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Times Square, New York |
It’s
one of those I-had-to-pinch-myself moments but instead I check myself in on
Facebook right away, complete with a picture that I’ve just snapped. The location:
“Times Square” – Isn’t this what people do in 2012 when they discover
themselves in an awestruck situation like this? They share it with their fellow
Facebookers and pocket their “LIKEs”???
I’m
after all standing on this famed avenue simply known as “Broadway” surrounded
by bright neon-lit signboards of various brands and musicals including “Wicked”,
“The Lion King” and “Mamamia”.
Well,
Mamamia, indeed! Finally, here I am at this world-famous crossroads where
people of different stripes, hues and shapes from all corners of the world
unite.
New
York, to my delight, is just the way I imagined it, nothing more, nothing less.
Perhaps, to an extent, many of us visitors are already familiar with the city before
making the actual visit. Through movies,
books, photographs and stories told, we somehow get the idea of what is to come
or expect. The smell and smoke coming from the hot-dog stands, the busy New
Yorkers on the go with lattes in hand, the maddening street chaos caused by the
holidaymakers and the big yellow taxis. Or how about those tall, tall buildings
that tower above us?
With
overall 5937 high-rise buildings, New York can be quite detaining and
oppressive from street level, especially in midtown Manhattan area where one
can be constantly encircled by its skyscrapers one way or another. In fact,
some of these landmark buildings are what bring 50million tourists a year and
are hugely associated with the image of the city. Among them, the biggest star
of course, is The Empire State building, one of very few skyscrapers in the
world that enjoys the cultural icon status, very much in the same way Marilyn or
Sinatra, partially due to her unforgettable starring role in the movie “King
Kong” (1933). No, unfortunately it was not an Oscar nominated role for her but
it has led to countless other cameo appearances and references in pop culture
until today. The first ever building to have more than 100 floors, the Empire
State Building is best visited on a clear sunny day to fully appreciate its two
observatory decks that offer visitors with 360-degree views of the city.
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The Empire State Building |
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The Chrysler Building seen from the Empire State Building |
Worshipped
by many contemporary architects as the finest building of New York, this next
Art Deco structure, standing at 1,046 ft, defeated the building which now known
as the Trump tower in the race and enjoyed a short-lived 11 month reign as the
world tallest building until The Empire State Building surpassed her for the
crown in 1931. Nevertheless, the Chrysler Building will always have her
magnificent terraced crown, thanks to the Brooklyn-born architect William Van
Alen who, legend has it that, had to fight bitterly in court to get his fees
paid but effectively got his career ruined as a result of the legal battle with
the commissioner, Walter P Chrysler. There is no observation desk at the
Chrysler, as, I believe, she is only to be seen and admired from the decks of
her Art Deco siblings, The Empire State Building and The Rokefeller Centre and
very soon One World Trade Centre, the brand new building, being constructed in
lower Manhattan.
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Rockefeller Centre |
Once
completed in mid 2013, 1 WTC will become the tallest building in the western
hemisphere and hold the record of the priciest single structure ever built with
the cost of nearly 4 billion dollars. In the same complex lies the national
memorial in which nearly 3000 innocent lives killed in the terrorist attacks of
September 11, 2001 and six people killed in the bombing of WTC in February 1993
are remembered with two identical reflective pools, about an acre each in size.
The names of every person who lost their lives are inscribed into bronze panels
edging around the pools that feature two of the largest artificial waterfalls.
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9/11 Memorial |
As I
stand here along with fellow visitors, many in somber mood, some with tears in
their eyes, I try to imagine the twin towers that used to stand on this very
ground. My memory of the twin towers before 9/11 is vague but the images of
rescuers and survivors covered in blood, dust and rubbles that were repeatedly
played out in the media after the attacks are still vivid. How could we forget
that ill-fated day or how our world has been drastically changed by this tragedy?
Years have gone by and the city has clearly moved on but I doubt that there is even a day where New Yorkers don’t think about that ordeal they grappled with. May
the departed souls rest in peace and their loved ones find peace.
No
park in the world is as celebrated as the Central Park. Over 300 movies have
been made here, making it the most filmed location in the world, an iconic
status rightfully earned. A walk through its orchards, ponds and lakes opens
out not only to its usual habitats; friendly squirrels, busy sparrows and quacking
ducks but also its daily guests, those lucky ones who enjoy the privilege to
run, bike, exercise or walk their dogs in this breathtaking greenery. A young
dad is pushing his little girl on the swing while a make-up artist gets his
model ready for a photo shoot on a park bench. I pass by three construction
workers taking a break from their grueling job, enjoying their packed lunches. This
883-acre land has been coexisting next to the concrete jungle yet doing a
marvelous job of providing a much-needed oasis, a breathing space, to the
residents since opening in 1857.
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Central Park |
Metropolitan
Museum of Art, or The Met as it’s fondly known, is the mother of all art
museums in the United States that could easily rival The Louvre in Paris or The
Prado in Madrid. One could certainly spend a day to be able to get through all
of its exhibits. From Medieval to Modern art, Arts of Ancient Egypt, Asia,
Europe, Africa and the Americas as well as an extensive collection of musical
instruments, sculptures and photographs. In addition to the museum’s permanent displays,
luckily for me, a photography enthusiast and Andy Wahol fan, currently there
are two special temporary exhibits which will run until the year’s end, “Faking it; manipulated photography before Photoshop”
and “Regarding Warhol: Sixty Artists, Fifty Years” which not only showcases
over 50 works of the famous artist but also paintings, sculpture and films by
sixty other artists who are influenced and inspired by Warhol’s revolutionary
work.
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The Metropolitan Museum of Art |
The
only upset for me though is the momentary closing of The Costume Institute
section due to the renovation work being carried out. That means no McQueen’s
Lobster-claw shoes, the Chanel exhibit or all things touched and blessed by Anna
Wintour. Well, never mind, I console myself with a broad collection of impressionist
paintings. Van Gogh’s “self-portrait with straw hat”, many ballerina-inspired
works of Edgar Degas including “The Dance Class”, Seurat’s study piece for what
later became one of his most celebrated pointillist works, “A Sunday afternoon
on the island La Grande Jatte”, not to mention countless other art works by Monet,
Manet, Cezanne, Gauguin and the list goes on, are dotingly housed at The Met
for one gigantic cultural visual feast for its visitors.
Theatre
lovers will be pleased to know this; New York’s very own, Broadway shows sold 1
billion dollars worth of tickets in 2011. Theatre is alive and kicking in New
York after all. With very limited time I have here, juggling between sightseeing
and meeting up with friends I have not seen in a long time, I manage to catch
at least one Broadway musical. The hottest tickets in town are the recent
multiple Tony-award winner, “The Book Of Mormon” and the revival of “Evita”
starring Ricky Martin (No, not as Evita of course!) However, I opt for, what I
have always longed to see, “The Phantom Of The Opera”. My first ever Broadway experience
has to be a standard, a classic, not Vegas-style “Spiderman” or “The Lion King” (although I
would not mind seeing any of them if I had more time) Majestic theatre has been
the home to this longest running musical in Broadway history since it premiered
in January 1988. It is a packed house tonight. Folks sitting next to me are mumbling
in Spanish and the row in front has a family of five Korean tourists. Many of
us here may not have seen the musical but are familiar with its legendary songs
by Andrew Lloyd Webber such as “All I Ask Of You” and “Music Of The Night”. The
massive chandelier that dramatically goes up and down during the show, the
ascending/descending intro of Phantom theme and that soaring soprano of
Christine are all there delighting the audience in this historic venue. All of
us are hypnotized not only by the menacing Phantom also by the magic of live music
and acting that transcends language barriers and cultures.
As the
cultural capital of the world, New York, without a doubt, has the most dynamic
gastronomic scene. Apart from American diners that serve classic American guilty
pleasures, such as Burgers, Wraps, Steak & Fries in enormous portions that
could easily shock first-time visitors, it is not at all strange to find an
Afghan restaurant, a Turkish Kebab place or an authentic Burmese eatery
situated within a short distance away from each other. I bump into one
restaurant in the East Village that specializes in Chinese-Spanish cuisine, two
blocks down from a Hokien noodles joint that I love. Although I am not sure what their fusion food
must be like, their East-meets-West concept certainly gets my attention.
“Where
can we get the best pastrami in New York?” I ask my close friend, a Brooklyn
resident. Within 15 minutes, we find ourselves in a thriving restaurant where
people line up to get food, to find a table and to make payment after meals.
Yes, in a true high-school canteen fashion but sans cheerleaders and a teacher
on duty. Katz’s Delicatessen, it’s called. The walls of the restaurant are
filled with picture frames of sport stars, politicians and various celebrities
who dined here over the years. A big sign hangs from the ceiling that says, “Where
Harry met Sally… Hope you have what she had” making a reference to the
memorable scene from the movie “When Harry Met Sally” which was filmed here.
Despite its modest setting and reasonable prices, this is one of the best meals
I’ve had in New York. A large pastrami sandwich, a Matzo balls soup and a plate
of hand-cut fries; the food, simple yet delicious, speaks for itself.
The
Open-rooftop buses offer cheap and efficient sightseeing options for tourists
providing routes to and fro from mid-town, downtown to the Bronx, Harlem and
Brooklyn. In all major cities in the United States, these bus companies employ
human guides instead of audio guide with multiple languages, which is more
common in other parts of the world. Naturally, it is fun and exciting to have a
live commentary for those of us who speak English. But I find that it is quite
limiting and unfair for tourists who don’t. What are they supposed to do? Sit
and watch us interact with the guide and participate in quizzes and questions,
while having no clue what’s going on. Nevertheless, here in New York, these
buses are on time; the drivers and tour guides are very friendly, charismatic and
cheerful. Plus the competition here is stiff. There are many but lines
operating in the city. One thing though, to sit on the open-top bus for hours
is quite a summer thing to do, I must say. New York in winter or even during autumn
can be at times wet or painfully cold especially when the icy wind that blows
across Hudson River gets trapped by the buildings and effectively housed within
only to generate a maximum cooling effect.
New
York metro is not only the best and most efficient mode of transportation it is
also an ideal place to hide out from the cold… even for a while. It is safe, moderately
clean and very well connected that even those who don’t know the city can get
around without having problems. Policemen and women are also there to help out
during peak hours or when there are big sporting events and concerts. The
presence of NYPD (New York Police Department), though not intimidating, can be felt
all throughout the city. In some touristy areas, friendly NYPD officers are
found posing with their horses for pictures with tourists.
Although
it may not be a cup of tea for folks who dislike heights, shaky situations or
being claustrophobic, or worse, splurging 200 bucks for a ride that lasts no
more than 20 minutes, viewing the city from a helicopter is by far the most
spectacular and memorable thing a tourist can do in this city. Let’s just call
it a treat. The ride starts with an aerial view of Brooklyn then the symbol of
American dream, the statue of Liberty, which despite its 46-meter height looks
miniature from up above, and Ellis Island, once the checkpoint for immigrants
who came to America from the sea, then finishes with the famous skyscrapers of
Manhattan. As for me, the image of the liberty statue against the backdrop of New
York’s mighty skyline will forever be tattooed in my memory.
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One World Trade Centre seen from a helicopter |
A
section of former elevated New York Central Railroad in the meatpacking
district has gone through a complete revamp and been reintroduced as a liner
park with a fancy name, “The High Line”. This 1-mile long stretch of greenway
offers a unique angle of New York. From it, one could observe a glimpse of New
York lifestyle, the neighborhoods where people actually live, work and raise
family, the graffiti-filled walls expressing beliefs, values and opinions or
simply people in motion. Recycling work at its best, this old railway is
brilliantly transformed into an urban park with 210 species of plants, an
out-door theatre, street performers and roadside stalls at weekends, cafés and
even sunbathing decks. Without the annoyance of vehicles and traffic fume, the
High Line is one of the most pleasant city promenades that one could ever take.
Even better, this activity doesn’t cost a dime.
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The New York Skyline from a ferry to Staten Island |
Not many people are aware of the fact that New York, after changing its Dutch
colonial name, New Amsterdam under English control in 1664, served as the
capital for a short period of time, from 1785 to 1790. This city also has
experienced its fair share of both tragedies and triumphs. One of its
accomplishments has always been accommodating immigrants and providing a home
base to all citizens of the world. New York has always been a dream or a
standard of many, also both a starting point and a finish line. It attracts
opportunities and those who seek them. I feel at ease here. I don’t feel different
for I am surrounded by differences. New York to me is a coat of many colors,
textures and outlines. Maybe it is the very reason it can keep us all warm
and cozy.
On
my last morning, armed with a latte, the seasonal pumpkin spice flavor from
Starbucks, and a 4-dollar hot dog, I enjoy a little stroll around Times Square.
No camera, no agenda and no friend. It’s just me and I try to just… be. Where I
came from and where I call home are the complete opposite of what I have been experiencing
for the past four weeks. I am hugely inspired by the city’s energy and a tad
too envious of its colorful residents. “But is the grass really greener on the
other side?” I wonder.
I am
a visitor. I’m merely looking in. If I want to be a part of it, if I one day
decide to melt away my little town blues, I know that I can for I have an open
invite.
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