I don't even know where to start. Without sounding too dramatic, this trip was not easy, ha.
First, it took me about two years topester convince Fats to go as it has always been Europe first. Then, after 3 trips, he finally said yes but my savings/miles weren't ready to say yes.
Initially, we wanted January as I was going to quit & could go during my break. But that didn't happen.
Then it was April as it wasn't too cold but we didn't have enough miles and air tickets are ridiculously expensive. Then it was nothing but busy at work and we finally settled for October. I can't tell you how happy I was when I finally booked the tickets. Until I looked at the accommodation options. Eventually, I settled for a S$300+/night hotel at the Upper East through Hotwire.
First, it took me about two years to
Initially, we wanted January as I was going to quit & could go during my break. But that didn't happen.
Then it was April as it wasn't too cold but we didn't have enough miles and air tickets are ridiculously expensive. Then it was nothing but busy at work and we finally settled for October. I can't tell you how happy I was when I finally booked the tickets. Until I looked at the accommodation options. Eventually, I settled for a S$300+/night hotel at the Upper East through Hotwire.
(From L-R)
1. Bentley Hotel - decent but small room, 10mins walk to subway. Rooms are not soundproof and we were waken by the noisy neighbours (just talking very loudly kinda noise, not the kinky kind) on our last two days, wtf! I complained to the hotel staff after the first unpleasant morning and on the second morning, solved the problem myself by banging on the connecting door.
Getting to hotel: SuperShuttle at US$48 for two-way airport transfer, journey was about 30 to 45mins but it depends on how many other passengers there are (maximum's 9) and where the pick up and drop off points are.
The 20hr + 2hr transit was surprisingly not as bad as I thought except for the crying girl on board and that I was unwell and couldn't sleep much. Having said that, we were so tired and jet lagged we slept for 5 hours after we checked in and had a good shower. We only woke up to hunt for local sim card - walked several streets, went to numerous shops and couldn't find any. Damn the first world problem! Since when wifi/data is so important?
2 & 3. First breakfast & meal in NYC at a 24hr diners (as seen in movies/TV shows) which is near the hotel. After breakfast, it was non-stop walking as I bought us a one-day NY pass and was trying to squeeze in as many tourist sites as possible.
4. While waiting for MOMA to open, let's have a welfie :)
Spent a few hours at artsy MOMA and did a tour at Radio City Music Hall.
Grand Central Terminal, as seen in movies.
Empire State Building which we queued for awhile to get to the top. Bumped into a fellow Kong on our way up. Climbed several floors to catch the beautiful sight and the jet lag and crowd got to me by then. And because of that, we or rather I gave up the 9+pm tickets to Top Of The Rock (part of Rockefeller Center). Fats couldn't stop grumbling since.
Our first subway ride to Brooklyn Bridge (as seen in Sex And The City!) There was a pink ribbon walk and I was coincidentally in pink too. The bridge was really crowded but it was quite peaceful and nice at the other side of the city.
(From L-R)
1. Shack Shack - best fast food that I've had. Love the mushroom burger and the fries. Pity I didn't try the shake or had it again.
2, 3 & 4. World Trade Center. I can't even imagine that fateful day...
Charging Bull & Wall Street.
Friends pop up store! All admission passes were fully redeemed and I could only snap a picture outside. Bummer!
Then we decided to cab back to the hotel & walked to Luke's Lobster & Apple store. Burger & Lobster from London is better and more value for money in my humble opinion.
Statue of Liberty! For the first time, the man complained about the cold and wanted to hide. My scarf sort of saved his ears. But that day was really the coldest. It suddenly turned very windy & we weren't quite prepared. We could have avoided the cold if I did not book the tickets for the wrong date. I only realised it when we arrived NYC and I was going through the itinerary. I just have to do something silly each trip.
After the Statue of Liberty tour, it was Time Square, not quite what I see in movies though. I was expecting more or maybe the cold stopped me from enjoying the place fully. I was busy getting in and out of shops to avoid the cold.
Dinner at Forrest Gump themed restaurant - Bubba Gump after a day of shopping at the outlet. Fats almost went crazy when he learned we were going to spend the entire day there. It was 8 hours to be precise. We took the 930am coach and left at 6+ in the evening. Shopping was pretty good and that's the only day I didn't yawn at all. Shopping cures/fixes almost everything :)
Last day in NYC was spent at Central Park (as seen in movies).
Tried Magnolia Bakery and then a visit to the U.S. office.
Ended our last night of the first stop with a nice dinner. Didn't want to do this initially but no regrets. Laughed so much at dinner and had a good 2hr chat with the U.S. bosses and colleagues in the office.
Visiting NYC for the first time was like walking into a TV/movie set. There were so many places or things to do that were as seen in movies/TV shows. Strangely, I didn't fall in love with the city immediately and was not that eager to visit it again anytime soon but it did grow on me after I returned. When will we meet again?
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