segunda-feira, 1 de dezembro de 2014

Lucky me in New York (III)

What else can we find in New York City?
LIGHTS. TAXIS. COFFEE.
Times Square is that chaotic place where any tourist want to be. In my opinion, overrated. I was surprised with my lovely Olympus taking night shots without a tripod, such was the intensity of the lights!! 
However, here again I felt part of a movie. I learned to catch a yellow cab (completely mandatory!!); and after a few days in US I had already had some unexpectedly enjoyable experiences and occasionally harrowing experiences. One thing that you soon discover in NY is all taxi drivers are Arabs, named Mohammed and have a terrible accent that allowed me understand 1 in 5 words. I met a 50 year old Mohammed who was driving a taxi to pay his Ph.D., but I also met a Mohammed that was titled by the lady he left before me as "dangerous" and "rude". I thought twice before entering!! but luckily I got home safe and sound after a bumpy ride :) :) 
Quite an experience!






Another unmissable experience is to take a photo in those mythical photo booths. There is one inside the M&M'S store and at the same time it takes your picture it transmits the video on a big screen in Times Square :) :)


It was great to go to NY in late November because all the streets were already decorated for Christmas. The big brand stores in 5th avenue vied for the best Christmas decoration and the New York Public Library already had its wonderful Christmas tree at the entrance. Moreover, we could hear Christmas carols in the entire area of the Rockefeller Center.




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domingo, 30 de novembro de 2014

Lucky me in New York (II)

Skylines. No other city has skylines as New York.
I have to admit I was quite impressed with the age of the iconic buildings of NY. Built in the beginnings of the XX century, I almost could date them this century. With my petite experience in NY I dare to say that the best view is from the Top of the Rock, in Rockefeller Center.  See for yourselves!!





I think what makes this a wonderful view is the magnificent King Kong building right in front of us. The iconic Empire State Building!!On the opposite side we have the beautiful and almost endless Central Park, but I admit it's more interesting from within than above.

However, the beautiful NY postcards are not just made in midtown. Although the skyline of Financial District has changed forever after 9/11, the view from Brooklyn side is breathtaking. Actually, the cross of Brooklyn Bridge (from Brooklyn to Manhattan) should be in your must do list.
See for yourselves!!







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sábado, 29 de novembro de 2014

Lucky me in New York (I)

I rather travel by pictures than by words. However, New York deserves them!
When I arrived to New York it was like I have entered in a Hollywood film. New Yorkers deal with day to day with ease, making jokes all the time and praising everything they adored in you. In just 10 days, I was praised for my coat, for my hat, for my nails and my ring. And no, it was not from traders wanting to sell. It was from people crossing those crowded walkways and still had time to notice who came from the other side. It’s not absurd that in movies people fall in love at the door of Starbucks. Now, makes sense!!
I was a lucky one; I caught myself in New York City at the crossroads of two seasons. Fall & Christmas. Can you image a better match?? 
As can be read on the Central Park poster – “That moment when you escape from NY, without escaping from NY”. Central park in Fall is the paradise. Paradise for squirrels, paradise for photographers, for writers, it seemed the paradise even for the homeless. This paradise took nine beautiful hours of my day!



Chilly days were warmed not only by lots of cappuccinos but also by fall colors in Central Park. Were warmed by the friendliness of the people. Were warmed by Christmas songs in Rockefeller Center. Were warmed by Christmas lights on 5th Avenue. Were warmed by the lights in Times Square. Were warmed thanks to several hours spent in makeup stores. Were warmed by the views from the Top of the Rock 67th floor. 
Warm up with me in the next post.






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