New York City is probably the must see city in the United States of America. An amazingly fast paced metropolis of somewhere in the region of 9 million people, skyscrapers reach towards the sky seemingly forever. Just when I thought I wasn’t going to be amazed by anything I came to for the rest of the trip, POW! This city gave me a wake up call.

ACCOMMODATION REPORT :

COST : US$20

VALUE FOR MONEY : 4 / 5

CLEANLINESS : 2.5 / 5

FRIENDLINESS : 2 / 5

NOISE : 2 / 5

My arrival from Europe was via Newark airport, in New Jersey. I was greeted very suspiciously by the customs chappie who thought it was mega strange that anyone would travel on their own. Maybe this is a syndrome that has lead to so much car pooling in the USA. Well, it’s only a theory. Then a bus trip into NYC followed, the weather was very warm – high twenties, low thirties and sticky. This prevailed for my stay in New York. The bus journey went through at least two or three tollbooths, one for the Lincoln tunnel, the other I can’t remember. Before I new it I was in the city trying to use the subway to get to the hostel (which is in Harlem). For first time visitors to New York the subway isn’t as clear cut as it might have been. I’d suggest a good map study before you arrive and work out which way is downtown and uptown etc etc. Not that I had problem, but orientating yourself as quickly as possible is important in any city.

I certainly found the city to be worth a visit. There is definitely a big multi-cultural atmosphere there, so a good variety of food and different people. Of course the States has an amazing array of fast food outlets, for instance ‘Wendy’s’. You need to be brave to try these burgers, it’s basically just grease. You can have it with one, two, three or four beef pates. Not really catering for the vegetarian.

I did not see all I should of whilst in the city, and that mainly is a result of not being able to resist shopping like crazy anymore. I don’t want to think of how many CDs I walked out of New York with. But you can’t go wrong if that’s what your looking for here, it’s a great (if not that cheap) shopper’s city. Whilst you’re there, you may want to check out a few things I did, plus the amazing museums I should have seen but was too lazy to. (well, you couldn’t get me out of the record shops). New York is also an excellent place to buy pirated videos (bootlegs) off the street.

Firstly, yes you get an amazing view. Maybe the World Trade Center is better, I can’t say as I have a one tall building per city limit, but the patience you need to reach the top doesn’t go unrewarded. I think it cost US$6 – maybe someone will correct me on that. Not too bad a price. You use two elevators (we’re in the states now, so no more calling them lifts, okay?) and queue (line up) many many times. They wouldn’t let us take the stairs down either. (meanies) It’s all very slick and well controlled, but we were only allowed up to the 86^th floor, the observatory on the 102^nd floor was closed. I wonder if it costs more to go the extra 14 floors… Well, you get a truly amazing view, just breathtaking, and you get just a little idea of how damn big the city is.

A haven from the rest of the city, as anyone who’s ever been there will tell you. It’s quite massive and beautiful as well. Very very green, full of paths and trees and ponds for the quiet person looking to escape, and then there’s entertainment a plenty in other sections – people with drums, buskers and even the odd performance here and there. A section was devoted to pumpin’ music and people on roller blades circling to the beat as well as dancing and would you believe – roller SKATES. Remember them. I’d say the park is worth a day on it’s own.

A bargain at an incredible $0 it is something to see the world’s largest stock exchange at work, even if you’re up on a balcony behind a glass window and can’t yell out ‘SELL SELL SELL!’ (with me in the building, it’s a good job – I could never resist the temptation) Mind you, they do their best to get you at the souvenir

You can’t miss an opportunity whilst in the states to catch a real gospel church. This was the whole nine yards – the pastor’s veins near bursting point as he delivered his sermon, and great gospel style music. This was a worthwhile way to spend time, somewhere in Harlem [132 Odell Clark Place] is worth a Sunday morning of a New York visitor’s time.

Well, you can’t miss Times Square, a myriad of flashing neon lights day and night time. Food, music, and shops where you can buy anything you’re tacky heart desires – especially good if you have a camera fetish. The only really problem is the fact that no one seems to know what a square looks like. Also very close to Broadway and the theatre district, tickets to shows and tourist information abound in this area.

Down south in the city you’ll find Battersea park, not too far from the Staten Island ferry which leaves and returns regularly and is often used for people to grab a free photo or two of the Statue of Liberty. I should mention however that you’d better bring a telephoto lens as it doesn’t get quite as close as I thought it might – but whatcha gonna do? Swim for it maybe.

If it’s to your taste, maybe you could catch a TV show taping, but be warned. I spent time at NBC lining up for stand by tickets to the Conan O’Brien show, came back and lined up

again for the actual show and none of us peoples with stand-by tickets got near the door.

Finally, do step into Tiffany and Co. and see the amazing jewels on display. Pretend you’re Audrey if you like. You won’t be buying anything unless you a the worlds thickest wallet.

Greasy club, more men than women and astronomical drink prices. Music pretty good.

In summation, if you’ve got the dough and a little patience, New York is a pretty amazing place to visit. From steaming vents to traffic left right and centre to the amazingly tranquil central park, New York City is one in a million.

ACCOMMODATION REPORT :

COST : US$15

VALUE FOR MONEY : 4 / 5

CLEANLINESS : 2 / 5

FRIENDLINESS : 4 / 5

NOISE : 3 / 5

I had intended to stay a bit longer in Boston, but overstayed in New York and was here for a couple of nights. It’s definitely a place to visit, a good escape from the pace and height of New York. Transport is by the T, sometimes a tram, sometimes an underground train. A real identity crisis going on there. Also, don’t try to pay for your 85 cent token with a ten-dollar note. Doesn’t go down well.

Did I see much? No, I’ll admit that freely. The hostel was very friendly, and there are some excellent pubs in the area, and they’re all Irish. Of note are the Irish Embassy (related to the hostel) and McGann’s. Music on later at night so it’s time to boogey!

Boston Common, not nearly as big as Central Park, is a lovely place to picnic and enjoy the views, not far away is the Cheers pub which clearly flogs its identity for every cent that it’s worth. If it takes your fancy, there are plenty of universities to investigate, and a real student feel around the whole city. Amongst the famous universities in Boston are Harvard and Cambridge.

If you’re into old movies, do as I and some friends I had just made did, visit the Brattle street cinema and treat yourself to a great range of films they show there over a month. If you end up seeing Imitation of Life I suggest you bring a box of tissues.

Boston isn’t too bad a place to shop either, I did a lot of window shopping here, there are many areas with shops. If it’s a warm day, try some home made lemonade from a cart. Delicious!

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