Day 1 - New York

Our long arrival day started very early in the morning. Luckily, Zurich Airport was only 2 minutes away from our hotel in Glattbrugg by tram. So we could sleep a few minutes longer. Well, I didn't sleep much compared to my wife. Probably the excitement about the upcoming trip was too great.

After a very quick and uncomplicated check-in, we were soon on our SWISS A330-300 to New York. Thanks to some episodes of 'The Big Bang Theory' and other movies, the over 8-hour flight time passed in no time. (Wow, this idiom fits in this case even twice *g*) The approach over Long Island to JFK Airport already offered a breathtaking view during the landing. But it wouldn't be the last one on this day.

Despite the very comfortable seats in SWISS Economy Class, we were now glad to have solid ground under our feet again and to stretch our legs. But we didn't get very far. Barely had we disembarked from the plane, we were already in the long queue at immigration control.

After many horror stories about the guys from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, I was already afraid that they would thoroughly check every incoming passenger and that we would have to wait a long time until we were through with the entry procedure. Okay, it took a long time, but it wasn't because of the officers, but because of the many tourists. Apparently, it is difficult to put five crosses on a small piece of paper with your name and date of birth that you receive during the flight. :-) But that too was soon done and we were off to Manhattan by train.

When we emerged from the depths of Penn Station into daylight, we were simply speechless. The skyscrapers of Manhattan stretched around us. High-rises as far as the eye could see, heavy traffic, and countless people bustling through the streets.

Thanks to the very logical and straightforward street system in Manhattan, we quickly found our hotel. The streets in Manhattan were built on a grid, so you will find your way around quite quickly and easily. The streets run in an east-west direction, the avenues (Ave) in a north-south direction.

Our hotel, the TRYP by Wyndham Time Square, is conveniently located next to Penn Station and Madison Square Garden, where the annual MTV Music Award will be held tomorrow. Who knows, maybe we'll even meet Miley Cyrus or Justin Bieber. :-)

After checking in at the hotel and storing our luggage in the room, we started our first exploration trip through New York. We strolled along Broadway towards Times Square. We were surprised that the actual walking distances were not as long as we had imagined on the map. You can explore the city very well on foot and enjoy the hustle and bustle on the streets. And there are really some very curious characters walking around in this city! But despite the traffic and the many people, everything is reasonably organized, and you quickly find your way around. Or maybe it's because I've been to Palermo or Rome several times, where everything is noticeably more chaotic.

Times Square was a bit busier. The world-famous square at the intersection of Broadway and 7th Avenue remains a tourist magnet with its huge billboards, many musical theaters, fast food restaurants, and shops. We even met the famous cowboy in his white underpants!

Since 2009, Times Square has been converted into a pedestrian zone, so you can enjoy the spectacle in peace without fearing being run over by one of the many yellow taxis. Okay, the 'enjoying in peace' only lasted until my wife discovered the huuuuuge Disney Store at Times Square. And so, a short time later, we found ourselves surrounded by plush Dumbos and other toys while familiar Disney songs played through the speakers. While Michelle enjoyed the many fluffy heroes from her childhood, I was more drawn to the articles from the Star Wars and Marvel movies. So there really is something for every taste.

The jet lag was slowly making itself felt, but we didn't want to go to bed at 5 o'clock in the afternoon in 30-degree weather. So, after an early dinner, we went shopping. In the American Eagle Store on 34th Street, I experienced a little shopping highlight. The countless employees (more employees than customers!) were all connected to each other by headsets and radios. And so, they constantly reported via radio which customer was on their way to the cash register or the fitting rooms, who had just entered the store. And this even when the individual employees were just a few meters apart. :-) Long live technology!

By now, it was already past midnight in Switzerland when we embarked on our last excursion of the day. A visit to the Empire State Building is somehow part of every New York visit. And despite the long queues, which we were able to shorten somewhat thanks to our pre-purchased city passes, you are rewarded with an incredible view on the observation deck on the 86th floor!