New York, New York

I just got back from a short trip to New York City. I was just up there for a night doing some wireless stuff for a client. I managed to find some free time while I was there to walk around. I haven't been to NYC in 15 years so it all felt pretty unfamiliar. 15 years ago I just followed my parents around, but this time I had to navigate the subways and streets myself. I'm still not sure I understand the subway but I managed to make it back home somehow. I was staying in Midtown East.

The first afternoon I wanted to get in as much sight seeing as I could. The main thing I wanted to see was the Ground Zero. So I hopped on the subway and rode down there (trying to not make eye contact with anyone :) . I was expecting to see more, but basically it's a VERY large concrete hole in the ground. There's a 15 foot fence around the perimeter of the site and lots of plaques telling different things about the WTC. When it came time to head back up town I wasn't sure how to get there. I thought I could just hop on the uptown version of the train I took previously, but I couldn't find it. I wanted the E train, but everything I found said A&C. So I hopped on the A and then got off near 42nd street to go see Times Square.

Times Square was quite a site to behold. I don't think I've ever seen so many advertisements at one time. Blinking lights and video screens. Everything beckons for your attention. There was also a couple of black guys on a PA preaching hellfire and brimstone. I snapped a few pictures but they don't really do justice to the visual onslaught. Continuing on back to the hotel I ran into a couple other landmarks. Rockefeller Center and St. Patrick's Cathedral. Somehow I remember Rockefeller Center being bigger.

The next afternoon I headed down to Chinatown to find some good bargains. I was disappointed because most of the stuff they had was for girls. I really wanted to buy a cheap watch but couldn't find any that I liked. After about an hour of walking around I got on the subway to head to the Empire State Building. I wanted to go to the observation deck, but not for $16. (I'm cheap). After that I really didn't know what I wanted to see in the couple hours I had left so I just kept walking and walking and walking. I decided to go try to find the UN Building which was a long ways away. I never found it. :( Since there wasn't much else I could think of to do, I went and got my bags, hailed a taxi, and headed to the airport.

I had a good time on the trip, but I think it would have been more fun if Halie had been with me. ALSO! There are more pictures in the Gallery.