New York Arrival

Arrival:
Due to changes in our vacation plans, we have decided quite spontaneously, by our standards, to take a trip to New York during the winter holidays. We were already in this great metropolis in 2011 and 2014. Now Erik and David will get a firsthand impression.
Our flight with United Airlines departs at 11:05 AM from Frankfurt. Before that, we drive two and a half hours to the airport. It is early Saturday morning and the roads are clear, only the fog is a nuisance at times. We are traveling with little luggage, one suitcase for each person and each has a backpack; that should suffice. Fortunately, our apartment has a washing machine. The flight goes well except for a few turbulence. The view of Greenland and the icebergs enchants me.
After about 8 hours, we land in Newark under bright sunshine. Now it’s time to go through immigration. Our fingerprints are still stored from the summer. I wonder how long they will be kept?
Our shuttle driver is already pushing via WhatsApp. He doesn't have time to wait. However, we are standing in line and waiting. After an hour, we finally reach the pickup point, but our driver is gone. Great. Despite several messages with the agency, we can't reach an agreement. I find it outrageous. You have one hour after landing. But if immigration takes forever, what influence do we have?
I am prepared and know the alternatives. A taxi is too expensive, so we go to Manhattan by train. The Airtrain is found quickly. The ride costs $8.50 per person for 2 stations. Unfortunately, after one station, it ends and we need to switch to a replacement bus. There is no barrier-free access. Luckily, we only have one suitcase and René is strong.
The train is delayed, and the waiting time is 45 minutes. When things go wrong, they tend to get worse. After a 5-minute train ride, we need to transfer to the metro, but we have to buy tickets for that too. Unfortunately, I can’t manage it right away. My hands are shaking from cold, nervousness, and fatigue, which requires several tries. Additionally, I drop all my small coins, we're talking about about 30 coins, out of my wallet. The train is then gone. After a total of 2 hours, we finally reach Manhattan, the World Trade Center Station. This building is completely redesigned and very impressive. It reminds me of a huge whale skeleton. The sun creates a wonderful light effect. I have read that photographers from all over the world have a great time here.

Now we walk a few hundred meters to our accommodation. Beforehand, we stock up on some groceries. Here the first tears flow because the chips are not purchased. My stinginess shows itself. Our apartment is located on the 26th floor and is 73 sqm large, with a kitchen, 2 bathrooms, and one bedroom. The kids get a sleeping nook. Overall, a nice apartment.
We grab a snack and then fall into bed around 8 PM.