Visiting The Big Apple

I just visited NYC this past weekend, and I hope to be moving there after I graduate. (If you're interested, I wrote all about it with pictures in my journal.)

In a little over 24 hours, my friends and I covered a good amount of the major attractions, Rockefeller Center (Nintendo World is there too), and from there you can walk to Times Square, Ground Zero, Central Park. A lot of walking will be done, no matter what you want to see.

Staying in NJ is very possible. I dont know exactly WHERE the station is in NJ, but there's a Subway line called 'The Path', that goes directly between NYC and NJ. The Path's NYC station is right in the middle of the World Trade Center, so there's one stop right there. You're definitely gonna need to purchase a Metro Card... cards swiped and scanned on both subways and buses (and I found out, some taxis)... I lasted with a $10 one, which gave 6 rides (if you get off a subway and get onto a bus, its considered just another transition, so its not an extra ride). Subways, however, can definitely be confusing, especially on the weekends, when some of the trains turn 'express' rather than 'local'. My friends and I experienced this the hard way when our train went right by our stop and we didnt know why. Almost ALL the locals are extremely helpful, so dont be afraid to ask when you cant figure out the maps. As for crime, dont buy anything from sketchy dudes, no matter how legit it looks (common sense), but that's about all that I noticed. My friends and I all had giant bags when we went on, with no problems. Smell... depends on the station. If I recall, I think it was Chambers St. that reeked. Also, I learned this the hard way, dont try to approach the cops with the dogs.

Also, taxis really arent that expensive at all (at least not from our trip... I think the most we spent was like, $8 + tip... I think it was from the Museum of Natural History to 86th and York, but dont quote me on that one). If the subways get too confusing, dont be afraid to swallow your pride, summon a taxi, and tell him where you want to go.

As for food... its pretty much on every corner. If it looks expensive, it is, and Delis and pizza places are your friends. Bars, ironically enough, serve good food too (and have beer pong!). I dont know any specifically great places to eat though.

Hmmm... that's all I can think of right now. It seriously is a great place, and if/when you do go, remember that its a city you're almost MEANT to get lost in... that's when all the fun happens.

But then, I'm only the occasional visitor and future resident. The folks who live or go there more often may have different things to say. Hope this helped though! <3

Jam it back in, in the dark.