On December 26th, my parents and I went to New York City. This was my third time in NYC but I had wanted to go for years and I finally got the chance.
We spent three days in the city and walked so much that it felt like six days. The most impressive thing wasn’t all the walking, it was the amount of people; I knew the city would be packed but this was almost unbelievable. We didn’t even think about getting near the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree because of the crowd.
I thought maybe the High-line would have been less crowded, but the elevated outdoor trail that used to supported the freight rail line was also unbelievably crowded. Apart from the crowd, I really enjoyed the walk, which seemed like could have been very peaceful walk or jog at any other time.
I also visited the September 11 memorial. Seeing the names of all of those who were lost brought back the memory of that horrible day. I can still remember it as if it was yesterday. I couldn’t find a way to walk into the museum after seeing the names of the victims carved outside. Twenty one years is still too soon for me.
In addition to seeing these and visiting the MET, Central Park, Washington Square Park, Wall Street, Times Square, seeing the beautiful Christmas displays at Macy’s and Sack’s, I really enjoyed getting the chance to see two of my friends from college. I was so happy to see them again after a decade and it really felt like no time had passed. I was afraid I wouldn’t get to see any of my friends because I wasn’t there for a long time, they had to work and because it’s such a hectic time in the city, but we figured it out and we’re able to meet.
Because they live there and know their way around the city, we were able to move around quickly and walk around what felt like 100 blocks. I was afraid I was going to get lost in the crowd, but I was able to keep up. I think I convinced them to go visit me at home so we don’t have to wait ten years to see each other again.
After spending three days in New York City, I’m very tired and my legs hurt, but I had a lot of fun and hope I can go back soon!
Unstoppable María 