As a life long resident of New York, I have seen a lot of this state, but never have I been to the city. Although, I have thought of the photographic opportunities, it still wasn’t on my short term travel list. But this year we decided to visit NYC during the Christmas season to see the decorations and go the New York Ballet to see the Nut Cracker.
That was our decision along with tens of thousands of other people! It was to be expected, but what you see in the movies is definitely not what you will experience today. Barricades everywhere to corral people into Radio City Music Hall, very long lines to enter FAO Schwartz Toy Store, shoulder to shoulder fast paced sidewalks all around Rockefeller Center, barricades everywhere and Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral was said with scores of tourists taking selfies with their ball caps on walking all over the Cathedral. We took a look at the tree and the few lights and decorations there were and decided to come back the next morning. The tree may not have been as pretty during the day, but we were able to enjoy it, watch the skaters and shop at FAO Schwartz with the store practically empty!
We spent time in DUMBO eating pizza at Grimaldi’s and walking on the Brooklyn Bridge. I was able to spend time doing some street photography in Brooklyn which I really enjoyed. We had a relatively warm day which was perfect, as the next two days were bitter cold.
A visit to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum was a must and we were glad we had time to do that.
We had some very nice meals, saw the Nut Cracker, got pretty good at the subway and had a relatively good visit.
On our last day, even though it was bitter cold we decided to spend it outdoors away from the crowds. We spent time in Central Park. It was cold out and our feet were tired, but we really enjoyed seeing the park. We walked quite a few miles, but took time to relax on a few park benches just to enjoy what we were looking at. People walking their dogs, runners, horse drawn carriages taking tourists through the park, made for some great people watching. Then up to Chelsea to walk on the elevated walkway making our way back to our hotel to gather our bags and get to Penn Station for our late afternoon train.
So, “visit NYC” got written on and then checked off the travel bucket list. For me, unless there is a specific reason, I do not need to return. I made the most of it and really did enjoy photographing the streets and architecture and doing everything we did, but there is a big world out there with so much nature and beautiful scenery, I think I will keep the big cities to a minimum :)
Blessings,
V