Travelsavvywanderer
Dear Diary… Today I’m going to talk about my first day in NYC…
As the year rolls to a close, I find myself thinking back to my favorite trips, and New York keeps coming to mind. Why New York City? It’s a bit of a love-hate relationship. As a teen, I watched Friends and dreamed of visiting Central Perk one day. With my growing love for Hollywood, New York’s iconic movie locations kept pulling me in. I imagined myself sitting in Washington Square, eating a hot dog, savoring Joe’s Pizza, and perhaps even bumping into celebrities. Basically, I just wanted to experience the urban dream of NYC.
When imagining your first day in New York City, do you picture a chaotic rush through Manhattan’s bustling streets, with the sound of honking taxis and towering skyscrapers? Or maybe a leisurely walk through Central Park, soaking up the city’s vibrant atmosphere and its diverse inhabitants?
Before diving into my first day, let’s backtrack a bit to how I ended up in this dreamland.
One beautiful day in 2023, my dream came true—I was invited to a conference in NYC. It felt surreal! I couldn’t believe it was happening. To prepare, I read countless articles, blog posts, and got advice from friends who had been there. I was ready for this adventure.
On the plane, I wrote a poem about my longing for the city. Upon arriving at the airport and collecting my baggage, I hunted for wifi to book an Uber—the recommended way to travel from the airport. No luck. I started to stress but a shop employee suggested using mobile data instead.
I noticed the yellow taxis, which I heard were pricier, and though they weren’t my first choice, I felt a bit scared to take one—Ubers seemed safer from the airport to the city. Eventually, I did get in a taxi, feeling a mix of dissatisfaction and fear. However, I ended up having a fantastic conversation with the driver about culture, history, and local tips, which made me feel much more at ease. I even remembered to tip—a standard 15-20% in NYC.
The ride cost around $90, though later I realized I could’ve taken the subway from JFK for a cheaper option. I arrived at my hostel, reassured by the friendly taxi driver. But then I hit another snag—my laptop was dead, my phone was almost out of battery, and I had no adapter to charge them. I also still had no wifi. Determined not to let these minor issues ruin my trip, I showered and set out to find a Best Buy for an adapter and a T-Mobile store for a sim card with mobile data.
Walking through New York, I felt better. This was it—the city that never sleeps! At Best Buy, the staff were incredibly nice and helpful, which brought my smile back. Then, on the way to T-Mobile, I noticed I was walking faster, as if I was now in sync with the city’s pace. At T-Mobile, I quickly got an e-sim and mobile data, thanks to a very helpful employee.
Quick tips from my experience:
– New Yorkers are genuinely nice and helpful!
– Tipping is important: 15-20% is the norm.
– There are cheaper travel options, like the subway, from JFK airport.
Visiting the U.S., particularly NYC, is a dream for many. The city’s diverse culture, rich history, and vibrant energy offer a warm welcome. While the trip might come with some challenges, the positive encounters with locals make it truly special.
For anyone planning to visit the U.S., especially New York City, there are many resources and tips out there to help you make the most of your trip. Whether you’re on a budget, looking to enjoy the holidays, or exploring other cities, there’s valuable information to ensure an unforgettable experience.
