Only seven days after returning from Oz, I went to New York City!
I had to visit for a passport renewal appointment, and stayed the night so the day wasn’t too frantic.
The city is very busy and life seems to have mostly returned to normal. Shops, restaurants and even the train I came down on are stuffed with people.
It’s interesting comparing NYC to Sydney, which was easy since I was in Sydney only a week ago. NYC is bigger and busier and louder and smellier and in general life seems to move at a much faster – even frantic – pace. By comparison Sydney is relaxed and quieter and more modern. NYC is a diesel truck; Sydney is an electric car.
Of course I took the time to shop as well. I brought two small suitcases with me – mostly empty – and with no trouble managed to fill each to bursting. I bought books and toys and many blind boxes for KLS. If I had ten suitcases I could have filled them all!
When I was in Australia my activity levels were unprecedented, and I theorized it was due to the cool weather allowing me to walk endlessly without tiring. By comparison I was extremely tired at the end of both days in New York (my train home was late on the second day) despite ‘only’ walking for about 6 hours, and this was no doubt due to it being very hot and sweaty. If you’re ever planning to visit NYC, come in cooler months!
On the morning of the second day I decided to do something I’d always wanted to do. I got up somewhat early and shops weren’t open so I walked to visit a famous NYC landmark that you may recognize:
Yes it’s the Ghostbusters Firehouse! As you can see they’re proud of being featured so prominently in the films, and there’s a mini museum inside of ephemera from the films and dozens of patches the firemen have used over the years that feature the famous ghost logo. There was also a fireman happy to show people around, but I passed on the tour and left it to a largish group of what seemed like mega fans 🙂
Although I stayed the night it seemed like a whirlwind trip since I was shopping like a madman and walking dozens of blocks to visit all the stores I love in the city. Plus I renewed my passport! A successful trip 🙂