New York City (NYC), a place I only knew from numerous TV shows and movies like Mad Men or Law & Order: SVU, until now. While returning from a business trip from Texas, I had the opportunity to enjoy a 2 day stopover in NYC. It was the first time that I took United Airlines, one of the major American airlines. While I finished work earlier than I thought, I rebooked the ticket to a flight that was scheduled to leave 3h earlier, which also costed 74 Dollar. However, as the flight was delayed by almost 4h (!), I left the IAH airport not earlier than my inital flight but much later.
On the way to NYC, we flew over New Jersey, which was quite nice to look at from above.
After I arrived at Newark airport, I took a bus to the city center. This was one of the best things about this trip: riding the bus through the night in a city I haven't been yet. Many new impressions and I arrived in Manhattan with mist between the buildings. An astonishing view. After I found the Grand Central Station (stunning from the inside!), I finally found the way to Queens, where I stayed the first night.
The only other big company that is located right at Times Square is Thomson Reuters, as seen in this picture.
Being a big fan of amc's Mad Men, I also wanted to see Madison Avenue. However, it seemed to me like a rather average street compared to other areas in NYC.
What surprised me was that Manhattan seemed to have an abundance of parks, and this without even having been inside the central park. It's amazing how such a big city can feel so "green".
Then I arrived at Wall Street. A really tiny street compared to most areas in NYC. Kind of disappointing.
I love these theaters where no annoying movie poster is shown. Instead, only the names of the movies appear above the counter.
On the way to NYC, we flew over New Jersey, which was quite nice to look at from above.
After I arrived at Newark airport, I took a bus to the city center. This was one of the best things about this trip: riding the bus through the night in a city I haven't been yet. Many new impressions and I arrived in Manhattan with mist between the buildings. An astonishing view. After I found the Grand Central Station (stunning from the inside!), I finally found the way to Queens, where I stayed the first night.
In total, I only had 2 days in NYC, so I tried not to do too much, for there will always be a time to go back :). What I found very interesting is that there there is no separate train and subway system in NYC. All the lines are called "5 train", "6 train", and so on. Outside of Manhattan, they go over ground. But within the Manhattan area, they transport locals completely underground.
With only 1 1/2 days in NYC and virtually no plan, I decided to just start walking around the Manhattan peninsula. I took the 7 train from Queens right into Times Square, probably the most iconic place in NYC. Actually, it is a bit less impressive than I imagined, especially during day time. However, I might be a bit spoiled already having lived in Tokyo for many years. Nevertheless, Times Square is a very vibrant place with lots of things going on and many tourists.
Saw the NYC police on horses and this weird small car on 3 wheels. Is this supposed to be called a trike? In NYC, the police is everywhere. So are the Armed Forces. At Times Square, there even is a small recruitment center.
What I really liked about NYC was the game adverts. The new Bioshock was advertised everywhere, from subway entries/exits to whole buildings. Amazing, never seen such a campaign in Germany or anywhere in Europe.
I also happened to pass by our office in NYC, right at the Times Square. Nice location and nice office. I especially liked the cafeteria and the coffee machines. :)
The only other big company that is located right at Times Square is Thomson Reuters, as seen in this picture.
Me at Times Square.
I then went on the Broadway turning southwards. The Broadway, as it turned out is a really long street spanning almost half of Manhattan. The part that is famous for all the musicals and theaters is located near Times Square. Apart from that, the Broadway is a nice street where people can enjoy sitting outside on sunny days.
Being a big fan of amc's Mad Men, I also wanted to see Madison Avenue. However, it seemed to me like a rather average street compared to other areas in NYC.
What surprised me was that Manhattan seemed to have an abundance of parks, and this without even having been inside the central park. It's amazing how such a big city can feel so "green".
Not sure about this building but it looked nice enough to take a picture.
Then I arrived at Wall Street. A really tiny street compared to most areas in NYC. Kind of disappointing.
I also saw the new One World Trade Center, the successor to the fallen Twin Towers. Between all the concrete in Manhattan, I can only imagine how horrible 9/11 was on that fateful day. The horror is still evident, almost everywhere in the city...
... like on this picture displayed at Gran Central Station...
... and this statue I saw randomly remembering the brave firefighters of 9/11.
I love these theaters where no annoying movie poster is shown. Instead, only the names of the movies appear above the counter.
Times Square by night is quite nice but still full of tourists.
The sheer number of skyscrapers in Manhattan is amazing!
The provisional visit to the Apple flagship store on 5th Avenue.
As Manhattan is an island, it is connected to the surroundings by a number of bridges. Arguably the most famous is the Brooklyn Bridge, which connects Manhattan with Brooklyn (who would have guessed!?).
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