New York

Every time I see or read about the Empire State Building, there’s only one thing that comes on my mind – the heartbreaking scene in An Affair to Remember where Terry was hit by a car while rushing to the building to meet Nicky. They met on an ocean liner and have fallen in love with each other despite the two of them being engaged already to other people. They both agreed that if they still feel the same for each other, they will meet again on top of the Empire State Building in six months’ time. The movie had a happy ending but it took them lies and pretensions, before they finally realized they were really meant for each other.

When I got the chance to revisit NYC for a UN Conference, I didn’t miss the chance to visit the Empire State (to relive the scene on my most favorite classic movie), as well as other interesting sites of the City that Never Sleeps.

The Empire State’s observatory is one of the most romantic spots come nightfall.

The UNHQ, where I spent two whole days for the SDG conference.

The Statue of Liberty, the most famous gift France has ever given to America.

The Central Park, a staple setting in Mary Higgins Clark novels which I used to read when I was still in high school.

The Yankee Stadium in Bronx, a must-see for baseball fanatics. I heard it is the most expensive stadium ever built in the world.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the biggest art museum of New York. Though there’s a fix entrance fee, the young ticketing officer told me that I could pay any amount I want. I think a day wouldn’t be enough to explore the Met. 

The Museum of Sex, the most kinky and interesting find along the famed 5th Avenue. I passed by this strictly for adults only museum and got really curious. So I innocently went inside and holy mother, naiskandalo ako sa aking mga nasaksihan hehe.

The American Museum of Natural History, setting of the Robin Williams movie Night at the Museum.

Macy’s, the world’s largest department store.

The Rockefeller Center and Top of the Rock, offers a sweeping 360-degree panoramic view of the City, Empire State, Hudson River, and Central Park.

Wall Street, the financial district of NYC.

  

The 9/11 Memorial Museum at the World Trade Center honors the 2,996 people who perished during the biggest terrorist attack against America. It is sad and depressing to be here.

The Times Square, iconified as "The Crossroads of the World". I watched Les Mis on Broadway… oops just on my own, pretending.

  

The New York city skyline, including the Brooklyn Bridge, I will surely miss this beautiful sight.

My first NYC experience was bad and unforgettable, this time it was good and unforgettable. I didn’t get bore during my 18-hour plane ride to and from Manila, with brief stop-over in Vancouver. I learned how to use my debit card for the first time. I’ve familiarize the map of Manhattan. And I enjoyed walking the easy-to-navigate streets of NYC. I could almost say to the Big Apple… You know you love me… xoxo.