I ❤ New York : Taking A Bite of the Big Apple (Part 1)

This trip is something that I did not see coming. I definitely want to visit the United States someday but not this soon. I think everything just fell into place. Call it perfect timing, I call it fate.

I am suddenly reminded of Paulo Coelho's "The Alchemist." There's a line in the book that says, "When you want to achieve something, the whole universe conspires to help you achieve it." The universe finally heard my plea and I can't be more grateful. 

I don't know exactly when my fascination for New York City started. I just noticed that every time I watch a film set in NYC, I am immediately drawn to it. Every corner, every street, every avenue seem to be calling me on.

I never wavered in my desire to see New York at least once in my lifetime. The compulsion was way too hard to resist. I went on doing my usual routine but in my heart and soul, I knew New York City is waiting for me, beckoning me to pack my bags and leave my tedious existence.

So when the opportunity finally came, I left everything behind and embarked on this journey.

My NYC Bucket List

1. Gaze at the most famous lady in New York

You've never been to New York if you've never seen Lady Liberty. Since we still had enough time before our flight to San Francisco, Dan and I opted to take a ferry tour to Ellis Island. Sadly, the queue was a mile long. The only way we could see Lady Liberty was to take the free ferry ride to Staten Island. The ferry sailed from Manhattan to Staten. Midway, we had a breathtaking view of the statue. Again, this is such a "movie moment" to me. The whole experience was surreal. I had to pinch myself to make sure I wasn't dreaming.

                                                 
                                       


2. Cross an iconic bridge

There is something romantic about taking a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. The sight can be overwhelming. Imagine the cold breeze as it brushes across your cheeks, the sound of the busy traffic down below, people rushing about, the sight of the American flag hoisted high overhead, the breathtaking Manhattan skyline in the background --- these never fail to stir even the hardest of hearts.

This is one of the surreal moments of our trip. I felt like I was caught up in a dream only to realize that I was in fact living the dream...

Dan and I are plain lucky to have the best NYC tour guides --- our cousin Jordan and our friend Maricar. We couldn't ask for a better company. They made sure we experience New York the way a local would.

3. Have a close encounter with someone famous

CELEBRITY ENCOUNTER, April 23, 2017, SoHo, New York City. Allow me to share this short narrative about my John Legend encounter. Dan and I arrived in NYC on April 23. We were welcomed at the airport by my cousin Jordan and my dear friend Maricar. To fight off the jetlag, I was told to immediately adjust my body clock to the time of NYC. We arrived noon time, which means it was past midnight in the Philippines. The last thing I wanted to do was roam around the city half-asleep half-awake. But the energy of New York was way too hard to resist so I tried to stay awake even if my eyes were ready to doze off. 

My friend who had a prior engagement said she will meet us after two hours. We spent the time walking from Greenwich Village to SoHo with my cousin. All too suddenly, Dan noticed that there were paparazzi taking shots at our direction. He figured that there might be a celebrity behind us. When my cousin turned around, he saw an attractive woman wearing a tight fitting white shirt over a black blazer and sporting knee-high heeled boots. She was pushing a baby stroller. Then he gazed at the man walking beside her. That's when he realized it was John Legend! We were right in front of them. Just as I was getting my camera phone ready for a selfie shot, they turned left and headed to their apartment.

 I have no photo to prove that John Legend was only a few feet away! It would have been cool to have him as a photobomber. That, my friends, was an epic encounter! Oh, John...

 4. Pose for art's sake

We were supposed to have a museum day. But due to time constraints, we only got to visit one, the Museum of Modern Art or MoMA. 

Vincent Van Gogh's Starry Night

The main attraction in MoMA is the gallery where the works of the great art masters are displayed. It has Monet, Picasso, Dali, Matisse. However, the artist who really owned the stage was Van Gogh. I saw how a small crowd gathered around his famous painting, Starry Night.

Admittedly, I cannot call myself an art enthusiast because growing up, I hardly received excellent grades in my art classes. But that does not mean I cannot appreciate good art.

Appreciation of art is not about aesthetics, it is a matter of perspective.

5. Party with a New York icon

Inarguably, the most recognized structure in NYC is the Empire State Building. It gives more life and energy to the lovely Manhattan skyline. Personally, every time we had an NYC nightout, I would search for the Empire in the horizon because it reminds me that dreams really do come true. 

Sadly, we didn't get the chance to go up the building. our schedule is always packed and we were always on the go. By God's grace, if I get another chance to visit NYC, I would have this at the top of my list. 

Dan was more insistent on experiencing the Empire on a totally different level. He saw online posts about a bar/club that has a magnificent view of the Empire State Building.

Clad in our very casual and laid back attire, we joined the NYC party scene at 230 Fifth Club along Fifth Avenue. The entire place was filled to the brim by partygoers who wanted to have a great time. This, I must say, is one of the highlights of our trip.

NOTE:  Entrance is free. We didn't spend much. We only had two glasses of beer!

6. Get romantic at Serendipity

We walked all the way from MoMa (53rd Street) to 60th Street (that alone is quite a feat for someone who doesn't like taking long walks) just to try Serendipity's famed frozen hot chocolate. 

When we got there, I immediately asked if we can be seated right where John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale had their date in the movie. Sadly, the spot was already taken. We ended up being seated right next to it. The long walk was certainly worth it!

I ❤ New York : Taking A Bite of the Big Apple (Part 2)

7. Paint NYC red with love

                                                           

The LOVE sculpture is one of the most famous pieces of pop art and just happens to be sitting on the corner of 6th Avenue at 55th Street in Midtown Manhattan. In 1958, Robert Indiana was experimenting with love as he played with poetry and art by placing "LO" above the "VE."

I love how New York allows any traveler to walk a hundred miles only to end up finding unexpected sights no one thought were just around the corner. The LOVE sculpture is one clear example. We were on Fifth Avenue for two days, exploring the sights and all until we thought of venturing into the nearby avenue. I have only seen images of it online. It's different when it's up close. 

It is situated in the middle of a busy street with a hundred people walking to and fro. The sight just make you want to slow down for a moment and reflect... Do I have enough love in my life?

8. Feel the Hollywood vibe in NYC

I often wonder why most Hollywood films are shot in New York. It speaks volumes about the endearing character of the Big Apple. It is no surprise that some of the most memorable films have immortalized the beauty that is New York City. 

I have seen and proven that the entire city is a huge movie set. Its beauty is effortless. You can take a photo in the most unknown spot of the city but it will come out stunning once captured. 

Bethesda Terrace

Bethesda Fountain

This was our second attempt at Central Park. We didn't get to explore the area the first time because of the unbearable heat. We made sure the second time would be worth it.

Anyone who's visiting Central Park should allot one full day to explore it. The park is huge! We used the entrance near the Plaza Hotel since we were coming from 53rd Street, Fifth Avenue. This time I had one goal in mind --- the Bethesda Terrace and Fountain. 

We walked for nearly an hour to get there. My feet almost gave up on me! When I finally laid my eyes on the stunning view, I almost shed a tear. The movies do not give justice to how beautiful the place is. I could not believe I was right there! I suddenly realized how blessed I am.

I love Audrey Hepburn in the movie Breakfast at Tiffany's. To me, she personified timeless glamour, class and elegance. I can't forgive myself if I won't do an Audrey at the Tiffany and Co. along Fifth Avenue. Hail to the queen!

After a full day of exploring Fifth Avenue, our friend Maricar told us to meet her at the Grand Central before we head off to the Yankees Stadium. 

The Grand Central really lives up to its name --- GRAND. It is so much better up close than in movies or postcards. We were there past 5 PM, the dreaded rush hour! That explains the huge crowd in the photo above.

9. Commute Underground

New York City makes commuting a stylish experience. Majority of NYC residents rely on the subway. For someone who is only visiting, the subway system is overly complicated. I lost count of the times that I insisted on going my way, only to find out that my instincts seem to be out of touch.

The subway affirms the multicultural nature of NYC. It is not unusual to hear foreign languages on our daily commute. It felt like the whole world converged in NYC, bringing along their rich culture into a land which celebrates diversity and respects individuality. 

10. Be part of the New York major league

This is the first time that I have been part of a major sporting event. Baseball is a big deal among Americans. So when my friend Maricar invited us to a Yankees game, who are we to refuse?

The Yankees Stadium is a massive structure! It had a way of making you feel so small. Although I am not a huge baseball fan, the energy in the stadium was electrifying. I felt like I was part of something big. The only deal breaker was the biting cold. I couldn't stand the chilly weather. I was secretly praying for the game to end so I can get away from the cold. 

The best part aside form the Yankees winning was Frank Sinatra singing New York, New York as the game came to a close.

11. Get arrested by the finest

Who knew that getting arrested by the NYPD can be this fun?   

Times Square is frequented by tourists every single day. That explains police visibility in the area. Maricar thought of poking fun at New York's finest. It worked!

12. Pay tribute to a legend

Strawberry Fields, Central Park, NYC

This was Dan's special request. Being a huge Beatles fan, he was compelled to visit the memorial dedicated to the great John Lennon. 

From the Plaza Hotel entrance, getting to this part of Central Park was quite a challenge. We asked strangers for directions every 100 meters. All of them made it appear as if it's just a few feet away. But it took forever to get there!

There was quite a crowd in the park. All were there to honor John Lennon's memory. There were performers who played his iconic songs like Imagine and Stand By Me. It was a community of John Lennon fans who continue to celebrate his life through his music.

His Dakota apartment was a stone's throw away from Strawberry Fields. It was the site of his murder in 1980. He may be gone for nearly 40 years but his legacy lives on.