Discovering why everyone insists on saying "I Love New York" has always been a goal of mine. I figured it was just a thing to say as a badge of honour from having visited this city, which frankly, I thought may be a little hyped up. However, during an impromptu trip to New York, mainly the borough of Manhattan, I fell into the cliche of stating this overused phrase every time someone mentions the city that never sleeps, the funny thing is, I actually mean it.
A New York trip often starts with a simple flight, right? Nope! When it comes to flying into JFK, LGA or EWR you can bet on your impatient side rearing it's ugly head when you are bound to be delayed. It would be a miracle to get into New York on time, so much so, the delay was included in my flight time stated on my ticket!
Don't get all excited thinking you won the lottery when that friendly pilot makes an announcement stating your flight time is half an hour shorter than anticipated. Before you're done celebrating, after pushing from the gate, that same pilot will say things are a little backed up and they are going to have to wait for takeoff... there is your half an hour, and that pilot has suddenly become an a**.
Fear not, you will make it to your destination, after awkward conversation with chatty Cathy beside you, getting all excited you say "Eh" and you're a Canadian, like you never heard that one before.
Congratulations, you are here, after taking whatever mode of transportation from the airport to Manhattan, or wherever your final destination may be.
Emerging from the terminal, the sights, sounds and smells of the famed New York City will hit you hard, like the door someone ahead of you let slam in your face. You're not in Canada anymore, stop assuming you're royalty and everyone is going to hold the door for you from an awkwardly far distance away.
Stepping onto the pavement, you will feel dwarfed by the massive buildings towering over you, not only in height, but in breadth as well. This is when you will be automatically pegged as a tourist, your neck bent way back, trying to squint through the sun in awe of these majestic buildings... yes, buildings can be majestic, thanks to New York.
Incessant honking from blocks of traffic will be your theme song here, with shouts of profanities floating through car windows, picking up the melody in that amazing New York accent.
The constant hum from the bustle of this city immediately fills your bones with the "let's get s*** done" attitude that will carry you through all you are destined to experience in this 24 hour adventure.
Being it's daytime and the lights of Times Square have not yet taken over for the sun, now is the time to explore things like the calm oasis that makes Central Park so tempting and of course, to find the Balto statue, as was my mission.
Walking deeper into the lush green (or brown) expanse, you are surrounded by the monstrous towers of Manhattan, the chaotic sound waves of the busy city slowly fading to a deafening silence.
The calm surroundings are a nice break for your ringing ears, as you are able to enjoy the sounds of nature, birds chirping, leaves rustling, and the sound of hula hoops falling on the soft grass. Yes, people hula hoop in the park... lots of things go on here.
Looking around, you will see the beauty of immaculately planned landscaping, flowing naturally throughout the park, sprinkled with beautiful architecture, fountains and buskers performing for tips. However, don't be distracted by all the obvious sights, look further into the corners of this park and you may see something unexpected, like a person in a Big Bird costume... eating lunch.
Once you're ready for another dose of excitement from the busy city, perhaps you'd like to explore the various museums New York has to offer, many of which are free to enter, with the option of paying what you think is fair for admission.
A museum is a museum, however, New York, of course, goes the extra mile. This is one city I would actually recommend visiting a museum in, even if you're not usually into it. I am not a museum enthusiast and I really enjoyed my time in the American Museum of Natural History.
Visiting the Empire State Building is a must when in NYC even if just for the incredible view at the top. For me, seeing the elegance of the lobby was enough.
Walking through the doors, the lobby serves as a grand entrance to an even grander building. An image of the structure looming over the front desk, makes the man below look a lot smaller than he probably wishes to. Lights glinting off the mural will make you gasp, as the reflection from the slick marble floors duplicates the beauty of the intricate detail that makes up such a stunning piece of art.
Proceeding with this attraction to shiny things, it may be time to make your way to the financial district to see Wall Street and the notorious Charging Bull.
Although it is being moved amid safety concerns, this bronze statue, often shining in the bright sun, has been a symbol of New York's Financial District my whole life and will not disappoint when you finally lay your eyes on it's beauty.
Often surrounded by people taking pictures, it may be hard to get a clear shot of the angry expression plastered on this bull's face, however, everyone knows you're tempted to get a picture of it's balls as well. Go for it, they are present and often less crowded, poor guy.
As the sun begins to set, the moment has come to see the lights of Times Square. Having seen it on TV for countless New Year's Eve Celebrations, this is the reason for many trips to New York City.
Although the lights, illuminating the surrounding streets and buildings with a multitude of colours, will impress even the most negative of people, the size might not. Times Square is surprisingly small, compared to what I pictured from seeing it on countless media outlets.
It's slightly disappointing, sort of like expecting an eggplant when you are presented with a baby carrot... I do mean vegetables, promise. Nonetheless, it is still a sight to see, if not for the square itself, then definitely for the middle aged topless women offering pictures for a nominal fee.
There is so much more New York has to offer than what I was able to explore in such a short time. The Statue of Liberty and of course, the 9/11 Memorial are places you should make time for. Unfortunately for me, my time ran out after getting lost for the fifth time in what is an easy city to navigate for anyone who isn't directionally challenged.
Do not be afraid to explore every corner of this impressive metropolis, as you will feel the grandeur in everything it encompasses. Nothing here is done half way, from the delicious food to the flagship stores lining Times Square. 24 hours is not near enough time to experience everything you should, but it is just enough to give you a taste of what is to come for your next trip.
Have you ever been to New York? Tell us about your favourite experience in the comments and have a look at the rest of our adventures, here, on 200degrees.
