As the redeye flight lifted off, the Las Vegas Strip below shimmered one last time and I closed my eyes to doze with my travel pillow tucked under my chin. And before I could actually imagine that I had slept, the pilot announced our descent in Newark airport. New York welcomed me with a greyscale canvas — overcast skies, light rain, and a chill that clung to the air. The Uber I had booked came nearly immediately with a cheerful driver who had just started his first trip for the day. He chatted with me and pointed at various sights as we sped through New Jersey into Manhattan, still waking up. Through rain washed streets we drove and soon I stood outside my nephew's apartment, just a hundred metres from Central Park. Kartik, my nephew and the ever smiling Madhupriya, his wife, were waiting for me with warm hugs and hot coffee (or was it hot masala tea? Jet lag was catching up). The cozy apartment flat had such a soothing vibe, I felt at home.
And that was it. Madhu and Kartik were ready with their mobiles asking where all I wanted to visit and what all I wanted to see. Typical of me, I had done some research and told them about a few places and next to no time, Kartik had created a route fully mapped for me on Google Maps. It had some other landmarks they felt I must not miss.
Shortly thereafter, I got a chance to see New York (Upper and Mid Manhattan) from a vantage point. A quick ride in the elevator of the same building to the 33rd floor and I stood on the terrace gazing at the giant leafy sprawl that was Central Park and the grey outlines of Upper Manhattan beyond it. The skies were moody, the wind was driving the drizzle sideways. I clicked my first photo of New York from under an umbrella, the city already feeling cinematic. A bit wet, a lot excited and lot
more weary, sleep finally caught up with me — a strange concoction of time zone shifts and overnight flying. I jumped into the warm bed, tucked myself under a soft duvet and I was gone. Was it two minutes or two hours later, I was gently woken up? It was time for me to walk — The City That Never Sleeps - alone but buoyed by a euphoric feeling that I was at last in The Big Apple.
Day 1 - The Walk
With a large black umbrella, my jacket and a beanie, I set out towards Central Park — wet leaves glistening, joggers weaving past, dogs in raincoats trotting beside owners with coffee in one hand and leash in the other. It was green, all around. To imagine that a throbbing and dynamic city existed around this oasis! I passed the Bethesda Fountain, with the black stone angel with her wings spread and the water pattering down into the large circular base of the fountain and that really energised me. A group of school kids and lots of tourists vied with me in taking the best shots and selfies with the fountain in the background.
I strolled lazily through the Park at ease with myself. This was the solo part of me enjoying. I was invisible, an unknown being. I felt I could disappear in this different type of vastness. I started to visualise what it would be to walk in an Amazon forest and then shook myself back to the present. Walking through the various jogging paths, I emerged out of the Central Park finally into the city’s open embrace near the iconic Plaza Hotel. And then the noise
hit me. Yellow New York cabs and cars zipping through the signals before it turned red. I waited. This was not Bangalore where you could show your palm to the oncoming traffic and slowly walk across a busy street. I waited till the signal clearly showed a green human being stepping out and then I did.
Manhattan around me stretched upwards in bold steel and glass, buildings craning higher as if trying to pierce into the clouds. I nearly had a crick in the neck every time I looked up. I passed a Louis Vuitton flagship store shaped like stacked vanity cases,
and a giant Nike store as I sauntered around the crossings of Avenues and Streets and cardinal directions. Right across the St Patrick’s Cathedral with its nearly 330 feet high twin spires, I had to pause in front of the Rockefeller Center, where a huge statue of Atlas held the heavens on his shoulders. And in the Lower Plaza of the Center was the gilded bronze Prometheus Fountain which had been sculpted in 1934. I was told this plaza becomes an ice-skating rink in the winter.
From here, I headed westward, toward the piers. A pit stop at Starbucks recharged me, as a light drizzle started but only for the duration of my break. As I hit the wide road, running parallel to the Hudson River, at a distance, USS Intrepid — an aircraft carrier turned museum — loomed in sight but it was closed that day. No matter, the streets had their own exhibits and I continued to walk. At Hudson Yards, I stopped to see the train yards, dozen of lines weaving and interlinking like threads of an exquisite embroidery work. The lines ran below me and were swallowed into the yawning mouth of New York City underbelly.
I threaded my way back eastwards, this time and suddenly came up in front of a crazy, structure which looked like some space-age pinecone - The Vessel, bang in the middle of Hudson Yards Public Square and Gardens. It is one of New York City’s most striking and polarising structures — a gleaming, copper-clad honeycomb that rises 16 stories high. Comprising 154 intricately interconnecting flights of stairs, 2,500 individual steps, and 80 landings, the structure forms a kind of vertical park offering different views of the city, the Hudson River, and the surrounding area at every level. I admired its complexity from the base and kept walking. No climbing today.
Then came the High Line — a garden in the sky. Once an abandoned rail line, now it has been beautifully curated into a walking trail hovering above city streets, lined with native plants and public art, offering occasional glimpses into living rooms and office spaces. Felt like a voyeur, though, as I strolled above the bustle, yet within it. The trail eventually poured me into the Garment District, also known as the Fashion District. A quick glance on either side told me why and I continued my walk down 9th Avenue. Here New York changes its vibe. Small eateries, grocery stores, delis, and unique boutiques. One could find everything from everyday essentials to specialty items. And that is when I experienced the New York traffic, seen in Hollywood movies, where the police have to jump over bumper to bumper traffic of yellow cabs to catch the villain about to plant a bomb in one of the subways. The cars and the cabs and the small trucks and the buses literally nudged each other on their way up the Avenue. And it was fun watching them as the lights turned green at the traffic signals. They would take off like greyhounds chasing a hare.
The walk was long but not boring. This is what I had signed up for with myself. Lots of time to be spent with myself on my feet. For the first time I felt a dichotomy of thoughts - on one side the sensory overload from a vibrant city overwhelming my thoughts and on the other hand the feeling of calmness of being alone, just another human being within the teeming crowds, unknown and contented. Big cities like these are great equalisers. I realised it in Mumbai too. No one knows or cares who you are. It was a humbling thought.
I had to meet my hosts for early dinner at 5 pm, chat around and finish dinner by about 7 pm at a stylish busy restaurant called at Rosa Mexicano. I timed myself well and reached this zesty place bustling with early customers thrown in with stewards and waiters criss-crossing and zig-zagging between tables in measured precision. We got ourselves a nice table overlooking the traffic stone. A smiling steward walked up to us and in a strong Mexican accent started telling us what we could consider choosing from the menu card placed in front of us. All names sounded Greek - and Mexican to me so I politely allowed Madhu and Kartik to order.
This was another totally different culinary experience. One of the waiters came with a trolley and prepared fresh guacamole for us. Though I had tasted this wonderful dish made out of Avocado earlier but seeing it prepared in a stone pestle before our very eyes was a feast. The expertise with which the avocado was scooped out, followed by throwing in all other ingredients while checking with us continuously for the spice level and inclusion of other ingredients was everything I could ask for. Some Nachos, Enchiladas with Mole sauce, and Quesadillas followed. Flavours wrapped in warmth of family and the smiles of the people serving us.
Day 2 - The View
After a comfortable and good night’s sleep I woke up to clink of pans. Fully fresh, as I walked up to the kitchen, I was again greeted with loving smiles and a hot cup of tea. After exchanging details of my plans and a quick bath and breakfast later, I set out towards USS Intrepid. To enjoy all experiences of New York City, I decided to take a bus which dropped me close to the museum. This time, it was open. This floating museum didn’t just float; it towered. Having seen aircraft carriers in movies is no certificate that one could imagine the actual size of the ship from up close . Imagine a 10 storied block of buildings running nearly one-thirds of a km on the side. Yes that is what you see when you stand close to this wonderfully thought out museum.
I bought the tickets and decided to climb to the deck where I had seen a glimpse from afar of fighter planes and helicopters. And what met my eyes was a total dream. Fighter planes including an F-16 Fighting Falcon, an Israeli Kfir, the Lockheed A 12 Stealth bomber, an F-14 Super Tomcat of the movie Top Gun fame, and many other new and old aircraft were on display. And of course helicopters like the Huey Cobra and others also lined the deck.
This leg of my journey was solo — not lonely, but intentionally untethered. No plans, no company, just a heart willing to wander. What followed were slow walks, tall buildings, silent questions, and some moments to cherish. I met New York on its own terms, one rainy block at a time. But something in me wasn’t done yet. The climb which I could not wait for.
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Captivating, exciting, heartwarming!😍 love your narration!!🥰
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