Tuesday, June 13, 2017

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. 




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