Christmas in NYC , Trip Report

It was my first time in NYC. Now that i finally have some time to write this up i have forgotten what i did each day!! In any case it was an amazing trip, here goes.....

We flew BA from Gatwick, flight was fine, was a bit disappointed with the plane itself as the in flight entertainment was quite out dated. Got to new york and was out of JFK within 90 mins.

I was staying with a cousin who lives in Brooklyn, near the Clinton Washington subway station, about 15 mins from Manhattan. We got home and washed up and went out for dinner to a local lebanese restaurant It was called %26#39;Zaytoon%26#39;. Food was authentic lebanese / arabic style, and starters and mains did not cost more than $12. If you are in that part of Brooklyn (near clinton washington subway) look this place up for a decent meal.

Day 1-5- woke up and headed out to Manhattan, was really excited. Decided to buy a weekly metrocard for about $25, which gives unlimited travel on the subway and local buses.

My cousin took me to a food cart near Rockefeller centre where apparently you get the best chicken and rice platter for about $6. the platter lived upto its reputation and i had it on 3 occassions during the trip.

As it was below freezing we decided to sit inside the rockefeller centre. There is a dining area in the basement which the public can use. We came here to eat on several occassions during our time in NYC.

After a filling late lunch we decided to head to the top of the rock. It was already dark, and in hindsight i would have liked to go up in daylight. It was $20 for an adult tkt. There were hardly any queues. Views from the top were amazing.We were up there for nearly 2 hours taking pictures and enjoying the views. The views of empire state building are excellent as well as the Chrysler Building, which i personally like.

During the next few days i explored manhattan, usually on foot. One morning i walked accross Brooklyn bridge from Brooklyn to Manhattan, it was freezing and windy but it was amazing. I regret not doing it again during the rest of the trip. It is an excellent opportunity for photos of the skyline.Although i am not a huge fan of starbucks, i made the most of it while in NYC for some reason.

I tried all the local fast food favourites, and must recommend FIVE GUYS for a cheese burger. Google it and find one near where you are and try it!!! Succulent beef with an amazing choice of toppiings.

Saw times square, could nt get enough of it, visited shops in herald square/ union square etc. On xmas eve we went ice skating at the rockefeller centre. surprisingly there ws nt a queue. I did nt skate myself but had an amazing time taking pictures and enjoying the xmas feeling. The xmas decorations were way better than what London does during xmas. I must admit that NYC is exactly like how it is portrayed on TV/Movies.

We went to Chelsea Piers and had a great time on the golf range, which is built on a pier itself. it costed us about $30 for 200 balls. Look this place up if ur looking for a place to bowl, golf, eat etc.

Had pizza at Grimaldis under the Brooklyn bridge. It was good but not the best, and the staff were quite arrogant. However it was a good experience.

One day was spent at woodbury commons outlet mall, where the shopping is excellent. if you can make ure way to this place which is about an hours drive from NYC then make sure you go. Check out their website. I was able to buy designer brands at very low prices.

We also spent 4 nights in a small town called Bridgeport in Connecticut, where another cousin lives. It was -10 degrees at times wiht wind chill, and knee high snow, so it was pretty dead. Best way to relax here was by having pizza at a local favourite called Two Boots where they serve New Orleans style pizza which was delicious. And by making the most of the local AMF unlimited bowling.Got some more shopping done here at the local westfield mall, which was a relaxed affair compare to the crowded stores of NCY.

On my last night in NYC which was a friday i went out clubbing in the meat packing district. Ceilo was closed as there had been some trouble earlier, so i walked around and found a place called HIRO. It turned out to be a korean night club which was ok for a good time.

I found the people of NYC very carefree and welcoming. The various experiences i had on the subway were a great insight into local life. The buskers, entertainers, lecturers, artists etc.

Overall the trip was 2 weeks full of shopping, american fast food, movies, bowling, road trips and taking pictures of Manhattan.

And on the way back we were upgraded to business class on BA with flat bed seats and large screen in flight entertainment!!! best flight of my life!!

I will be back in the summer!!

Raheel

Christmas in NYC , Trip Report

Very nice report. Good accommodations!!

How did you get upgraded? (Very jealous - LOL!)

years ago went to london several times. BA has the tightest airline seats in world traveler (economy).

Christmas in NYC , Trip Report

Sounds like a great trip. You have made me yearn for a cheeseburger!