US Chronicles (Part 1): New York with the girls

Tripoto
7th May 2015
Photo of US Chronicles (Part 1): New York with the girls 1/55 by Pooja Chaudhary
by the banks of hudson river i sat and wondered!!
Photo of US Chronicles (Part 1): New York with the girls 2/55 by Pooja Chaudhary
two roads diverged
Photo of US Chronicles (Part 1): New York with the girls 3/55 by Pooja Chaudhary
keep walking!!
Photo of US Chronicles (Part 1): New York with the girls 4/55 by Pooja Chaudhary
Magnificance 'at its best'
Photo of US Chronicles (Part 1): New York with the girls 5/55 by Pooja Chaudhary
'Lady Liberty'-Demystified
Photo of US Chronicles (Part 1): New York with the girls 6/55 by Pooja Chaudhary
Brooklyn bridge from Ellis ISLAND
Photo of US Chronicles (Part 1): New York with the girls 7/55 by Pooja Chaudhary
'Hotness Alert' :P
Photo of US Chronicles (Part 1): New York with the girls 8/55 by Pooja Chaudhary
posers!!
Photo of US Chronicles (Part 1): New York with the girls 9/55 by Pooja Chaudhary
this belongs to us!!
Photo of US Chronicles (Part 1): New York with the girls 10/55 by Pooja Chaudhary
Ali Baba- the desi saviour in firangi land
Photo of US Chronicles (Part 1): New York with the girls 11/55 by Pooja Chaudhary
blooming with bloomingdales
Photo of US Chronicles (Part 1): New York with the girls 12/55 by Pooja Chaudhary
can i have that please?
Photo of US Chronicles (Part 1): New York with the girls 13/55 by Pooja Chaudhary
St. Patrick's Cathedral
Photo of US Chronicles (Part 1): New York with the girls 14/55 by Pooja Chaudhary
and we walk more!!
Photo of US Chronicles (Part 1): New York with the girls 15/55 by Pooja Chaudhary
THE FAMOUS!!
Photo of US Chronicles (Part 1): New York with the girls 16/55 by Pooja Chaudhary
Oh man! he is so tall!!!
Photo of US Chronicles (Part 1): New York with the girls 17/55 by Pooja Chaudhary
Mondays at Times Square
Photo of US Chronicles (Part 1): New York with the girls 18/55 by Pooja Chaudhary
the majestic US of A flag
Photo of US Chronicles (Part 1): New York with the girls 19/55 by Pooja Chaudhary
the walkathon continues!!
Photo of US Chronicles (Part 1): New York with the girls 20/55 by Pooja Chaudhary
hello, who's there??
Photo of US Chronicles (Part 1): New York with the girls 21/55 by Pooja Chaudhary
original 'whinny the poo' at NYPL
Photo of US Chronicles (Part 1): New York with the girls 22/55 by Pooja Chaudhary
neck twister- the rockefeller centre
Photo of US Chronicles (Part 1): New York with the girls 23/55 by Pooja Chaudhary
towards 'brooklyn bridge'
Photo of US Chronicles (Part 1): New York with the girls 24/55 by Pooja Chaudhary
blues at 'empire state building'
Photo of US Chronicles (Part 1): New York with the girls 25/55 by Pooja Chaudhary
we eat wen we feel like @empire state building
Photo of US Chronicles (Part 1): New York with the girls 26/55 by Pooja Chaudhary
its all foggy up there @86th floor -empire state
Photo of US Chronicles (Part 1): New York with the girls 27/55 by Pooja Chaudhary
we feel like we are back in hostel
Photo of US Chronicles (Part 1): New York with the girls 28/55 by Pooja Chaudhary
the 'precious' subway card
Photo of US Chronicles (Part 1): New York with the girls 29/55 by Pooja Chaudhary
random cafe in downtown manhattan
Photo of US Chronicles (Part 1): New York with the girls 30/55 by Pooja Chaudhary
skyline!!!
Photo of US Chronicles (Part 1): New York with the girls 31/55 by Pooja Chaudhary
oh my photographer!!
Photo of US Chronicles (Part 1): New York with the girls 32/55 by Pooja Chaudhary
9/11 war memorial
Photo of US Chronicles (Part 1): New York with the girls 33/55 by Pooja Chaudhary
such fascination!! @ the raging bull
Photo of US Chronicles (Part 1): New York with the girls 34/55 by Pooja Chaudhary
oh the architecture!!
Photo of US Chronicles (Part 1): New York with the girls 35/55 by Pooja Chaudhary
can i get that adress please!!
Photo of US Chronicles (Part 1): New York with the girls 36/55 by Pooja Chaudhary
join us!!
Photo of US Chronicles (Part 1): New York with the girls 37/55 by Pooja Chaudhary
gazing at the lady!!
Photo of US Chronicles (Part 1): New York with the girls 38/55 by Pooja Chaudhary
yum!!!- @serendipity cafe
Photo of US Chronicles (Part 1): New York with the girls 39/55 by Pooja Chaudhary
random artist, not so random art work
Photo of US Chronicles (Part 1): New York with the girls 40/55 by Pooja Chaudhary
artwork @ times square
Photo of US Chronicles (Part 1): New York with the girls 41/55 by Pooja Chaudhary
adding to the glamour!!
Photo of US Chronicles (Part 1): New York with the girls 42/55 by Pooja Chaudhary
foggy NYC!!
Photo of US Chronicles (Part 1): New York with the girls 43/55 by Pooja Chaudhary
loved the coffee!
Photo of US Chronicles (Part 1): New York with the girls 44/55 by Pooja Chaudhary
belvedere castle form down there!
Photo of US Chronicles (Part 1): New York with the girls 45/55 by Pooja Chaudhary
vibrance @ central park
Photo of US Chronicles (Part 1): New York with the girls 46/55 by Pooja Chaudhary
hey u! up there!!!
Photo of US Chronicles (Part 1): New York with the girls 47/55 by Pooja Chaudhary
oh you beauty @ New york public library
Photo of US Chronicles (Part 1): New York with the girls 48/55 by Pooja Chaudhary
Pizzzaaaaa @ Joe's
Photo of US Chronicles (Part 1): New York with the girls 49/55 by Pooja Chaudhary
random art
Photo of US Chronicles (Part 1): New York with the girls 50/55 by Pooja Chaudhary
architecture!!!!
Photo of US Chronicles (Part 1): New York with the girls 51/55 by Pooja Chaudhary
street performance!
Photo of US Chronicles (Part 1): New York with the girls 52/55 by Pooja Chaudhary
this building- WOW
Photo of US Chronicles (Part 1): New York with the girls 53/55 by Pooja Chaudhary
U TOO ARE HERE @ TIMES SQUARE
Photo of US Chronicles (Part 1): New York with the girls 54/55 by Pooja Chaudhary
we were right there !!!@times square
Photo of US Chronicles (Part 1): New York with the girls 55/55 by Pooja Chaudhary
the square of 'billboards'

Standing at a bustling corner of times square on a busy Monday evening, i was left thinking- how much is enough in life! This is the feeling New York City leaves one with. If one wants to get back to being ambitious, this is the place one should visit. Another outstanding thing about the city is the space it offers to everyone- cyclists, joggers, even dogs! Walking along the banks of Hudson river and watching the crowd pass by was my favorite part. I loved the pace the city moves at. Jogging at 2 in the afternoon; playing tennis on the roadside (there are tennis courts along the road) at 11 am. I loved the independence the city offers. This is how our day 2 in the city started.

On Day 1, we could only get a glimpse of the city, as we could come out of the airport only at 5.30 pm, which was followed by a cab ride to our place of stay (an accommodation booked through airbnb in lower Manhattan). It was a cozy room with attached kitchen and bath and bunker beds. It was after so long that we got to sleep on bunker beds :P. Arrival was followed by a quick walk to the nearby market to pick some ready to cook food items (all of us were terribly hungry after the long flights from our respective locations). After a quick dinner and a promise to wake up early the next day (we had only 2 nights more and a lot to cover), we went off to sleep in our cozy beds.

Back to day 2, it was quite surprising how 4 girls staying in one room managed to leave at 8 am sharp (may be the excitement of being in NYC was the catalyst). While the girls were busy getting ready, I followed my morning cup of coffee with a walk in a nearby park (near 111 Manhattan) which ended up being another photography session (well, it was my first morning in NYC and i was EXCITED).

Due to high cab fares and an urge to travel like locals, we decided to take the subway pass and commute using trains to the extent possible. We took a 7 day unlimited subway pass ($32). The same pass can be used to access all modes of public transport available in the city, so we were able to make good use of it in the 2 days that we were around. Our journey started with a train from 145th avenue to 14th avenue i.e. the first stop of the day - downtown Manhattan. 

After a roadside breakfast of baegles, croissant and apple crumble, we started walking towards 9/11 war memorial. It was a good 1 hour walk from the subway (someone we consulted for direction suggested that we should walk given the weather was quite pleasant and well, we took her seriously!).

One feels like a true New Yorkers while walking along the banks of Hudson river on a normal weekday in the city. Everybody in the city has a space for themselves - cyclists, joggers, walkers, dog lovers (there are parks specifically for dogs), sportsmen (with tennis and badminton courts along the river on one side and road on the other), and off course the normal traffic of cars and buses. 

And hence, after a long walk (which didn't seem that long to the eyes given the view and the pleasant weather for company; but our feet had a different story to tell), we reached our first check-point for the day. After a brief photography session, we started walking (again!) towards the world famous financial street. Financial Street is one of the most happening part of the city (after times square!) with Broadway and the Raging Bull on one end and the financial street (where New York stock exchange is located) on the other. One of the world's most expensive street, this place is an architectural marvel. Walking along 14 wall street which is deemed as the symbol of american capitalism gives you the feeling of having 'seen it all' (which is only momentary, of course). Would have loved to spend more time at wall street doing nothing and just observing the crowd passing by, but we had booked ourselves on the ferry which leaves NYC for 'Statue of Liberty' at 12, so after a brief walk we rushed back to reach the ferry point.

Getting on the ferry is another experience in itself. Frisking, frisking and more frisking. For impatient Indians like us who are used to having our ways around, this was a gentle reminder to us- hello! you are in the US of A. Jugaad doesn't work here and you have to abide by the rules howsoever long does it take (that was a good lesson to learn). So, after a long wait in a never-ending queue, we got on the ferry which would take us to 'Lady Liberty'. Pacific wind with the majestic Manhattan skyline in the background and a diverse crowd of tourists from all over the world made the ride real fun.

The 46.5 meter statue standing tall overpowering the huge expanse of pacific ocean is a treat to the eyes. ' In all ages, the achievements of man and his aspirations have been represented by symbols' quoted an official at the dedication of the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbour more than 100 years ago. Originally of cooper colour, the statue has gone green over a period of 30 years due to oxidization. The Statue is a legend in American history.

Next stop booked on the ferry ride was Ellis Island: National Muesum of Immigration chronicles. The museum has a beautiful location and houses numerous facts on how the history and culture of America has evolved over time with influx of immigrants from all over the world.

Totally exhausted after the long walk and ferry ride, the gang decided to eat. Like aimless wanderers, we started walking towards 60th street NYC where the popular 'SERENDIPTY III' cafe is located. On one of those numerous turns, we spotted 'ali baba halal food' van and we couldn't resist the smell of Indian curry and rice. A quick decision was made to eat the popular 'frozen hot chocolate' at Serendipity while we tried some Indian food at ali baba. (it was only our 2nd day in the US and only 5 days since we had started from home, but the craving for Indian food was irresistible).

Desserts at Serendipity are out of this world. For a big time chocolate dessert fan, the place was no less than heaven. We tried the world famous frozen hot chocolate and four of us couldn't finish one serving (such was the serving size- check out the photos to know more). It was friday afternoon and we had to wait like 40 minutes to get a seat, but the experience was worth the wait. Serendipity has been in the scenes of various famous movies, including its namesake- serendipity, where the leading couple visit the cafe to share a dessert (after they meet at bloomingdales- which is just round the corner). So the place gives you that starry feeling :)

After satiating our hunger pangs, we did some random window shopping in some of the most expensive outlets located on the 3rd, 4th and 5th avenue , visited the St. Patrick's Cathedral, a Neo-Gothic-style Roman Catholic Cathedral Church. The cathedral stands as an architectural gem amidst the high rises of the 5th avenue.  

Used to our corporate lifestyles, the day long walk was finally showing its impact. We were all tired and the desire to spend more time roaming on the 5th avenue was overpowered by the need to sit and relax. So we decided to take a subway to times square where we could just sit back. But we couldn't have missed to see the grand central terminal for anything. Few more miles of walk and there we survived to reach the GRAND CENTRAL TERMINAL. This terminal has featured in numerous popular movies for shooting the most dramatic scenes, including our own Bollywood melodrama 'kal ho na ho'. It looked more of a five start accommodation than a railway station. After our 5 minutes of 'oh-wows, this is so cool', we wished we could have such clean railway stations in India and boarded a train to 42nd street (as we had no strength left in our feet to explore the numerous cafes, restaurants and shopping arenas- all at the station). 

Times Square, is not famous for nothing. With huge billboards all over the place, bustling crowd, multiple shopping outlets cafes, restaurants, commercial complexes,it is rightly quoted as the 'crosswords of the world' and the 'center of the universe'. The site of the Annual New Year's eve ball drop, the place receives millions of footfalls everyday. Tired after our day long sojourn, we sat down to absorb the vibrance of the place. Given that we were all girls travelling in a completely new city and we were completely exhausted, with a promise to come back to times square the following day (one visit is not enough to see the multiple dimensions ), we decided to call it a day and took a train back to 145 Manhattan.

Having covered majority of our check points on day 2, we decided to have a relaxed Day 3. After a sunny 2nd day, we woke up to a foggy new york morning (jackets were out to cover the strappy dresses). The day started with an early breakfast at Zabar's. Back to subway, i was getting comfortable with the city now and was travelling like a local (yay!!) With plenty of popular shows like friends, sex and the city among many others getting shot here, the place needs no introduction. Among other things, i loved the coffee and muffins.

Breakfast was followed by a bus ride to the central park. I enjoyed the bus ride more than the subway as it gives one an opportunity to look at the spectacular architecture of the city at leisure. After a walk along the park and couple of photo shoots later (the park is an absolute delight for all  nature photographs out there), we started walking towards the Belvedere castle. Doing justice to its name (Belvedere translates to 'beautiful view' in Italian), the castle offers the best and highest view of the park and its skyscraper.  With a soothing background music, spectacular view, the castle is a perfect romantic getaway on a foggy day.

Given that we were in a rush to catch up the free guided tour of the New York Public Library, we ran out to catch a bus to NYPL. NYPL is one of those places where I would wish to spend my entire lifetime at (if given a choice). With over 53 million items, it is the 4th largest public library in the world. For book lovers, the huge reading rooms and the beautiful lights adorning the place makes the library a delightful place to sit and read for hours altogether. 

Hunger pangs again, and it was pizza which came to our rescue this time. Wanting to try the traditional new York pizza, we took a train ride to Greenwich village and after getting lost few blocks here and there, we discovered Joe's pizza. Established in 1975, Joe's pizza is the regular new York's weekend take away. Sitting by the window side on a busy corner in the village and hogging on a yummy cheese pizza slice with coke, it was the perfect new York experience. 

Stuffed with cheese, among other things, we took a subway to our next destination- Brooklyn bridge. One of the oldest bridges of new York, Brooklyn offers a spectacular view of the city from either sides- with pacific ocean to one side and the sky touching architectural marvels on the other.A walk on Brooklyn bridge, where some other friends joined us, was followed by a walk in the Brooklyn park. As the evening started descending, it was time to go to times square, absorb the city lights and do some souvenir shopping. One of the best moments of the evening was , we , on a billboard at times square. and i just love Revlon for that. After spending some time exploring the multiple outlets on the square, we headed towards our last destination for the day- the Empire State Building. The empire state building is a 102 storied skyscrapper Located in the center of Midtown Manhattan, the 86th and 102nd floor observatories provide unforgettable 360° views of New York City and beyond. Well,not everything can go as it is planned to be. As the evening hours passed by, the city of new York was engulfed in fog and we got a 'zero visibility stamp' on our tickets. We anyways decided to go up to the 86th floor and try our luck. All we could see was fading city lights amidst the dense fog. Although, we couldn't see how NY looked like from up there, but it felt like we are standing on top of the world. After waiting for some more time, we decided to head back home and bade the foggy view a heavy good bye. Nevertheless, we utilized the time up there by snacking on Indian delicacies (we were famished by then) on the 86th floor! 

And as soon as we reached back, our tired feet and an early morning flight to catch to Vegas (oh yes, next on the list was Vegas) could't permit us to explore more and we retired to our respective dream worlds!!

Vegas chronicles coming soon!!!!

Quite close to the subway. our place of stay for the 3 nights that we were in NYC. A cozy home stay with attached wash, kitchen and bunker beds :)
Photo of East 111 Street, Manhattan, New York, NY, United States by Pooja Chaudhary
Take a walk/jog/cycle along the banks of Hudson river to feel the vibe of the city. Satiate your hunger pangs by trying delicacies from the numerous cafes on the way. Street side american breakfast can also be explored if one wants to go easy on ones pocket (like we did)
Photo of Downtown, Manhattan, New York, NY, United States by Pooja Chaudhary
Photo of Downtown, Manhattan, New York, NY, United States by Pooja Chaudhary
Photo of Downtown, Manhattan, New York, NY, United States by Pooja Chaudhary
Photo of Downtown, Manhattan, New York, NY, United States by Pooja Chaudhary
A memorial build in remembrance of those who are no longer with us. One can spend some time in the 9/11 Memorial Museum dedicated to the one of the most talked about tragedies in the history of USA
Photo of 9/11 MEMORIAL, Greenwich Street, New York, NY, United States by Pooja Chaudhary
One of the most expensive corners of the world, talking a walk along the bustling wall street and Broadway is an experience in itself. 14 Wall Street houses world's tallest bank building (539 foot high sky scraper, orignially housed under the head quarters of Bankers Trust). this bank is among USA s wealthiest financial institutions.
Photo of Lower Manhattan, New York, NY, United States by Pooja Chaudhary
Photo of Lower Manhattan, New York, NY, United States by Pooja Chaudhary
Photo of Lower Manhattan, New York, NY, United States by Pooja Chaudhary
Photo of Lower Manhattan, New York, NY, United States by Pooja Chaudhary
A colossal statue of a woman dressed in classical Roman clothing, symbolizing the roman goddess of liberty. She wears a crown of seven rays representing a nimbus or halo. In her left hand she carries a tablet bearing the date July 4th, 1977 to commemorate America's birth as an independent nation. The torch in her hand represents liberty enlightning the world. Beneath her feat are severed shackles and chains representing the universal symbol of freedom and the abolition of slavery in United States. Lady liberty's symbolism in American history makes it a must watch. the ferry ride to the liberty island makes it a worthwhile experience.
Photo of Statue of Liberty National Monument, Liberty Island, New York, NY, United States by Pooja Chaudhary
Photo of Statue of Liberty National Monument, Liberty Island, New York, NY, United States by Pooja Chaudhary
Photo of Statue of Liberty National Monument, Liberty Island, New York, NY, United States by Pooja Chaudhary
Photo of Statue of Liberty National Monument, Liberty Island, New York, NY, United States by Pooja Chaudhary
Photo of Statue of Liberty National Monument, Liberty Island, New York, NY, United States by Pooja Chaudhary
Photo of Statue of Liberty National Monument, Liberty Island, New York, NY, United States by Pooja Chaudhary
Photo of Statue of Liberty National Monument, Liberty Island, New York, NY, United States by Pooja Chaudhary
Photo of Statue of Liberty National Monument, Liberty Island, New York, NY, United States by Pooja Chaudhary
Over 12 million immigrants entered the US through Ellis Island, the nation's principal gateway during the years 1892-1954. Following restorations in 1980s, the building reopened as a museum dedicated to the nation's immigration heritage. A must visit for those interesting in knowing more about over 4 centuries of immigration history to America. 2nd and last stop of the ferry ride before we reach back NYC
Photo of Ellis Island, Jersey City, NJ, United States by Pooja Chaudhary
Their 'frozen hot chocolate' is a must try. A huge variety of shakes, smoothies and snacks to choose from. Serendipity enjoys star status as it has featured in numerous movies and the likes of Marilyn Munro were regulars to the cafe. Serendipity 3 was also recognized as the Guinness World Record holder for serving the world’s most expensive hamburger, the $295 Le Burger Extravagant
Photo of SERENDIPITY 3, East 60th Street, New York, NY, United States by Pooja Chaudhary
An architectural gem, The cathedral, which can accommodate 3,000 people, is built of brick clad in marble, quarried in Massachusetts and New York. It takes up a whole city block, between 50th and 51st streets, Madison Avenue and Fifth Avenue
Photo of St. Patrick's Cathedral, Madison Avenue, New York, NY, United States by Pooja Chaudhary
The terminal has 44 platforms, the most in any railway station in the world. It has restaurants and various fast food outlets as well as delis, bakeries, newsstands, a gourmet and fresh food market, an annex of the New York Transit Museum, and more than 40 retail stores; which can be explored at one's leisure
Photo of Grand Central Terminal, New York, NY, United States by Pooja Chaudhary
One of the world's busiest pedestrian intersections, Times Square is a treat for the cosmopoliton crowd. it is also the hub of the Broadway Theater District and a major center of the world's entertainment industry. Times Square is one of the world's most visited tourist attractions, drawing an estimated fifty million visitors annually.
Photo of Times Square, New York, NY, United States by Pooja Chaudhary
Photo of Times Square, New York, NY, United States by Pooja Chaudhary
Photo of Times Square, New York, NY, United States by Pooja Chaudhary
Photo of Times Square, New York, NY, United States by Pooja Chaudhary
Photo of Times Square, New York, NY, United States by Pooja Chaudhary
Photo of Times Square, New York, NY, United States by Pooja Chaudhary
Photo of Times Square, New York, NY, United States by Pooja Chaudhary
Photo of Times Square, New York, NY, United States by Pooja Chaudhary
Photo of Times Square, New York, NY, United States by Pooja Chaudhary
Photo of Times Square, New York, NY, United States by Pooja Chaudhary
Featured in various movies and TV shows including the popular sitcom 'friends', the place is known for its selection of bagels, olives, and cheeses and of course, their hot chocolate is yum.
Photo of Zabar's, Broadway, New York, NY, United States by Pooja Chaudhary
A perfect picnic spot, one can spend a day walking, jogging, cycling or just doing nothing. Wish i could have got more time to spend there and explore the multiple 'things to do' inside the park
Photo of Central Park, New York, NY, United States by Pooja Chaudhary
takes you to the good old days of fairytales and castles! offers an amazing view of the park and the city
Photo of Belvedere Castle, New York, NY, United States by Pooja Chaudhary
its HIGH!!
Photo of Rockefeller Center, New York, NY, United States by Pooja Chaudhary
Yum is the word for the pizza they make!
Photo of Joe's Pizza, East 14th Street, New York, NY, United States by Pooja Chaudhary
Photo of Joe's Pizza, East 14th Street, New York, NY, United States by Pooja Chaudhary
the walk on the bridge reminds you of all those bollywood movies you have grown up watching! (or may be watched after you had grown up :P)
Photo of Brooklyn Bridge, New York, NY, United States by Pooja Chaudhary
beautiful fountains! looks spectacular when the lights are on!!
its even HIGHER! Sadly for us, it was all foggy up there..but it offers a majestic view of the city..best time to visit is at sun down when the city lights are on
Photo of Empire State Building, 5th Avenue, New York, NY, United States by Pooja Chaudhary
Photo of Empire State Building, 5th Avenue, New York, NY, United States by Pooja Chaudhary
Photo of Empire State Building, 5th Avenue, New York, NY, United States by Pooja Chaudhary
i just loved everything about the place!! lights, books, space, energy, vibrance, crowd, kids section, book shop, cafeteria..everything!
Photo of New York Public Library, New York, NY, United States by Pooja Chaudhary
Photo of New York Public Library, New York, NY, United States by Pooja Chaudhary
Photo of New York Public Library, New York, NY, United States by Pooja Chaudhary
Photo of New York Public Library, New York, NY, United States by Pooja Chaudhary