New York City

New York City. The best place ever, if you were to ask me. I've been fortunate enough to visit the city twice now, and I'm in love with it even more after visiting this time round. When trying to describe what the city is like, I really struggle. I don't think it's a place that you can truly get a feel for, unless you're there, and surrounded by it. I know that may be hard to get your head around, but if you've been, I'm more than sure that you can grasp what I am trying to say.
The purpose of this trip was to celebrate my 21st birthday. My Dad and I had made a promise that we would make a return to the city, yet never made plans too. When my 21st birthday came round, returning to our favourite city seemed like the best idea, and the best excuse. So we did. It just so happened that the dates which we booked our holiday, coincided with the end of university - even more reason to celebrate..

We arrived late evening on Sunday, and with our hotel being just off of Times Square, we thought it would be silly to not go and have a wonder. Even late at night, it was packed full of tourists, residents and street performers who clouded up the pavements. On our first day, we did SO much walking. There is no exaggeration here - we walked miles haha. The New York Public Library, the Chrysler Building, Grand Central Station, the Highline, Macys, the Flat Iron Building were just some of the things we did and saw on the first day. Our plans involved doing some of the typical tourist attractions, but a lot of them we did on our first trip, and so we didn't feel the need to do them a second time. Tuesday was one of my favourite days of the whole trip. We took the Metro to the World Trade Centre and went to the observatory at the top of the Freedom Tower. The view was just incredible. It was so clear and you could see for miles. On our first visit, we had a tour around the 9/11 memorial grounds, Ground Zero, and it was really moving, yet special to be back there, now that construction of the new towers has been completed.

On the Wednesday, we visited the National History Museum (Yes one of the main reasons I wanted to go, was to see if it was anything like it is shown on Night at the Museum.. It is not haha) and strolled around Central Park, followed by a concert in Madison Square Gardens. One of the most notorious concert halls in the world. It was amazing! Thursday was a much more chilled out day in comparison to the previous days - we strolled and sat down for lunch in Bryant Park. Whilst sat here, I received my exam results from university. The evening was spent on the roof top bar of our hotel, celebrating my results with the most beautiful view, whilst the sun was slowly going down. Friday was spent just the same. Shopping and going for another walk through Central Park. We also caught a bit of a baseball game.

I had the most incredible time. There was no better place to celebrate and no better person to celebrate with. Thank-you so much Dad. I appreciate everything that you do for me, yet this was above and beyond. 

Have you ever visited New York? Would you like too?

Amber X