Over Thanksgiving Weekend, I visited New York City I stayed in New York City for a little over two months last summer while attending New York University’s Precollege Program, I’d think I’ve already gotten used to the enormity of the city. Yet, upon stepping out of Penn Station, I was once again amazed at just how crowded and busy Manhattan is.
Day 1 – Hello New York City
Finally arrived in New York City after three hours of Amtrak Train Ride. Upon stepping out of Penn Station, I whipped out my iPhone and successfully navigated to my hotel. I stayed at the Hyatt Place Midtown South. A wonderful option for college students because it is not too expensive and is a good quality hotel. Other than that, its proximity to Herald Square and Korean Town is super convenient.
After resting for a bit after check-ins, I met up with my close friend from High School, Kelly, who is currently a freshman at the New School. We went to a Korean Restaurant near the hotel (again, the Hotel’s proximity to Korean Town is awesome) and had a hearty lunch. Then we headed back to the hotel and watched Disney Channel (it’s okay to be a kid sometimes).
Around 5:30, we started to get dressed because we had a 6:30 reservation at Porter’s Steakhouse near Central Park. While it is more on the expensive side, Porter’s is definitely the place to go when you want to splurge a little and treat yourself. The steaks are cooked so fine, you devour the whole thing without getting tired. Not to mention, the mashed potatoes and french fries are the bomb. After dinner, Kelly and I were so full, we had a hard time getting back to our hotel.
Day 2 – Thursday
Today is Thanksgiving! Kelly and I woke up around 10:30 am and headed to Sarabeth’s to get lunch with some other friends from High School. Sarabeth’s is a medium-sized brunch, lunch and dinner restaurant near Central Park, it is right next to the Plaza hotel. Sarabeth’s has the best pancakes I’ve ever had. It is thick and fluffy. It melts in your mouth. It is the most perfect pancake I have ever had in my life.
After lunch, Kelly and I went to fifth avenue, did a bit of shopping and met up with our other friend Jessica, who will also be staying with us at the hotel. After shopping, we decided that we want to watch a movie. So we found ourselves at an AMC theater watching Pixar’s new film, “The Good Dinosaur”. And it was a fantastic movie, one I would recommend to watch in the theater.
After the movie, we went to dinner, except we had a hard time finding restaurants, as many were closed due to Thanksgiving. Yet, we managed to find a small restaurant that served Thanksgiving dinner. Despite it not being the typical traditional thanksgiving dinner, I am happy I got to spend my thanksgiving eating good food with my two friends.
Day 3 – Black Friday
In the morning, we went to the NEUE Gallery, a small German/Austrian art museum. For those who are familiar with the movie “the Woman in Gold” starring Helen Mirren and Ryan Reynolds, the painting the movie is centered around is on permanent display at the NEUE Gallery. The painting, called “Adele Bloch-Bauer” or “The Woman in Gold” is truly a masterpiece. After the museum trip, the three of us headed to fifth avenue.
Let me get one thing clear, Black Friday shopping in New York City is scary. There were so many people that after an hour of Fifth Avenue, we were done and ready to get out of there. We then proceeded to Victoria Secret. And it was scarier than Fifth Avenue. About ten minutes in the lingerie shop, Jessica and I gave up shopping and proceeded to sitting down not the floor as we wait for Kelly to continue her triumphant quest of buying bras and under wears. It took Kelly an hour to get checkout by the cashier. I think i will stick to the conventional method of online shopping from now on.
Day 4 — Goodbye New York, Hello DC
After a hearty brunch with my two girlfriends, I was dropped off at Penn Station. Looking out the window, I watched as Manhattan shrink in size. Although sad that my Thanksgiving adventure in New York City has come to an end, I can’t help but feel relieved. New York City is just too much for me sometimes and I am happy to come back to DC.