Day 14 - New York City

September 13, 2016

Today we got up early again. On our RV site Liberty Harbor with a view of the Statue of Liberty (from the back) there was a very pleasant calm, astonishing when you consider that the city that never sleeps - New York - is in sight.

With the PATH, a subway connecting New Jersey with Manhattan, we went over to 33rd Street. Of course, one of the first stops was the world's most famous 'sports arena'. The Madison Square Garden. Holy ground for sports and music fans. From there we could stroll along Broadway, see Rockefeller Plaza, take a look at some high-end stores on 5th Avenue, and of course admire the hustle and bustle at Times Square. We also had a little break there with a coffee and some snacks. We passed by the Trump Tower, but didn't pay it any attention. By the way, it is heavily guarded by the omnipresent police.

Then we went for a stroll in Central Park, of which we only saw a small part, it's really huge, but in my opinion, beautiful. A city like New York needs such a peaceful oasis. On Carsten's recommendation, we also had a delicious hot dog at NATHAN's, the hot dog stand with a 100-year tradition. For me, New York is not the city where I could relax or want to go on vacation. In stark contrast to what we have seen so far, hecticness is everywhere here, people all seem to be constantly checking the time. Nevertheless, you have to experience it, no question. I also went to the Apple Store, super stylish, with a glass elevator going down to an underground shop. Cool and trendy.

We made the return journey underground as well. After a bit of orientation difficulties, we first took the subway, then the PATH, and once we arrived in New Jersey, we enjoyed the great view of Manhattan one more time. Because New Jersey has the exclusive view. Oh, almost forgot, if you're ever in New York, you should check out the 'station' of the One World Trade Center. Resembling huge wings, this building could also be the setting for a new Star Wars movie inside. Completely in white and very very futuristic... Mind-blowing. In the train, I saw an advertising banner for a sports bar in New Jersey. We went there too, and during happy hour, we got 2 beers for $4. Our group gladly accepted them. Along with two delicious pizzas, Prosciutto/Pineapple or what we would call Pizza Hawai at home. It was really tasty. At nightfall, we stumbled upon a street festival in downtown New Jersey, and there it was again, that wonderfully relaxed and laid-back atmosphere in the USA, just a stone's throw away from Manhattan.

Tomorrow it's time to say goodbye to America's most vibrant metropolis, but our vacation is far from over, we're heading north...