What can I say about the Big Apple? My recruiting trip to NY was pretty fun. I flew into NY on Thursday morning (ugh but then it took me 2.5 hours to get from JFK to my hotel in Manhattan). I met up with another person from Chapman and her two friends. We took the subway down to the financial district and walked around a bit.
First we tried to get into the 9/11 memorial, but our tickets had been for 10:30 and because of my super delayed shuttle ride from the airport, it was nearly 12 so they told us we had to come back the next day. We were disappointed but determined to have a good time
We were all hungry so we ate pizza at Masterpiece Pizzeria (it was ok and so stuffy in the restaurant). Then we walked around the financial district. We passed the Occupy Wall Street Protesters, and took pictures with the Charging Bull. Then we walked around Battery Park and gazed out at the Statue of Liberty for a while. Finally we decided to try to go to one of the museums so we headed back uptown. Unfortunately we decided to go to the Guggenheim, which normally would have been great, except it was Thursday, and unbeknownst to us, the Guggenheim is closed on Thursdays.
The Charging Bull
Making the best of the situation, we decided to take a stroll through Central Park. We passed the Jacklyn Kennedy Onasis Reservoir, and saw some cute little kids playing t-ball, soccer, and even rugby! The new took the subway back to the hotels near time square. We were all pretty tired but did not want to waste out time in NY so we decided it was the perfect night to see a show. We were fortunate enough to land discount tickets to Chicago. The show was fantastic!
Chicago on Broadway!
After seeing Chicago we were starving! We went to a diner called Juniors. 3 of the 4 of us ordered dinner and it was pretty good, but the dessert was the best part. Juniors is known for its cheesecake so we just had to try it! We got one piece of pumpkin swirl and one piece of regular … both were good, but the original was better.
The next morning we got up early and when down to try to get tickets for the 9/11 memorial … success! We got tickets for 10:30 so we had to wait a bit … fortunately we found a nearby Starbucks right across from a cute little park.
The 9/11 memorial was absolutely stunning. The courtyard was quiet as people reflected on the event just over 10 years ago, and how they have changed the city, the country, and the world as a whole. Water flowed like a water fall from all 4 sides of each of the 2 square blueprints of the twin towers. The water fell into a reflecting pool that over flowed into a smaller square void in the very center. The names of the people lost in the events of 9/11, including the people in the towers, on the flights, and the first responders were carved into the railings that lined the reflecting pools. It was very respectful and well done.
The 9/11 Memorial
After visiting the memorial we headed back uptown and spent a quick hour at the American Museum of Natural History. We really needed more time to see what we wanted to see, but we just did not have it. I wish we had time to see the gemstone exhibit and the butterfly conservatory, but I guess that just means I need to make another trip.
By then it was time to go to the recruiting event. The event was pretty crowded, but most of the students were interested in the east coast school, particularly those actually in NY. But we did talk to a few interested students. After about 3 hours at the event we were free to go for the day.
Fortunately the forum was in the hotel in which I was staying so I just went up to my room. It was early so I had the best intentions to go out that evening after changing, but as they say, the road to hell is paved with good intentions … I was so exhausted from the plane trip and the 2 days of traipsing around NY that I fell asleep! I woke up around 9:30 and decided to write off the night and just order room service. I got a turkey sandwich … it was delicious but it cost a fortune!
The next morning I got up and went to the Empire State Building. The weather had been not the best the 2 previous days (cloudy and muggy) so I was happy to see clear skies. The line was fortunately not long, and I made it to the 84th floor relatively quickly. The views from the top are spectacular. You can see all the way to the Statue of Liberty and beyond!
On Top of the Empire State Building
Looking South Toward the Financial District
I then hurried back to my hotel to return to the forum by 10am. I worked the table until 1pm and then ate lunch. Finally I met up with the other girls and we headed down to Battery Park with hopes of going to the Statue of Liberty. Unfortunately, by the time we got down to the ticket place, the boat rides out there were sold out. We settled for a cruise around the river with views of the skyline, statue, and Ellis Island, but it was a bit disappointing (and I think I got sunburnt!)
Statute of Liberty (My Favorite Place in NY)
We then made out way back uptown and headed to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. I have been there twice before, but am pretty sure I could live there for a week and still not be satisfied that I had seen everything. We spent a good amount of time in the Egypian exhibit, then I went and saw the Roman and Greek Art, followed by the European Paintings, and topped off by a quick tour through modern art. I love that museum and cannot wait to go back!
We were exhausted, but there was still one more attraction on our list. We made our way downtown and walked to Rockefeller Center. We took the elevator to the Top of the Rock and were rewarded with a stunning 360 degree view of NY. The city lights sparkled as if by magic.
The Top of the Rock!
Exhausted and starving, we made our way to Heartland Brewery … but it was closing! They recommended we try Rosie O’Gradys. It was a bit higher end than we were dressed for, but they seated us for dinner and as we looked around there seemed to be other people similarly dressed (not everyone, but a few). We all ordered steak and potatoes. We were all a little disappointed with what we got for the price, and the service was definitely subpar.
Finally I made my way back to my hotel, packed my bag for the following morning and collapsed into bed. I got up early on Sunday to have breakfast with a former professor of mine. I met her in Tribeca at this place called MadeFreshDaily. The resurant is on Front street in a the cute little Seaport area which I have never really explored before. I got a Farmland Frittata which was basically scrambled eggs with veggies (tomatoes, broccoli, onion) and feta cheese. It was served with whole grain bread and fruit. It was a great light meal. It was great to catch up with the professor and I am looking forward to my next trip and exploring more of Seaport.
My trip t o NY was full of activity, but could probably have used a bit more planning. I typically plan out everything and now I remember why … you just get more in when you plan correctly!
Taking a trip to NY without a planned “activities agenda” takes gumption … at least for me! J
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