfect scene. Life is beautiful and full of surprises, you only have to stop and look around.
