Our trip to New York was a dream come true. From the first moment we boarded the plane to the last glimpse of the Manhattan skyline, every day was a new adventure. The energy of this city captivated us and showed us why it is the city that never sleeps.
Thursday, 23/02/2023 Adventure with the Yellow Cab
Our day started early with a 7am flight to London from where we flew on to JFK in New York. Landing at 1.30pm felt like the beginning of a dream come true. A Yellow Cab took us straight to our hotel on 5th Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, just a stone’s throw from Times Square. The location was perfect and the hotel exceeded our expectations.
Despite being tired, we went on a little shopping spree as we desperately needed a new backpack. In the evening we couldn’t resist exploring Times Square. The lights, crowds and energy of the place were overwhelming. But the time difference took its toll and we fell into bed exhausted but happy.
Wow, we’ve finally arrived in New York. We can’t wait to see what the next few days have in store! We want to see eeeveryythiiinggg!
Friday, 24/02/2023 Best burger in town
Up early and full of energy, we started the day with a walk to Rockefeller Centre. Then we went to Central Park, where we saw lots of dogs and squirrels. A highlight was a visit to Levain Bakery on the Upper West Side where we enjoyed a delicious biscuit.
We then went to the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), a long-held wish of Carlo’s. The exhibits were fascinating and inspiring. After MoMA, we visited Grand Central Station (xoxo) and the New York Public Library, which was also very impressive. The day was packed but incredibly exciting.
The highlight of the day was watching the sunset from the Top of the Rock. The view was magical and unforgettable. We ended the evening at 7th Street Burger, where we had the best burger ever and visited Times Square again.
Completely overwhelmed. By everything. Every corner. Every square metre. This city is overwhelming. And yet Central Park gives you a little peace. This city is different. Unlike any we’ve visited before.
Saturday, 25/02/2023 Bridges, ferries and moving moments
The day started with a walk across Brooklyn Bridge. The walk across the bridge was well worth it – there were hardly any people around and we were able to enjoy the view to the full. For breakfast we went to Leo’s Bagels and Joe & The Juice near Wall Street. Then we took the Staten Island Ferry to the Statue of Liberty. An amazing experience!
The visit to Ground Zero and the 9/11 Museum was deeply moving and heartbreaking. It was an emotional moment that we will remember for a long time. At the end of the day we visited One World Trade Centre, where we had a breathtaking view. The evening walk through SoHo took us past a huge Harry Potter shop and Washington Square Park before we ended up in Times Square as usual.
Late in the evening I started decorating our hotel room for a special occasion the next day.
Sunday, 26/02/2023 Birthday above the clouds
Happy Birthday, Buddy!
Carlo’s 24th birthday started with a visit to One Vanderbilt. The balloon and mirror room was a unique experience. Afterwards, we had corned dogs and another biscuit at Levain Bakery – this time with a candle as a birthday cake substitute.
We spent the day relaxing in SoHo before taking an Uber to New Jersey. Carlo’s birthday present was a helicopter flight over New York. Anna stayed on the ground because of her fear of heights, but Carlo enjoyed the flight to the full, even though the camera went on strike. The photos on his phone and the GoPro videos turned out great, though.
Back in New York we went to Joe’s Pizza (of Spiderman fame) for a pizza and enjoyed it in our hotel room, exhausted from the day’s excitement.
Dear Lo, I hope you had a wonderful 24th birthday. I hope you enjoyed your present and everything else we did today. I hope I was able to make your birthday in New York unforgettable. You deserve it so much. I love you.
Monday, 27/02/2023 Dawn over Times Square
On our last morning in New York we got up early and took the Yellow Cab to the airport. One last look at Times Square at dawn – a perfect farewell to the city that has given us so many wonderful memories. We flew on to Los Angeles, ready for our West Coast road trip!
Our trip to New York was an unforgettable experience that will stay with us forever. The city captivated us with its energy, charm and diversity.
