I arrived at Brisbane Airport at 8:40am, caught the 11:40 plane to LAX. I arrived in LA at 6am of the day I just left, flew out of LA at 11:35am and after a 5 and a half hour flight (plus three hours for the time difference) arrived in New York, a.k.a. The Big Apple, a.k.a. The Centre of the World at 8pm. Luggage took a while, customs was easy but slow (I went through that in LA) and then I was, finally, able to catch a cab to the HI Hostel on 103rd St and Amsterdam. I am happy with the accommodations. And my roommates!
Highlights of the day include finishing all my airplane food (I never eat it all) and seeing two famous people. The first, Queen Latifah, arrived in LA on the plane I was about to board and, the second, was a man that is famous...I just don’t know who he is! He was catching my flight to NY and all the other passengers were pointing and whispering...Maybe his name was Tom or Tim something? Anyway, definitely well known!
Now, down to business, my first view of New York was from the air at night and it was absolutely incredibly. I recognised the island Manhattan from its shape (which is etched into my brain after our group presentation!) and the rectangle of black in the middle was easily identifiable as Central Park. I then caught sight of Times Square, it was incredibly bright, it cast its own aura. There seemed to be a layer of fog covering the island perfectly, which had me concerned about my lungs for the next few weeks, but I think I will manage. It is New York after all, and what’s a bit of smog in the lungs in the scheme of things?!
I have been going through the itinerary and have researched some of the shows being exhibited. I am interested most in DIA: Beacon, mostly due to the different location and what it stands for. It has its own philosophy. I’m sure my own paradigm will be completely changed from this point on with every new piece of information and experience that New York has to offer.
Tomorrow I am going to see Anything Goes, one of the classic musicals which has received high praise for its recent revival and won a few Tony’s this year. After the cultural aspects I am looking forward to, food is going to be the next priority. Of course, food is culture too.
I endeavour to open myself up to the city, give what I can and try and meet a few locals to get their take on this phenomenon of a city. It goes without saying that I am excited for the days ahead and for the official tour to begin.
Lastly, before I go to sleep, the view of the city on the way to the hostel was captivating. Seeing the sights so often in the media, and then in real life, was a mix of emotions and something I will never forget.
Till tomorrow New York, when I get to meet you properly, good night.
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