New York City, she’s a crazy girl

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New York, concrete jungle where dreams are made of…

I had the absolute pleasure of visiting this great city for the second time in my life, and just before the Covid-19 outbreak. I was in awe all the same as the first time I saw all the colorful lights, the tall buildings that reach to the skies, the noises and the smells. I had to wonder, “how did this city get to be like this”? What did it look like 300 years ago when it was just land? What I would give to go back in time and see it before it became what it is today. But as I am alive in the 21st century, let us talk about the present.

M’Gees Pub

First, if you haven’t watched “how I met your mother” I recommend it. The show draws inspiration from M’Gees pub, which is located on 240 W 55th St. On the show the it’s is called “MacLaren’s pub”. The fictional Maclaren’s, does not quite resemble the real life M’Gees, but it was a good experience nonetheless. The staff was very friendly, and there was an Irish waitress who noticed my South African accent. I was really surprised by that. The walls are lined with pictures from the cast of how I met your mother and the menu is quite creative with cocktail names like “wait for it…”

Harlem

We stayed in an Airbnb in Harlem. I don’t know much about the history of Harlem except what I’ve read on the internet. Apparently the city was established by the Dutch in 1658 and named after “Haarlem” in the Netherlands. After WW1 the city became the center of creative literary development called the “Harlem Renaissance”. Some popular names who I am familiar with, who came from Harlem are: Al Pacino, Louis Armstrong, Billie Holiday, Madam C.J Walker, Malcolm X, Tupac, Maya Angelo and many more.

Central Park

Central Park is just that, a park. Walking around the park,  having a picknick and just “people watching” is enjoyable.

St. Patrick’s Cathedral

I had never been inside a Catholic church, so I stepped into St. Patrick’s Cathedral for a few minutes. It is a beautiful building. One of friends refused to go inside because he said that if he crossed the threshold of a church, he would probably burst into flames, because he is so bad. As a non-Catholic Christian, I chuckled at that.

Rockerfeller center

Rockerfeller center was just wow. The view from the Top of the Rock Observation Deck in the winter’s night, with all of New York’s lights was enough to make me forget the frosty air. I cannot say I have seen a more beautiful view of a city in my life. You could see multiple planes landing and taking off , like shooting stars across the sky. After visiting this attraction, I was compelled to learn more about the Rockerfeller family and their fortune.

Time square

Time square is just as you imagine it to be. Just like in the movies. The best way I can describe it is so many lights and colours, and so many screens full of advertisements.

Subway

The subway is a magical place… I’m kidding, the subway is a very dirty place, but worth the experience.

9/11

I have to say the 9/11 Memorial was the most emotional site to visit, for obvious reasons. By the time you leave the place, you feel pretty depressed.

Wall street

Maybe I was tired and numb from the cold, but I expected more from Wall Street. Maybe it’s because I didn’t get the chance to see the Charging bull.

Statue of liberty

The Statue of Liberty is an obvious must see. I didn’t go crazy over seeing it, but if you are in New York,  I think you should see it in the name of being a good tourist.

Grand Central Station

I was only there for a few minutes, but I really loved the blue mural on the ceiling. It is beautiful.

National geographic aquarium

If you have kids, they would enjoy this aquarium. As I am a kid at heart, I thoroughly enjoyed the tour. They use “immersive technology” to transport you under the ocean, where you get to swim with the fishes.

Great weekend in the big apple. Next time, I will visit the Empire State Building.