An impulsive late night decision meant I woke earlier than I really wanted to as I was gonna use the day to explore a small part of New York. I have never had the chance to go before and once I found out there was a direct train from the campus I'm staying on with Taylor to Madison Square Gardens I went against my anxiety-fuelled instincts and planned a day in the city by myself.
I walked to the train station and picked up my tickets for the journey. After getting a coffee and a bagel I went up to the platform where there was a train ready to leave. I asked the train guy if it was going to New York and I asked again when I was on the train and sure enough it was the right one. I settled down and read a bit of my book while watching the sights of New Jersey transition into New York.
After just over on hour, I arrived at Penn station and my main faces was navigating my way onto the street. I must have taken the right exit as there in front of my stood Macy's. I didn't want to stay too long as I only had a few hours to see everything I wanted to see but it was good to have a little look around and escape the craziness of the city until I had mentally prepared myself.
I went to go find my bus stop for the hop on hop off ticket I had bought and it was right outside Madison Square Gardens aka the train station I had come into. I hopped on and was greeted first by the driver and second by the tour guide who told us all about the city as we passed the streets and monuments.
I met a married couple from Florida who were sat behind me and they had been on the buses for a couple of days and we both happened to be hopping off the bus at the 911 memorial site. We had to walk a few blocks but we soon found it and it was amazing to see such a tasteful memorial of a terrible disaster. (I took a lot of photos on my camera and none on my phone to save battery so photos to come). Pablo and Candy Marie (cute right) were going to do the museum for the memorial but I didn't have enough time so I walked around a bit more and then went on to Battery Park.
I bought a ticket for a ferry that would go to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis island and after going through airport-like security, I managed to somehow get myself prime location at the front of the top deck. Cue the fantastic selfies- thanks mum for sending me a selfie stick!! #solotravelproblems
Although the boat docked at each place I wanted to save time and see some more of the city so I stayed on and got to see a great view of the Statue of Liberty up close and the Manhattan skyline from afar. Very cool.
After the boat ride was over, I went to go find the nearest bus stop which was right outside Battery Park. I got on and the tour continued around the original habour, architecture from the 1800s, lots a Titanic landmarks, the meatpacking district, Chelsea and the New York highline. I decided to get off just past Madison Square Gardens again and make my way over to Times Square.
It was pretty crazy and busy there but I managed to have a good look around and pick up some tacky souvenirs. Tourist AF.
I had to get the train back to New Jersey as Taylor had finished her long day of classes so I went back to the station. I had plenty of time but couldn't work out which platform I needed to be at so I asked a lady in the station. I told her I was getting the 5.03 train to New Brunswick and she said that there's no way I was because she gets that train and it doesn't go there! Good job I asked because it turns out I had looked at the timetable for New Brunswick to New York train! Luckily I got on the right one in the end.
I got back to the house with ease and was greeted by Taylor who was already home. I unpacked my stuff and we got Chipotle for dinner. After we got dressed up a lil and went to go try some of the bars round campus.
There is a bar just a few steps away from the house which we went to, however they wouldn't accept my driving license so we had back to pick up my passport. Good job we are so close by. We got in and ordered Long Island Ice Teas for $2!! After a couple of rounds, we were so engrossed in conversation that when the barmen tried to ask if we needed another we didn't even notice. When we did, we declined as we wanted to check out another place but he wouldnot take no for an answer and 2 blue Long Island ice teas appeared before us at no charge! God bless America!
After a bit, we left the bar to go check out the scene at another place but it seemed super busy and there was a queue to get into this one so we gave it a miss. Instead Taylor took me to a cookie cafe that was open late. We shared a chocolate chip cookie which they made to order and it was so good!
But I was ready for bed after my day in the city, and no sleep on the flight over and the time difference.
Speak soon,
Em x
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